If you are unhappy with your smile but you don’t want to wear a cumbersome, uncomfortable appliance in your mouth, at the dentist you have access to years of experience that can help you to smile with confidence. For many decades the traditional metal brace was the only treatment available to correct a number of dental conditions. But over the past decades the traditional metal brace has seen a transformation and numerous other dental appliances have been created. Misaligned teeth can cause tooth decay because bacteria can sit in the gaps between your teeth, which are difficult to get at, to clean.
Radically different
Traditionally dental misalignment problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, to name but a few, were treated using a dental brace. This design incorporated blocks, wires and bands which gradually forced your teeth into alignment. In the 1990s a different method was invented. Invisalign in Bromley uses this design to create confident broad smiles. Instead of using the previous traditional brace design Invisalign uses a series of what look like gum shields at first glance. These gum shields are generally referred to as aligners, but Invisalign calls them trays. This is a radical departure from the conventional method that has been used for decades and which still produces excellent results for complex conditions of misalignment.
The supporting technology
To be able to produce the results that Invisalign consistently delivers requires the use of some amazing technology developed alongside it. A 3D scanner that is capable of producing thousands of images per second is used to produce a clear and precise image of the interior of your mouth. This digitised image does away with the previous method of using dental putty to produce a mould. In addition, because everything is digital, the data and images can be sent to the laboratory in seconds improving the treatment time. Computer software and algorithms are employed to create a series of trays that are specifically designed for a particular patient’s condition. Each tray is meticulously calculated to play its part in the series, gradually moving your teeth to their correct position to achieve the desired results. The images produced by the 3D scanner allow a dentist to show you a virtual image of your smile once the treatment is completed.
How does this all come together?
A dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral cavity and discuss with you the options available to you to correct any dental misalignment. One of the major advantages of clear aligners is that they are less obvious unlike front loaded braces which require blocks to be attached to the front of your teeth. A series of trays, based on your condition are produced and each tray must be worn for a minimum of around two to three weeks. The trays must also be worn for a minimum of twenty-two hours per day, but can be removed for brushing, flossing and eating. The duration of the treatment depends on the condition being addressed and can be anything from six months to two years.
Results to smile about!
At the end of the treatment it is normally necessary to wear a final aligner to hold the moved teeth in place while they settle. You will still be able to produce a confident smile because the aligner is clear. Once the settling period is over you will be able to remove the aligner and enjoy your newly straightened teeth!