What is Invisalign?

Everyone wants a perfect smile. You most likely remember seeing a friend or two with braces as you were growing up. However, once you’re in the adult world, braces seem out of place and uncommon. Many people who are unhappy with their smile don’t get braces because they’re afraid of calling attention to their defects through braces. Thankfully, Invisalign provides an alternative to wire braces. With Invisalign, you can change your teeth spacing gradually without anyone knowing that you’re doing it.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign works by using custom fit plastic trays to slowly move your teeth into new positions. Each tray exerts pressure on your teeth. Over time, this constant pressure moves the teeth in your jaw. After a few weeks with each tray, you can move on to another one. Just remember that tray times often vary. Each tray moves your teeth a little more until they reach the desired positions. In many cases, people with Invisalign can see an even, bright smile in as little as 12-18 months. Each tray is custom made to fit your mouth and advance your progress.

Invisalign also reduces anxiety around modifying your smile. Each tray is made of a clear plastic that fits neatly over the teeth. It’s snug to provide pressure and keeps the trays firmly in place. This reduces any problems with speaking or drinking while the trays are in place. Simply remove the trays to eat, and put them back in when you’re done. Invisalign doesn’t call attention to your smile while it’s still a work in progress.

Can You Get Invisalign with Missing Teeth

Even if you are missing teeth, you can get Invisalign. In some cases, it even speeds up the process. If you’re missing teeth and considering straightening your smile, try Invisalign first. As an added benefit, it helps to move your other teeth into their proper positions, allowing space for you to add a dental implant or floating crown. If you put your new tooth in before you’ve had your teeth straightened, it’s likely to get implanted in the wrong place. Then you have to move that tooth to its new position as well as your others. It’s a bigger hassle and could slow down the Invisalign process.

In some cases, you may be able to kill two birds with one stone. If your missing tooth is highly visible, talk to your dentist about making an alteration to your Invisalign tray. Placing a veneer or cap in the tray may make it look as though you already had a new tooth! You could have a fuller smile today, and get your permanent new tooth down the line.

Invisalign is a great choice for the image-conscious adult. When you want to improve your smile without calling attention to your flaws, look no further than Invisalign. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth now and replace your missing teeth later. Most importantly, you can move forward with a brighter, more even, more confident smile.