How Invisalign Gradually Shifts Your Teeth

Many patients prefer Invisalign® to traditional braces because it is more comfortable and almost invisible. This system straightens teeth more gently as well. Understanding the process can help you maintain consistency when wearing your aligners. Here are the details on how Invisalign slowly shifts your teeth.

By remodeling and aligning the jawbone

This teeth-straightening system remodels the jawbone as it aligns the teeth. A ligament called the periodontal ligament connects every tooth to the jawbone’s alveolar bone. It is important in Invisalign’s alignment technique. The ligament self-adjusts as the aligners exert gentle pressure on the teeth. It also remodels itself at the same time. The changes in the ligament result in the proper alignment of the teeth and jawbone.

By targeting specific dental movements

Invisalign aligners are custom-designed to focus on tooth movements. This is necessary for proper alignment. The gentle pressure from the aligners coaxes the teeth to move in their proper positions. That is why this teeth-straightening system can resolve many mild to moderate dental problems.

By providing controlled and subtle force

The gentle force that the Invisalign aligners place on teeth is one of the desirable traits of this teeth-straightening process. This type of pressure straightens the teeth over time. The 3-D technology involved helps make the aligners fit well over each dental arch. The custom-fit aligners exert the right amount of pressure on the right areas.

By exerting consistent pressure

The custom-fit Invisalign aligners apply steady pressure to the teeth. Their snug fit helps target specific teeth to move to their correct positions. Wearing them for 20 to 22 hours a day can keep the pressure consistent. This will move the teeth according to the treatment plan.

By changing according to the schedule

The treatment plan for each patient includes a schedule for changing the Invisalign aligners. This strict timetable is necessary to keep the treatment’s progress going. The patient needs to change into a new aligner every one or two weeks. Each new aligner will be slightly different from the previous one. It guides specific teeth to move according to plan. The slow movement does not cause intense pain at all.

By designing custom-fit treatment plans

Before creating the aligners, the Invisalign dentist will use 3-D scans to determine the dimensions of the mouth. The images will serve as the blueprints for creating the aligners. Considering the patient’s preferences is important in completing the treatment plan. Once the aligners are ready, the patient must keep the appointments for regular checkups. This will help the dentist see if the progress matches the treatment plan.

By providing more comfort

Research reveals that Invisalign encourages patients to wear the aligners because of the comfort they experience. Each aligner is made of soft plastic material. There are no sharp or pointed areas. That is why patients do not have to deal with scratches and scrapes during the treatment period.