One of the most popular forms of teeth straightening, Invisalign® offers various benefits that other forms of teeth straightening such as traditional braces cannot. Here at our cosmetic dentistry office, we provide Invisalign® treatment for patients with mild to moderate misalignments, including crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth and bite complications such as underbites and overbites.
Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening method that utilizes clear aligners to pull teeth into a more well-aligned position. These aligners are transparent trays made of a plastic material that is placed over the surface of teeth. Each clear aligner is custom-made for the patient, and the process involves frequently changing the aligners as teeth shift into a straighter arrangement. There are many benefits to treatment:
One of the main reasons many of our patients choose Invisalign® over traditional braces is because of the ability to straighten teeth more discreetly with the clear aligners. The aligners are essentially invisible to others, which means no one will know you are straightening your smile unless you tell them. Also, the results are incredibly effective for patients with mild to moderate misalignments, and many get the results they seek in a significantly shorter amount of time.
Since the aligners are removable, keeping a healthy and consistent oral care routine is easier than with traditional metal braces, and there are fewer diet restrictions to follow. The end result, however, is similar to that of traditional braces, which is a beautiful smile that the patient can feel more confident showing off at work, at school and in social situations. Everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of each day, and Invisalign® helps many accomplish just that.
Invisalign® is certainly a great option for many, but unfortunately, not everyone makes an ideal candidate. This system is primarily for people who have mild to moderate misalignments, whereas traditional braces may be more appropriate for severe cases. However, those who qualify for Invisalign® should certainly consider the benefits of the treatment. Clear aligners are capable of correcting most common alignment complications:
In instances where both Invisalign® and traditional braces are good options, we encourage our patients to consider what is important to them. For example, a patient who prefers to straighten their smile discreetly and with the freedom to take the aligners out while brushing and eating, then clear aligners can be a good option. On the other hand, some patients (or parents of the patient) may prefer traditional braces as they are not removable, meaning the risk of losing the straightening device is eliminated. The recommended way to determine if Invisalign® is right for you is to give us a call and come in to discuss the treatment options with our cosmetic dentistry team.
We tailor our treatment specifically for each patient, and we help each make an informed decision as to which option is appropriate by clearly explaining the benefits of Invisalign® and other options. However, we do try and follow a similar process for treatment so patients know what to expect. The first step towards a straighter smile through this treatment is to schedule a time to come in for an initial consultation at our office, during which our team of dental professionals will conduct an oral examination, order dental X-rays and discuss your treatment goals.
If the patient is a candidate for Invisalign®, then we will provide them with detailed information about the process and answer any questions and address any concerns they have. If both our staff and the patient agree to treatment, then a dental impression is taken the same day, which is used to customize the aligners. Once the aligners arrive back to us from the lab, we can have the patient come in again to start the treatment process.
During treatment, the patient should wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Ideally, Invisalign® aligners should only be removed when it is absolutely necessary, such as while eating or during daily oral care routines. The patient will come in to the office routinely, typically a couple of times each month, to receive the new set of aligners. Each set gradually pulls teeth into a straighter position until they reach the alignment that the patient desires. A retainer is necessary following the completion of the Invisalign® process.
It is essential to take good care of the aligners during treatment to ensure effective and efficient results. There are certain things each patient can do to ensure treatment goes smoothly:
Our team provides detailed information on how to get the most out of treatment and what care techniques should specifically be followed. It is important to keep the Invisalign® aligners clean at all times, which prevents a buildup of bacteria or food particles that could cause damage to the enamel. To keep them clean, wash the aligners with a non-abrasive cleaning material daily and rinse them off with warm water each time they are removed, along with using the case when they are not being worn. It is also important to keep teeth and gums clean as well through good oral hygiene, which should involve brushing several times each day, flossing and using mouthwash daily, and making all scheduled visits with our team.
We pride ourselves on helping each patient achieve the smile of their dreams by correcting teeth and jaw misalignments with Invisalign® treatment. If you are not entirely happy with your smile due to an alignment concern, then get in touch with our staff and find out how we can help you improve the appearance of your smile.