While traditional braces use metal wires and brackets to shift the teeth to new positions gradually, Invisalign uses a different method altogether. Instead, a series of clear, removable plastic trays – aligners – fit directly onto the teeth.
The virtually invisible aligners are easy to remove and replace for brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking. As a result, you can still enjoy your favorite foods and maintain your regular oral hygiene regimen, a critical aspect of orthodontic treatment. Plus, the aligners are practically unnoticeable.
While Invisalign uses a different mechanism to move teeth, the overall treatment process is still largely similar. For most patients, treatment will proceed as follows:
- First, our Maplewood Invisalign dentists will perform a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, such as x-rays, photographs, and impressions, to determine your conditions and the best treatment method.
- After about two weeks, we'll meet to view a 3-D proposal, ensuring we meet all treatment goals and objectives. Per the doctor's instructions, Invisalign will manufacture custom-made aligners to fit your unique teeth and bite.
- Once you receive your aligners, wear each set 22 hours per day for about one to two weeks. Remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, floss, or clean them. With each new set of aligners, your teeth will move closer to their final positions.
- It's crucial to follow your Maplewood Invisalign dentist's instructions on how to wear and clean your aligners. For instance, if you don't wear your aligners for the recommended period of time during the day or forget to switch them, the treatment's effectiveness significantly decreases.
- After orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to ensure your teeth hold to their new positions. We will give you detailed instructions on wearing and caring for your retainer at that time.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign is an excellent treatment option for common orthodontic issues, such as:
- Gapped teeth: Gaps create pockets between your teeth and gums. The empty spaces become prime areas for trapping food or bacteria, leading to gum disease and other oral health issues if left untreated. Invisalign works to close the gaps between teeth and gums, thus improving your confidence and reducing the risk of oral health problems.
- Crowded teeth: Crowding causes misalignment, which can present in various forms, like crooked or overlapping teeth, or difficulty chewing while eating. Invisalign comfortably shifts teeth affected by crowding to their desired positions.
- Overbite: When your upper teeth far surpass your lower teeth as you bite, it's difficult to talk or speak. Your teeth could even wear down over time. We'll custom-fit your Invisalign aligners to treat the symptoms caused by an overbite.
- Crossbite: Patients whose upper teeth fit within their lower teeth when biting often have a crossbite. Invisalign aligners can eliminate the symptoms associated with bite problems, resulting in greater confidence.
It's important to note that Invisalign won't effectively treat severely crooked teeth, major overbites, or other issues. If your case is too severe for Invisalign, our Invisalign dentists in Maplewood will help you find the proper advanced treatment method.
Despite the numerous advantages of Invisalign, there are many other factors to consider. Ponder the following before determining whether Invisalign could work for you.
Age
Invisalign is an effective treatment option for older teenagers and adults, especially those self-conscious about orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners offer a practically invisible method of teeth straightening.
Responsibility
Although Invisalign is removable, it's only effective if you wear the aligners for 22 hours daily. Invisalign treatment requires dedication, so if you don't think you'll follow the regimen closely, you're likely not a good candidate.
Cost
Although the cost of Invisalign has lowered over the years, prices vary depending on your orthodontic issues. We offer various payment options at Maplewood Dental Associates and will work with you to determine the best plan.
Invisalign Dentist in Maplewood
Although Invisalign only treated mild orthodontic conditions in the past, technological advances have allowed us to suggest clear aligners to those with various issues. We'd love to help you determine whether Invisalign can help you achieve a beautiful smile! You can call us at 651-770-3831 with any questions, reach out to us at our contact page, or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at our Maplewood office. We can't wait to hear from you, and our Maplewood Invisalign dentists are excited to help you achieve a gorgeous new smile!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Treatment
How does Invisalign differ from braces?
Invisalign differs from braces in the fundamental method it implements to straighten teeth. While braces rely on metal brackets and wire to shift teeth, Invisalign utilizes a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that fit directly over the dental arch.
What are the benefits of Invisalign over braces?
Thanks to its innovative design, Invisalign comes with several advantages:
- Virtually invisible: Invisalign is nearly invisible when worn, so nobody will likely notice you're straightening your teeth.
- Convenient: You can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss, providing a uniquely suitable orthodontic treatment.
- Maintain your regular diet: The ability to remove aligners when eating and drinking means you won't have to modify your diet as you would with braces.
- Simple oral hygiene: Removing your aligners to perform your oral hygiene regimen means you don't have to worry about floss threaders or other devices to clean teeth.
How long does treatment last? How long do I wear the aligners?
The length of treatment differs significantly from patient to patient, but most wear Invisalign for between six and 18 months. During that time, you'll wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss, and switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks.
How do I clean my aligners?
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is easy – brush them after you remove them and place them back, and occasionally soak them in a glass of water with a denture or aligner cleaning tablet.
Can I chew gum with my aligners?
You'll need to remove your aligners to chew gum since it can damage the plastic material.
Can I smoke with Invisalign?
Smoking can discolor and warp your aligners, so if you need to smoke, you'll have to take them out.
What happens after treatment?
As with all forms of orthodontic treatment, you'll need to wear a retainer once you finish Invisalign.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of treatment depends on your specific case, and it varies from patient to patient. We'll go over the treatment cost along with your financial options during your first visit with us.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Some patients report a feeling of pressure or mild discomfort when they first place a new pair of aligners, but it generally fades within a day or two.