Invisalign moves teeth by applying gentle, constant pressure through a series of clear trays, each one a fraction of a millimetre straighter than the last and your body does the rest by slowly rebuilding the bone around each tooth.
A dad brought his teenage daughter into our surgery on Pacific Way on Wednesday and asked: “How can thin bits of plastic move teeth that are anchored in the jawbone? Is it really working, or is it just pushing on the enamel?”
Our dentist laid two aligners side by side on the desk. They looked almost identical, but the second was shaped a hair further along. “That tiny difference is the whole trick,” he said.
Your teeth aren’t set into the jaw like fence posts in concrete. Each one sits in a bed of bone, held by small fibres that give a little. When a tray presses on a tooth, the bone on the pressure side breaks down slightly, which lets the root shift.
New bone then fills in behind it, and the tooth settles in its new spot. It is recommended to change the tray every week or two, and the process repeats in small steps.
To help the plastic grip stubborn teeth, we sometimes add tiny tooth-coloured dots, called attachments, which you’ll barely notice.
The trays only work if you wear them for around 22 hours a day. Leave them on the nightstand and your teeth won’t keep pace, so the next tray feels tight and uncomfortable.
Ask your dentist: “Will any of my teeth need attachments or extra help to move properly?”
Visit YOR Dental at Unit 1 Digital Park on Pacific Way in MediaCity, Manchester (postcode M50 1DR) and we’ll show you how your own treatment plan looks in 3D.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face to face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
