Most people want to have a straight, confident smile. For a long time, the only way to fix crooked teeth or gaps was to wear metal braces. And while they work well, not everyone likes the idea of having metal brackets and wires on their teeth for a year or more.

Fortunately, orthodontic technology has changed a lot in recent years. There’s now a clear, comfortable alternative that can straighten your teeth without the metal. Invisalign uses a series of clear trays to move your teeth into the correct positions. If you live in or near Stittsville or Kanata, ON, you have access to this modern treatment at Villanova Dental Studio. Keep reading to learn about this solution, its process, and the benefits of Invisalign for adults.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment system. Instead of using metal brackets glued to your teeth and connected by wires, it uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners. These aligners resemble mouthguards worn by athletes, but they’re much thinner, clearer, and fit perfectly over your teeth.

The aligners are made from a special medical-grade plastic called SmartTrack. This material is strong enough to move your teeth but flexible enough to be comfortable. Because the aligners are clear, they’re almost indistinguishable when you’re wearing them, giving them the moniker, “invisible braces.”

How Invisalign Works

The science behind Invisalign is quite simple, even though the technology is advanced. The primary goal is the same as with traditional braces: to apply gentle, constant pressure to your teeth to move them into their proper position. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:

• Custom Design – Your dentist will use 3D computer imaging technology to map out your entire treatment plan. They can see where your teeth are now and where they need to be when treatment is complete.
• Series of Trays – Your dental team will create a series of custom aligners based on your plan. You’ll wear each set for about one to two weeks.
• Gradual Movement – Each set of aligners is slightly different from the one before it. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little.
• Final Result – You continue this process until your teeth have moved to the final prescribed positions.

For optimal results, wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. Only take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

What You Can Expect During the Invisalign Process

Starting a new dental treatment can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. However, the Invisalign process is straightforward and convenient for most lifestyles.

• Consultation – It all starts with a visit to your dentist. The Villanova Dental team will examine your teeth to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. If so, they’ll then take photos, X-rays, and digital scans of your mouth.
• Getting Your Aligners – Once your custom aligners are ready, you’ll return to our office to pick them up. Your dentist will ensure the first set fits correctly and explain how to care for them. You may receive several sets of trays at once, allowing you to switch them out at home.
• Check-Ups – You’ll visit the dentist approximately once every six to eight weeks, but these visits are usually quick. The dentist simply wants to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and give you the next batch of aligners.
• Refinements – Sometimes, toward the end of treatment, patients might need a few extra aligners to ensure every tooth is in the perfect spot. Also, once you’re done, you’ll likely need to wear a retainer to keep your new smile in place.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

The most obvious benefit of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are clear. But there are many other advantages to this system beyond appearances:

• Improved Hygiene – One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign vs. braces is how easy it is to keep your teeth clean. With traditional braces, food can get stuck in the wires, and flossing is very difficult. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease during treatment.
• No Food Restrictions – With metal braces, you must avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or crunchy because they can break the brackets. With Invisalign, you remove the trays to eat, so you can still enjoy all your favourite foods.
• Comfort – Metal braces can sometimes irritate the soft tissue inside your mouth. The wires can poke your cheeks, and the brackets can rub against your lips. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, making them much more physically comfortable.
• Benefits of Invisalign for Adults – Adults often avoid fixing their teeth because they don’t want to look like a teenager with braces. The aesthetic benefit of Invisalign is huge for professionals. You can wear Invisalign to work, meetings, and social events without anyone noticing.

Why Many Are Choosing Invisalign Over Braces

Traditional braces are effective and sometimes necessary for very complex dental issues. However, for mild to moderate spacing concerns, crowding, or bite problems, Invisalign offers a level of freedom that braces cannot match. Many patients also appreciate that Invisalign often requires fewer emergency dental visits. With braces, a broken wire or a loose bracket means an unscheduled trip to the office. But since Invisalign doesn’t use hardware that can break, these emergency visits are rare.

Additionally, the digital planning stage of Invisalign allows you to see a virtual representation of your final results before you even start. Knowing exactly what your smile will look like at the end can be a great motivator to stick with the treatment.

Contact Villanova Dental Studio for a Consultation

The benefits of Invisalign make it a clear winner for many patients seeking a comfortable, convenient, and discreet way to improve their oral health. If that sounds like you, let Villanova Dental Studio help. Schedule an appointment in Ontario today.