Invisalign
Straight teeth can bring improved confidence to someone who is struggling to love their smile. At Inspired Dental, we offer a number of cosmetic procedures designed to improve smiles and make our patients feel comfortable with their appearance. Invisalign is one of these procedures you can choose to improve your appearance while also properly aligning your teeth.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand name for a type of clear aligners that gently move the teeth into proper alignment. Often considered an alternative to braces, Invisalign can gradually and effectively straighten your teeth. These systems can also address serious orthodontic issues, improving your bite and jaw health while also improving your appearance.
The Invisalign Process
Invisalign treatment involves a series of trays, also called aligners, that fit over your teeth. You wear each one for a set period of time, allowing it to gently move your teeth slightly. By moving through a series of trays, you will see your teeth gradually shift into a proper, straight position. You will wear the trays for approximately two weeks, then switch to the next one, slowly repositioning your teeth using gentle pressure.
What to Expect with Invisalign
If you come to Inspired Dental for Invisalign treatment, we will begin with a thorough imaging of your mouth. Using intraoral scanners, we will take several images of your teeth. These get sent to the lab to plan your Invisalign treatment.
Once treatment is planned, the lab will send the first set of aligners. We do this in steps in case we need to make some adjustments along the way. We will guide you on how to wear the aligners, and you’ll schedule an appointment in a few months to assess your progress. When you get to the end of your first order of aligners, we will order more. Sometimes, we will do additional scans to ensure the treatment plan is still exactly what you need.
Benefits of Invisalign over Traditional Braces
Invisalign treatment offers several benefits over traditional braces.
These include:
- More sanitary: You can completely remove the Invisalign aligners to floss and brush your teeth. For many people, this means more effective oral hygiene while having their teeth straightened.
- More aesthetically appealing: Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible to the average person. This means you can effectively move your teeth without unsightly metal brackets.
- Improved comfort: While there is always some discomfort with straightening your teeth, most people find Invisalign aligners to be more comfortable than traditional braces, with less poking and irritation.
- More flexibility: Invisalign treatment can be done at your general dentistry office or under the oversight of a cosmetic dentist. Our patients at Inspired Dental can achieve straighter teeth without needing to visit an orthodontist.
- Fewer appointments: Invisalign requires fewer appointments. Because you change aligners at home, rather than having to get brackets adjusted by a practitioner, you can see the dentist less frequently while still achieving good results.
- No limited foods: You can continue to enjoy sticky or crunchy foods when you have Invisalign aligners. You simply need to remove the aligners before eating or drinking.
Drawbacks to Invisalign
Invisalign can work well for many patients who want straighter teeth, but it’s not a perfect solution to all orthodontic and dental concerns. Severe misalignment, including rotated teeth, may require traditional braces. The same is true for teeth with large gaps between them, or for issues with the size of the mouth.
First, you must be compliant with the treatment for it to work. Invisalign treatment requires you to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. If you fail to meet this minimum, you may not see the results you want. If you are someone who stacks regularly, you may not get enough time in.
Aligners are generally more sanitary than braces because you can remove them, but if food gets trapped in between the aligner and your teeth, you’re at a higher risk for cavities. Make sure you’re keeping up with your brushing and flossing, especially after meals.
Some people notice a change in their speech when they start wearing their aligners. Most people who experience this do adjust with time, but be prepared to feel like you’re speaking less clearly for a while.
Finally, you may find that Invisalign is more costly than traditional braces. This is not the case for everyone, so talk to your dentist in Windermere, FL, to determine what’s the most cost-effective option if you suspect you need your teeth to get straightened a little.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign works well for anyone who needs to straighten their teeth and does not want traditional braces. However, to be a good candidate, a patient must be able to adhere to the 22-hour wear period. Some young patients may struggle to keep their aligners in their mouths for this entire period. In addition, Invisalign works best for people who do not have severely crooked teeth. Severe issues may require braces and the oversight of an orthodontist.
Age is not a concern with Invisalign treatment. It works for adults and children, as long as the patient is able to stick with the treatment schedule and wear the aligners as requested.
How to Care for Invisalign
When you’re wearing Invisalign, you will need to pay attention to your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are easier with Invisalign, but you still need to do them. Additionally, brush your aligners with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup.
Why Choose Inspired Dental for Invisalign Treatment
As a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist in Windermere, FL, Inspired Dental has a full list of treatment options to help you achieve the smile you want. This list includes Invisalign treatment.
When you choose our practice for your teeth straightening, you benefit from:
- Friendly, caring staff who want you to feel comfortable
- An easy scheduling system that makes it simple to keep up with your follow-up treatments
- Expert dental professionals who will help you straighten your teeth effectively
- The benefit of a one-stop dental shop where you can straighten, protect, and clean your teeth all at one location.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today
To see if Invisalign is the right option for your smile, reach out to Inspired Dental. Schedule a consultation to discuss this treatment with your local dentist. Let us help you straighten your teeth with Invisalign therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Is Invisalign better than braces?
For many patients, Invisalign treatment is more comfortable and convenient than traditional braces. However, it’s not the best option for all patients, which is why you need to ask your dentist for advice.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of treatment will depend on how much we need to move your teeth. Most people see results in as little as 10 weeks, but it can take up to 24 weeks for full results.
Does Invisalign need to be repeated?
No, Invisalign treatment doesn’t need to be repeated, in most cases. As long as you wear your retainers after treatment, the teeth should stay in place. Sometimes, because the treatment is not as precise as traditional braces, we will need to adjust the alignment of your teeth after treatment.
What can discolor Invisalign?
Invisalign can get stained. If you eat or drink items that stain, without removing your aligners, you may notice that they become discolored. Thankfully, with this treatment, you change aligners every few weeks, so even if yours does become stained, you can swap it out for a new one in just a little while.
Can I leave my Invisalign in while I eat?
No, they should always be removed prior to eating.
What do I do if I lose an aligner?
If it’s close to the time to switch, go ahead and switch. If it’s not close to that time, return to the aligner you were wearing prior to losing them.
