Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a popular system used to straighten teeth. This system gradually moves teeth out of improper alignment over a period of time, much in the same way that traditional metal braces, retainers, and oral appliances do. The main difference between Invisalign® and traditional metal braces is that Invisalign® is made of very strong plastic. The plastic is molded into customized retainer trays that are transparent. For this reason, many people are not even aware that Invisalign® wearers have braces on at all.
Who Can Get Invisalign®?
Invisalign® clear braces can be worn by most people who need mild to moderate alignment correction. It is often the top choice for people who want alignment correction without having to deal with a mouth full of metal. There are two versions of Invisalign®: Invisalign Teen and Invisalign Adult. Invisalign® for teens is essentially the same device as Invisalign Adult, but there are several important differences. Because teenagers may not have all their teeth grown in yet, Invisalign Teen retainers have eruption tabs to compensate for that potential new growth. Invisalign Teen also has special compliance indicators to determine actual wear time. Because teens may be less likely to keep up with their aligners consistently, Invisalign Teen has six replacement aligners.
How Long is Invisalign® Worn?
Invisalign® is normally worn for between 9 and 15 months in total. Every two weeks, the current set of aligners is swapped out for a new set. With every new set, the teeth are progressively moved more precisely into place. Once the last set of Invisalign® aligners are worn for around two weeks, the teeth should be in their final position. During the Invisalign® treatment period, most people will wear a total of anywhere from 18 to 30 aligners, but this does vary by person.