What is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign treatment is an orthodontic treatment with utilization of aligners. They look like a trace, an invisible trace for upper and lower teeth. The movement of a tooth is incorporated in small increments. Each tray has increments built in. So they go in progression and you just change from one aligner to another. Aligners, you have to wear them day and night. Basically, you take them only for brushing and flossing and also eating and drinking. But then you have to put them back. They're removable, which is fantastic. But also, if you don't put them back, then it's not going to work. We do, in our office, use iTero scanning, so it's a digital record. We submit this with a treatment and we're able to see the progress. Patients receive the email from whole treatment, so they can monitor themselves from one aligner to another. Invisalign made tremendous progress. There was a time you could do only simple things. Now it's quite a few more things we can do with Invisalign. In our office, we offer the simulation. If you're interested, we can scan you. Then we can use the simulation, which will take approximately five minutes. You can see how your teeth can look in the future. I think it's interesting. If you're interested, please call us.
How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
To compare Invisalign with traditional braces, you have brackets attached to your teeth. You have the wire connecting that, and you have to adjust the wire. It's difficult to clean around it. I'm actually surprised how children are really doing a great job with that. But it is difficult to clean, and a lot of times it can cause gingivitis and future cavities around it. So Invisalign is much better in this respect.
Is Invisalign really faster than braces?
If somebody asks if Invisalign is faster than braces, not really, because it depends on the case. It depends how involved it is in the treatment, how much of the movement of the teeth has to be done.
Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?
Invisalign is considered more comfortable. The reason is the movement of the teeth is incorporated in very slow increments, so you really don't feel that much tension on your teeth. With traditional braces, when they crank up the wire, then sometimes it can be uncomfortable for a few days to eat and to brush your teeth. With Invisalign, you don't have that problem.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
How long is Invisalign treatment? It depends on the situation. It depends on the classification of the misalignment of the teeth. If it's a simple thing, it can be three months. It could be more involved, a year or a year and a half, but it all depends.
What is the process that I would go through to get Invisalign?
The process of Invisalign, first of all, we have to evaluate you in the chair to make sure that we can offer you this treatment for your situation. Then we will scan you with ITERA. No gooky stuff in your mouth. We're just going to have digital records. Then we submit this to Invisalign. We discuss with orthodontists about your treatment. We have our preferences. We develop the treatment plan. Then aligners are produced. We get aligners, and then we start treatment.
How many trays will I need?
The question is, how many trays will we need? Again, it depends on the treatment. If it's simple, it's not that many. If it's more involved, it will be more.
Is there anything that could disqualify me from Invisalign?
Not everybody is a candidate for Invisalign. Certain movements will be more difficult, and it has to be in a more controlled environment with the brackets and the wires, which, in this case, our evaluation, initial evaluation, we make sure that if it is more complicated, we send it to orthodontists.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
Can Invisalign correct a crossbite? Yes. It depends, again. It's a lot of movement. It's expansion. But, again, it depends to what degree it is.
What technology do you use?
We utilize our digital scanner, ITERA. With an improper bite, it can lead to premature bone loss which, in turn, leads to future periodontal problems.
How do traditional braces compare to Invisalign?
Traditional braces can be challenging to take care of. In some cases, the gums can become overgrown and puffy, making them tricky to clean at home. Invisalign trays are great because they are removable; you can take them out to brush, eat, and floss. However, it is essential to wear them regularly so the treatment can work properly.
What are the benefits of using Invisalign trays?
With this treatment, you can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
How can potential patients get in touch with you?
Please call us at (640) 400-0113.
Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth
This advanced system uses a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.
Instructions for Invisalign:
Do:
- Use your fingers to put your aligners in place. First place the aligners over your front teeth, and then use your fingers to push the aligner down gently over your molars. When aligners are correctly inserted, they will fit all the way down on the teeth, with no space between the top of the aligners and the top of the teeth. Aligners will fit tightly at first but should fit well at the end of the two week period.
- Keep aligners in except when flossing, brushing, eating. It’s also best to remove the aligners when drinking warm beverages such as coffee or tea.
- Remove the aligner by pulling it off both sides of your back teeth simultaneously then lifting it off of your front teeth. Place your aligners in the case we provided any time they are not being worn.
- Clean aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Wear each set of aligners for two weeks unless our office directs you to vary from this schedule.
- Wear aligners in the correct numerical order. (Each aligner is labeled by number and with a U or an L to designate upper or lower.)
- Keep all of your old aligners and bring them to your orthodontic appointments.
Don’t:
- Don’t place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!
- Don’t use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place.
- If you have pets, don’t place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your Invisalign trays!
- Do not use Denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach to clean your aligners.
- Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.
- Don’t chew gum with your aligners in.
- It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.
Just in Case:
- If you lose the tab attached to your tooth that helps the aligner snap on, please call our office right away so that we can determine if you need to come in before your next scheduled appointment.
- If you lose one of your aligner trays, please wear the next tray if you have it. If you do not have the next tray, please wear the previous tray. It is extremely important to use a tray to keep teeth from shifting. Call our office to let us know which tray was lost so that we can determine if a replacement tray is needed. There will be a fee if replacement trays are required.