How Invisalign Can Improve Your Smile This Holiday Season

For teeth to work correctly, they need to sit in your upper and lower jaws in a manner that allows them to perform their functions of breaking down food and allowing you to speak clearly. Otherwise known as tooth alignment, this generally means that, to fit as they should, the upper teeth overlap the lower ones and are close to each other but not touching.

When your teeth don’t fit in your mouth as they should, it’s known as malocclusion. Occurring  in a variety of ways, malocclusion can lower confidence in your smile in minor cases and make eating and speaking more difficult when the issue is moderate to severe. Mild to moderate problems are easily managed with Invisalign®. Here’s how these clear aligners can help you this holiday season — or whenever you’re ready for an improved smile.

Residents of San Leandro, Castro Valley, Oakland, and surrounding areas of Northern California dealing with malocclusions can find help from Dr. Elena Davidson and her experienced medical staff at Davidson Dental Group. 

What is Invisalign?

Clear aligners have become a popular choice for managing malocclusions, and Invisalign is the most widely known type. Made from a unique thermoplastic material, it helps to correct misalignments with virtually no visible evidence that you have anything on your teeth.

This dental appliance functions similarly to traditional metal braces: It gradually pushes teeth into proper alignment by gently forcing them into position over several months. However, instead of using wires and brackets, Invisalign uses multiple clear aligner trays, each moving the teeth a little closer to the desired position to improve their look and function.

How does it work? 

To start the process, we obtain a 3D image of your teeth, which we use to map the path to the final look and form the aligner trays accordingly. Once that’s finished, we have the first set of aligner trays fabricated and schedule you for your first fitting. You’ll receive a new set of trays every week or two and will need to wear them for about 20-22 hours daily.

Using this method allows you to manage mild to moderate forms of crooked teeth, gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites. You remove the aligners to clean them and while you’re eating. You’ll experience some discomfort as the teeth move into shape over time, but the overall results will make the process worth the struggle.

Overall, the treatment can take up to 18 months, after which you’ll wear retainer trays as maintain your new look.

You may feel awkward sharing your smile with the world now, but after your treatment with Invisalign, you’ll smile with renewed confidence. To see the difference this treatment can make, call or email today for an appointment with Dr. Davidson and the team at Davidson Dental Group at our San Leandro, California, office.