Invisalign: Frequently Asked Questions

Many of our patients come to our dental office asking about possible solutions for crooked or misaligned teeth. These issues can sometimes create significant embarrassment and an unwillingness to smile brightly. Our dental team can provide you with orthodontic solutions that are designed to work for your specific needs. We are proud to offer Invisalign as a solution for our patients. This advanced orthodontic system is designed to help you and other members of your family to correct issues with crooked teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work to Correct Teeth?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that consists of a number of graduated aligners that are made of a clear material. These aligners fit tightly over your teeth to move them into their proper position. As your teeth move, you will change to different aligners that will apply progressively more or different pressure to create the right alignment and to provide you with a brighter and more beautiful smile. The plastic used for Invisalign is called SmartTrack and is designed to provide consistent pressure from the first moment you put it on to the time you switch to the next aligner.

Invisalign aligners are somewhat more expensive than traditional braces. However, the nearly invisible appearance of these orthodontic solutions has made them a popular choice for adults and teenagers alike. Because there are no brackets and wires as there are with traditional braces, you can avoid the look of metal when straightening your teeth using Invisalign aligners.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for Invisalign?

For adults who are willing to commit to the Invisalign process, these aligners can produce amazing results. The system is not right for everyone, however. Some patients would be better served by traditional orthodontic braces, including the following individuals:

• Children with teeth that are still growing are not good candidates for Invisalign. If the configuration or size of their teeth or jaw increases during treatment, the entire process may have to start over. This can present a significant financial expenditure for families of younger children who may have to pay for the system more than once.
• People who are not able to manage wearing the aligners for 20 hours a day at a minimum should probably opt for traditional braces that stay on the teeth for the duration of treatment. Unless Invisalign aligners are worn consistently, they cannot provide the results needed by patients.
• If cost is an overriding concern that matters more than the near invisibility of Invisalign, traditional braces with wires and brackets are usually less expensive and offer practical help in getting the results you want for your teeth.
• Severely crooked teeth are not suited to the Invisalign process. Patients with these issues should consider traditional braces as a solution for crooked teeth because Invisalign is not designed for these situations. In some cases, your dentist may recommend traditional braces or headgear to help you fix your alignment issues.

Our team of dentists and orthodontic specialists will work with you to make sure that Invisalign is the right choice for you and your family. This will allow you to select the best orthodontic solution for your needs.

What’s Involved in the Process for Getting Invisalign?

After your initial consultation, our office will schedule an appointment with you to take impressions and molds of your teeth. These are necessary to create the perfect fit for your Invisalign aligners. Once the fabrication of your aligners is complete, we will ask you to come in and will show you how to use the aligners properly.

Your Invisalign package will include a set of aligners that must be worn in the proper order. The first aligner will begin the process of moving your teeth into the correct position. After a week or more, you will move to the next aligner in the set. This process will be repeated multiple times until your teeth have moved into the correct alignment. Our dentists will then evaluate the condition of your teeth and will recommend further treatment if necessary. In most cases, however, you can simply enjoy your new and more beautiful smile after your treatment is complete.

How Will Invisalign Impact My Daily Activities?

Many of our patients are concerned that they will not be able to speak clearly with Invisalign aligners over their teeth. It may take a day or two of adjustment to the change in your teeth. In nearly all cases, however, our patients can speak just as clearly with Invisalign aligners as they could before.

It may feel strange at first to wear your Invisalign aligners. You will quickly get used to them and will be able to sleep and carry on most of your regular activities with little or no change. If you have any problems in adjusting, our dental team will be available to help you find the right solution for any of the issues that may arise.

Invisalign aligner trays must be removed before eating or drinking to avoid damage to them that could reduce their effectiveness. You can also remove your aligners to brush your teeth and perform other dental hygiene tasks. In general, though, you should wear your aligners at all other times to ensure the most effective realignment of your teeth.

What Happens After the Invisalign Process Is Complete?

Our dentists may recommend that you wear a retainer for a short time or on a periodic basis after your treatment is complete. This can help to ensure that your teeth stay in perfect alignment and that you enjoy the results of your Invisalign treatment for as long as possible. We want you to feel confident when smiling and talking with others.

How Can Our Dental Professionals Help?

If you are interested in Invisalign or other orthodontic solutions for crooked teeth, give us a call today to schedule your first appointment with our team. We will be happy to provide you with the best guidance and support for resolving these issues quickly and in the most effective way possible.