Once you become an adult, it can feel a little strange to wear metal braces to straighten your teeth. After all, the last thing you want is to revisit those awkward teenage years. Thankfully, there is now a more discreet way to correct your bite: with Invisalign in Virginia Beach. Read on to learn how this amazing innovation in orthodontic treatment works and the types of bite issues that it can correct.
What is Invisalign?
Instead of metal brackets and wires, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign consists of a series of clear-plastic trays that are worn in two-week increments until your teeth are properly aligned. The low-profile trays must be inserted for a minimum of 22 hours a day in order to prevent any regression. When the plan is followed in accordance with your dentist’s instructions, you’ll be able to see phenomenal results, usually in far less time than with traditional braces.
How Invisalign Straightens Teeth
Treatment with Invisalign starts with your dentist assessing your bite to determine the type of correction needed and the severity of your current condition. If you’re deemed eligible for the procedure, he or she will use the latest in 3-D imaging to design your complete treatment protocol. The data will be sent to a certified Invisalign lab that will fabricate a complete treatment series of clear braces.
With pinpoint accuracy, each set of trays will apply gradual and progressive pressure to gently guide your teeth into their correct position. This amounts to a more efficient and comfortable treatment process.
Am I Eligible for Invisalign?
The best way to determine your eligibility for Invisalign is to visit a local dentist. Typically, these are the types of issues that can be corrected with the procedure:
- Crooked Teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite (when the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth)
- Crossbite (when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth)
- Gaps in Teeth
- Open Bite (when the upper and lower teeth don’t meet)
- Slight Crowding
While Invisalign can be useful in correcting mild cases of crowding, traditional braces may be better for treating more severe cases.
When you have your bite corrected with Invisalign, you’re not just getting an aesthetic upgrade to your smile; you’re also making improvements in your functionality and oral health. To learn more about how the procedure can meet your orthodontic needs, reach out to a dentist in Virginia Beach to request an initial visit.
About the Author
Dr. Carol Morgan earned her dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) School of Dentistry. She has since gone on to provide over 20 years of compassionate and effective dental care. A member of the International Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Morgan has received additional training from the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. She helps her patients achieve beautiful and functional smiles by providing Invisalign treatment at Hampton Road Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, and she can be reached for more information through her website.