Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that utilizes a removable appliance to straighten teeth. It uses clear plastic aligners to apply pressure on the teeth in order to gradually change their position. These aligners work in the same was as traditional metal braces, however without the need for clunky metal brackets or wires. Nevertheless, the end result and overall retention rate are about the same as traditional metal braces.
Did You Know?
During orthodontic treatment, the bones surrounding your teeth actually become softer. This allows your teeth to move and change their position. Following orthodontic treatment, you will then grow new bone mass around your teeth to keep them in their new position.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for Invisalign®?
You may be a candidate for Invisalign® if you are looking for a discreet and easy way to correctly align your teeth. Invisalign® works well to correct:
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
To find out if Invisalign® is the right orthodontic treatment for you, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Quarterpath Dental today! During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine if Invisalign® is the best treatment option for you.
What can I expect when receiving orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®?
While receiving orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®, you can expect to first take digital pictures of your face and have your mouth scanned with our Itero scanner. This information is then used to custom fabricate your aligners. You will also be able to view a projected outcome of your treatment. Most treatments with Invisalign® last about 1 year.
Once your aligners have arrived, you will begin wearing them full-time. This means you should wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day and that they should only be removed when eating, brushing, or flossing. Every few weeks, you will progress to a new aligner until your treatment is complete.
Because Invisalign® uses removable appliances, you will not have any type of dietary restrictions. Additionally, they will not irritate the soft tissues in your mouth like traditional metal braces. However, you may experience minor discomfort when starting treatment or when switching to a new aligner. This will generally fade within a day or two and can easily be managed with over the counter pain medications if needed.
What can I expect after receiving orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®?
Once your treatment is completed, you can expect to have a beautiful, perfectly aligned smile. However to maintain this smile, you will need to wear a retainer as directed by your dentist. In most cases, retainers are to be worn full-time immediately after completing active orthodontic treatment. As time goes by, you will eventually progress to wearing your retainer only at night.
In addition to clear orthodontic aligners, Invisalign® also offers a clear, aesthetic option for a retainer as well. Known as Vivera® retainers, they are made from the same clear material and look similar to the clear aligners themselves. This means that even when wearing your retainer, it will not even be noticeable.
