Invisalign

Invisalign is an orthodontic corrective device, which aims at improving the alignment of one's teeth. It is an alternative to dental braces and has been used extensively in recent years. Invisalign, as the name suggests, is a nearly invisible aligner. People who would like to correct the misalignment of their teeth without giving away too much can definitely go for Invisalign rather than braces. Unlike braces, which are clearly visible, Invisalign is hardly noticeable. Let's take a closer look at what Invisalign has to offer.

Why does one need Invisalign?

Malocclusion or crooked teeth is said to affect 74% of American adults. It adversely affects the overall health of an individual and is one of the main causes of periodontal disease. Crooked teeth cause abnormal amounts of stress on the teeth and eventually lead to wear. In most cases, misaligned teeth make it difficult for an individual to brush his/her teeth properly, which would lead to the deposit of plaque and tartar on them. Further, it would lead to tooth and gum infections. Many misalignment issues such as spacing, crowding and different types of the bad bite can be overcome with the help of Invisalign.

Fabrication and use

The aligners are made up of elastic thermoplastic. They are designed in such a way that they'll apply pressure to the teeth, thereby changing their alignment. Initially, the exact position and alignment of the teeth are determined with the help of x-rays and photographs. An average adult may require anywhere between six to forty-eight aligners to achieve the desired teeth movement. Each aligner moves the teeth about 0.25 to 0.33 millimeters. Each aligner has to be used for about 15 days, before being replaced by a different one, which would have a slight change in shape to accommodate the change, caused by the previous aligner.

What makes Invisalign better than braces?