Have you been thinking about straightening your teeth and have a few questions about Invisalign? Whether you're a teen or adult, Invisalign provides a comfortable, discreet way to improve your smile. Your Fairfax, VA, dentist, Dr. Stephen St. Louis, can help you decide if these invisible braces are a good choice for you.
What is Invisalign?
These nearly invisible braces offer an innovative way to realign your teeth simply by wearing removable aligner trays that resemble nightguards or mouthguards. The trays fit over your teeth snugly and exert gentle pressure that slowly improves the position of your teeth.
Your entire treatment is mapped out using a 3D model of your mouth compiled from digital images, photographs, and impressions. Once your Fairfax dentist is satisfied with the results of the virtual treatment plan, he'll order a series of aligner trays for you.
You'll wear each tray in the series for about two weeks. At the end of every two-week period, you'll replace your existing trays with the next aligners in the series.
What are the benefits of invisible braces?
Concerns about appearance prompt many people to choose invisible braces. Your aligner trays are made of clear plastic to ensure that they're practically unnoticeable. The trays fit snugly over your teeth and won't draw unwanted attention to your smile.
Invisalign is used to treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including crowding and bite problems. They can be used for children, teenagers, and adults and are a good choice if you have a mild to moderate orthodontic problem.
If you're an adult, you may only need to wear the aligner trays for less than a year. Children and teenagers generally wear Invisalign for around two years or longer, depending on the severity of their orthodontic issues.
Invisalign offers a convenient straightening option. Although the aligner trays are designed to be worn for 22 hours per day, you can make a few changes to your usual wearing schedule occasionally. In fact, you can leave your trays at home for a few hours if you're playing forward in a soccer match or are attending a special event or dinner.
Improve your smile with Invisalign. Call your Fairfax, VA, dentist, Dr. Stephen St. Louis, at (703) 385-7177 to schedule your appointment.