Straightening teeth no longer only requires traditional braces with brackets and wires. Invisalign® clear aligners, for example, offer a modern, discreet, and effective way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile. But how exactly do these aligners work? Our Cooper City Invisalign dentists would love to walk you through the process and take a look at your smile to see if you qualify.
In the meantime, here’s how Invisalign treatment shifts teeth into place, why it’s a popular choice for teens and adults, and what to expect when starting clear aligner therapy.
The Foundation of Clear Aligners
Much like braces,
Invisalign aligners work by fitting snugly in your mouth and applying gentle, consistent pressure to teeth. This pressure encourages gradual movement, guiding teeth into their desired positions over time. Aligners are custom-made for each patient using advanced 3D imaging technology such as the
iTero digital scanner. This ensures a precise fit that targets specific areas for correction.
Each set of
clear aligners is slightly adjusted to move teeth closer to the ideal alignment. Patients typically switch to a new set every one to two weeks as part of their Invisalign treatment plan. Over time, these small adjustments lead to significant results.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
While braces use metal brackets and wires to achieve tooth movement,
Invisalign relies on a sleek, transparent design made from medical-grade plastic. The key difference is that Invisalign aligners are removable, making them a convenient choice for patients who want flexibility during treatment. You can take them out for eating, drinking beverages other than water,
dental cleanings, and at-home care.
Traditional braces are fixed to the teeth and may require more frequent adjustments from an orthodontist. Invisalign treatment, on the other hand, typically involves fewer visits to our
Cooper City, FL, dental office, as patients receive multiple aligner sets upfront and primarily progress independently at home.
What to Expect When Starting Clear Aligner Therapy
Patients who qualify for Invisalign often have mild to moderate alignment issues such as
gaps between teeth, crowding, or minor bite problems. During the initial consultation, our
Invisalign dentists will assess your teeth and determine if Invisalign is the right option for you. If so, detailed scans or impressions of your teeth will be taken to create your custom aligners.
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll begin wearing them for 20–22 hours per day. This ensures the necessary pressure is applied to keep your teeth moving as planned. It’s important to follow these guidelines, as inconsistent wear can delay results or affect the overall outcome.
Most patients with Invisalign finished treatment in 12-18 months whereas those with braces had them on for 1-3 years. These numbers can change and may not reflect your exact situation. In other words, the more there is to correct, the longer it will take.
Maintaining Oral Health During Invisalign Treatment
Wearing clear aligners comes with the added responsibility of keeping your teeth and aligners clean. Regular
teeth cleaning appointments remain essential to prevent plaque buildup and maintain overall oral health during treatment. Since aligners are removable, you can brush and floss as usual, which is a major benefit compared to traditional braces.
You’ll also need to clean your aligners daily. This can be done with a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap or non-abrasive toothpaste, and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
Post-Treatment and Complementary Options
Once you’ve completed
clear aligner treatment, our dentists will recommend that you wear a custom-made retainer to maintain your results. These retainers are typically worn at night to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
If you’re looking to enhance your smile even further,
teeth whitening is a popular option after clear aligner treatment. Whitening can help address any
tooth discoloration and brighten your teeth for a polished finish to your new smile.
Ask Us About Invisalign Today
Clear aligners from our
Invisalign dentists in Cooper City, FL, offer a discreet and convenient way to achieve straighter teeth without the hassle of metal braces. With the ability to remove the aligners as needed and fewer in-office visits required, Invisalign is an ideal solution for busy teens and adults. If you’re ready to start straightening your teeth, call Cooper City Family Dentistry today at
(954) 252-8257 to
request an appointment. A straighter, healthier smile could be just a few aligners away!
