Invisalign revolutionized the process by replacing the brackets and wires with a set of clear trays. Today, straightening your teeth is easy, comfortable and discreet. Talk to Dynamic Smile Design today about ordering Invisalign for your teeth.
WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Children, teenagers and adults benefit from Invisalign because it’s less invasive and requires fewer appointments. Every four to six weeks, we’ll invite you back to the office to discuss your progress and adjust your aligners if necessary. Once you’re done, you simply replace the tray with a retainer–no uncomfortable last appointment where the dentist removes the metal and wires.
WHO BENEFITS FROM INVISALIGN?
For teenagers and adults, Invisalign straightens their teeth without the metal and wires that detract from their appearance, allowing them to continue with work or school without feeling self-conscious. Invisalign also benefits people who want more freedom during their treatment. While they have to diligently wear their trays and retainers to get results, they can remove their trays when necessary, reducing anxiety and discomfort.
On a similar note, people who are willing to keep up their treatment regimen get the most out of Invisalign. A good candidate is responsible, dedicated to their treatment and committed to positive dental habits, like brushing their teeth regularly and avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco. Candidates for Invisalign also have to be prepared for long-term treatment. They won’t have straight teeth in a month, but they’ll see gradual improvements along the way that inspire them to keep going.
HOW DOES INVISALIGN COMPARE TO TRADITIONAL BRACES?
Invisalign is just as effective as traditional braces. After treatment, patients enjoy a mouth full of straight teeth that makes them confident about their smile. Patients who keep up with their retainers have straight teeth with little shifting or crowding for virtually the rest of their lives. Straight teeth mean healthier gums, strong jaws and reduced risk for tooth decay.
If anything, Invisalign is more effective than metal braces. Invisalign is unnoticeable and much more comfortable, making patients more likely to complete their treatments. Patients don’t suffer from emergencies like broken wires that injure their mouths. Invisalign is also faster than traditional braces–while metal braces can take two or three years, Invisalign can straighten teeth in a year or less.
Invisalign is also cleaner. While food particles get stuck in metal and wires, causing cavities, Invisalign offers clear trays that patients remove and clean before inserting them into their mouths. Clean trays prevent food particles from sticking to the patient’s teeth, reducing their likelihood of complications.
Contrary to popular belief, many dental insurance policies cover Invisalign. Talk to your insurance company if you’re thinking about straightening your teeth–they might cover Invisalign as much as they cover traditional braces.
HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
To start, you’ll visit our office and discuss your treatment options. If we decide that Invisalign is right for you, we’ll take X-rays and impressions that the lab uses to craft a customized set of Invisalign trays. We’ll make sure that the trays align when you come back to pick up your trays, then give you treatment instructions and talk about what to expect.
Invisalign offers a series of clear trays that fit directly over your teeth. When you wear the first tray, Invisalign applies slight pressure to your teeth to shift them in the right direction. Once these teeth have shifted as much as possible, you’ll start wearing the second tray, which uses slight alterations to continue the transition. Each tray shifts your teeth further until they’re straight.
Once the initial treatment ends, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your straightened teeth in place. Many people wear retainers while they sleep so they don’t interfere with daily activities. If you don’t wear retainers according to the dentist’s instructions, your teeth will shift out of place again.
Since Invisalign is removable, you can take out the trays when you eat and drink to eliminate damage, warping and stains. Make sure you brush your teeth after every meal–if you don’t, you’ll trap food particles against your teeth when you insert the trays.
IS INVISALIGN PAINFUL?
While patients feel some discomfort when they switch to a new tray, Invisalign is not painful. The trays cause slight pressure as they push against the teeth. Typically, the pressure lasts for a few days, causing mild discomfort when the patient talks and eats. Afterward, the patient adjusts to the trays and stops noticing their presence.