Invisalign
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is one of the most convenient ways to straighten teeth. Clear aligner technology (sometimes referred to as “invisible braces”) allows patients to make very few life changes to accommodate the orthodontic treatment. The clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. eth.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Just about everyone would love to look in the mirror, smile, and see a mouth full of pearly white and straight teeth. For some, there is no need to straighten their teeth because they grew naturally straight. Many others, though, will rely on an orthodontic appliance such as metal braces to help them achieve the smile they have always wanted.
It is common for kids and teenagers to get metal braces on their teeth, complete with metal brackets and wires connecting everything. They are usually quite uncomfortable – even painful – and the treatment time can last up to a couple of years.
When adults when to straighten their teeth, most do not want to have ugly braces that are highly visible. With the invention of Invisalign clear aligners, they no longer have to worry about it. For the Invisalign cost, they will have a great smile in fewer appointments and with less pain than traditional braces.
How are they different?
Patients are able to remove the thin, flexible aligners when brushing, flossing, eating, or drinking. This is a major advantage over braces. Braces not only complicate oral care but are also easy to damage when eating hard or chewy foods. Invisalign mouth trays are transparent and fit snugly over the patients’ teeth, allowing patients to straighten their teeth without metal brackets and wires overpowering their mouths. The clear aligners are gentle on the cheeks and gums. Braces contain sharp edges that can scratch or cut the inside of the mouth.
How Are Invisalign Aligners Different from Traditional Orthodontic Treatment?
With Invisalign, patients are able to remove the thin, flexible aligners when brushing, flossing, eating, or drinking. This is a major advantage over braces. Braces not only complicate oral care but are also easy to damage when eating hard or chewy foods.
Invisalign mouth trays are transparent and fit snugly over the patients’ teeth, allowing patients to straighten their teeth without metal brackets and wires overpowering the aesthetic of their mouths. The clear aligners are gentle on the cheeks and gums as well – a common complaint when it comes to the sharp wires of metal braces that can scratch or cut the inside of the mouth.
How it works
Patients’ interchange their clear aligners roughly every two weeks for a period of six to eighteen months. Some patients may have Invisalign for longer depending on the severity of the misalignment. For best results, patients are expected to wear their clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Similar to a retainer, the clear aligner technology is used for orthodontic treatment as a technique to move and align teeth to create a beautiful smile. This clear aligner technology is usually generated from an impression of the patient’s teeth. The fitting of the Invisalign is unique to each patient.
The clear aligners are designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your plan. The patient will be provided with a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of their teeth. We will monitor your progress every step of the way to ensure your aligners fit properly. Most cases last anywhere from 6 months to a year.
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, we recommend using a retainer to prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back. Each case is different. Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions regarding how often you should wear your retainers.
Steps in the Invisalign Clear Aligners Process
Consultation
Before beginning the Invisalign aligners process, the patient will need to start with an initial consultation. To be an Invisalign candidate, the patient must first have a cleaning/check-up to address any foundational issues prior to starting tooth movement.
Approval for Removable Aligners
Once patients have been cleared for the Invisalign process, a 3D scanner will take a digital impression of the teeth along with some photos. The photo will submit your information to Invisalign, and our team will work with their technicians and orthodontics on a treatment plan to best address the patient’s concerns. Once this is completed, we will bring the patient back in to discuss our findings. If approved, we can move forward with the clear aligner technology treatment.
Caring for Your Aligners
It is important to take care of your clear aligners. Food residue in your mouth can possibly stain your aligners, so it is important to brush after every meal before returning the aligners to your mouth. Brush the Invisalign aligners using a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water. Do not use hot water on your aligners because it can permanently warp the plastic.
If you drop your clear aligners in an unsanitary place, thoroughly sterilize them after you clean them. It is very important to make sure your aligners are clean before placing them in your mouth. If you lose or break a clear aligner, let your orthodontist know immediately to help you stay on track with your treatment plan. This may include wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements. All aligners must be ordered through your orthodontist.
Contact Our Invisalign Experts
If you are ready to transform your teeth into the smile you have always wanted, contact Shades Creek Dental to book an appointment with our dental experts. Our caring and compassionate team is happy to answer any and all of your questions about Invisalign’s clear aligners to ensure that you are well aware of everything that is involved in the process.
At Shades Creek Dental in Homewood, AL, our vision is to create a different experience for our patients with comprehensive dental care. We are a judgment-free clinic that is dedicated to using the most advanced, and up-to-date technology when caring for all of our patients.
When it comes to Invisalign clear aligners, we understand the challenge that many adults face with misaligned teeth and our goal is to help correct that misalignment. Our team is committed to providing you with the best possible dental experience and helping you achieve your orthodontic goals.
Call us today to schedule your Invisalign consultation!
Getting started
Consultation
Before beginning the Invisalign process, the patient will need to start with an initial consultation. To be an Invisalign candidate, the patient must first have a cleaning/check-up to address any foundational issues prior to starting tooth movement.
Once they are cleared, a 3D scanner will take a digital impression of the teeth along with some photos. The photo will submit your information to Invisalign and our team will work with their technicians and orthodontics on a treatment plan to best address the patient’s concerns. Once this is completed, we will bring the patient back in to discuss our findings. If approved, we can move forward with the clear aligner technology treatment.
Caring for your aligners
It is important to take care of your clear aligners. Food residue in your mouth can possibly stain your aligners which is why it is important to brush after every meal before returning the aligners to your mouth. Brush them using a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water. Do not use hot water on your aligners because it can permanently warp the plastic. If you drop your clear aligners in an unsanitary place, thoroughly sterilize them after you clean them. It is very important to make sure your aligners are clean before placing them in your mouth. If you lose or break a clear aligner, let your orthodontist know immediately. This will help you stay on track with your treatment plan. This may include wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements. All aligners must be ordered through your orthodontist.ld.
Ready to transform your smile?
Contact us today to get schedule your Invisalign consultation.