Crooked teeth can make a person feel less attractive. Additionally, they can cause dental health problems. People with misaligned teeth may find it more difficult to clean their teeth properly.

Due to a crowded configuration, string floss may not fit into the tight interdental spaces. Additionally, a toothbrush may not reach the areas in the back of the mouth, allowing plaque to accumulate and cavities to form. 

Nevertheless, there are multiple orthodontic options available to straighten the teeth, such as Invisalign. The system uses a series of clear plastic aligning trays to progressively move the teeth into a straight alignment. 

Each tray is made of transparent, rigid plastic. To ensure that the trays fit the precise needs of the patient, they are fashioned from an impression of the patient's mouth. 

The patient wears a set of trays for a couple of weeks. Then, the patient replaces the set with the next assigned set in their treatment plan, progressively and gently repositioning the teeth. After the final set is worn, the patient's teeth should be properly aligned.

Since the clear aligners are removable, the patient can still eat, brush, and floss with the same ease that they enjoyed before beginning their treatment. However, it is important not to leave the aligners out of the mouth for more than a couple of hours per day. Consistent aligning pressure is needed to avoid a delay in treatment time.

Although the Invisalign system offers many advantages, such as treatment discretion and removability, other orthodontic applications or treatments may still be necessary to complete the teeth-straightening process. Here are a few examples.

Extractions

If the teeth are excessively crowded, some teeth may have to be removed before beginning the treatment with the clear aligners. The removal of the teeth provides the space needed for the teeth to move into a straighter configuration.

Retainers

After the teeth have been positioned into a straight alignment, a retainer may be necessary to prevent the teeth from reverting back to their old positioning. The retainer may have to be worn for the majority of the day immediately after the treatment with the clear aligners is complete. However, over time, the amount of time that the patient is required to wear the retainer daily is likely to decrease. 

Retainers are also used to preserve the alignment achieved using other orthodontic devices, such as braces. However, if the teeth resume their former positions after treatment with braces, clear aligners may be prescribed to correct the alignment before using a retainer again.

For more information about clear aligners, schedule a consultation with orthodontic clinics like Eberting Orthodontics. in your local area.