What Is Invisalign?
Instead of fixed braces used in traditional orthodontic treatment, Invisalign moves teeth using a series of removable, clear, BPA-free plastic aligners. These aligners are virtually invisible once in the mouth and are custom-made to fit tightly over your teeth.
You take out the aligners whenever you want to eat or drink anything other than water. You also remove them for regular oral care. However, for treatment to be successful it is important to keep your aligners in most of the time, ideally for at least 22 hours each day.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses computerized technology to plan your treatment and generate a series of aligners. Each aligner is made to place pressure on specific teeth, pushing your teeth and tooth roots into the right positions.
You wear each set of aligners for up to 2 weeks before discarding them. You then repeat the process with the next set of aligners in the series. Treatment continues like this until your teeth are straight. The number of aligners you need is dependent on your treatment plan.
Some of the more straightforward issues that only affect your front teeth may only require a few sets of aligners to straighten them. Other more complicated problems will require a greater number of aligner trays, so your treatment will take longer.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Invisalign in Franklin Square, NY?
The obvious benefit of choosing Invisalign is the virtual invisibility of the aligners. It’s important to note they are not completely invisible. If you look closely, you may see a slight outline or halo around your teeth, but most people will not notice you wear aligners.
Other benefits can include:
Improved Comfort
Unlike traditional fixed braces, Invisalign aligners have no brackets or wires to dig into your cheeks and lips. The plastic trays are smooth, and the edges are rounded, making them comfortable to wear.
However, any orthodontic treatment requires a certain amount of discomfort because your teeth are forced to move. Usually, any Invisalign pain only occurs when you first start wearing a new set of aligners, and it should be easily controllable with over-the-counter painkillers. If the discomfort persists, we can adjust your treatment plan.
Oral Care Is Straightforward
You simply remove your aligners whenever you want to brush and floss your teeth. You don’t need to use any special tools or spend longer cleaning your teeth, although you must clean your aligner trays before you replace them.
No Dietary Changes Are Needed
You will not need to change your diet; you can eat whatever you wish while wearing your aligners since you take them out for meals.
Quicker Dental Visits
You must return to Clock Tower Dental during treatment to see our orthodontist, Dr. Jacqueline Simons, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. These visits will be quick and painless. They are simply to check your teeth are straightening as predicted in your treatment plan and to supply more sets of aligners as needed.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign?
You could be a good candidate for this treatment if your teeth are generally healthy and strong and can be moved safely. The conditions that can be treated with Invisalign include:
- Overcrowded teeth.
- Bite problems like underbites, overbites, crossbites, and open bites.
- Gaps between teeth.
Invisalign can correct most problems treated with fixed braces and is suitable for adults and teens who have good compliance.
You must remember to wear your aligners most of the time and only remove them for meals and oral care. Although you can leave them out for an occasional special event, failing to wear them too often could delay the completion of your treatment or mean it is less successful.
What Are the Different Invisalign Systems Available?
Invisalign produces several different aligner systems. These include:
Invisalign Full
Invisalign Full is the most comprehensive system, providing multiple aligners that can correct complex problems.
Invisalign Lite
This system is designed for mild overcrowding problems. It includes up to 14 sets of aligners.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express is ideal if you have minor misalignment issues that perhaps only affect your front teeth. The system provides between five and ten sets of aligners.
Invisalign Teen
This system is designed specifically for adolescents and teenagers whose teeth and jaws are still growing and developing and where some teeth still have to erupt.
It can include special attachments that help provide more precise tooth movements. Blue-colored wear indicators show if the aligners are being worn as directed as they fade with use.
How Much Will Invisalign Cost?
The cost of treatment is comparable to other clear fixed braces systems and depends on the number of aligners needed. The fewer aligners required, the lower the overall cost.
We can provide a proper estimate when you see our Invisalign dentist.
What to Expect If You Have Invisalign Treatment in Franklin Square, NY?
Treatment is extremely straightforward and begins with a consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Jacqueline Simons.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
During your consultation Dr Simons must examine your teeth and assess how your teeth and jaws align to ensure Invisalign is the most appropriate treatment choice.
The next step is to scan your teeth and take digital images to plan your treatment stage by stage. Planning is done using Invisalign’s proprietary software. At this point, you can view virtual images showing how your teeth are predicted to look once you complete the proposed treatment plan.
Computer Generating Your Aligners
Once your treatment plan is finalized, your aligners are computer-generated so you can be sure they will fit precisely and comfortably. Dr. Simons will show you how to insert and remove them and discuss how to keep them clean.
You are then ready to begin straightening your smile.
Caring for Your Aligners
During your treatment, you must care for your aligners properly. If you damage or mislay your aligners, please contact us so we can order a replacement set quickly.
Cleaning Your Aligners
You must clean them whenever you remove them using gentle dish soap or Invisalign cleaning solutions and a soft toothbrush to remove dental plaque. Invisalign produces deep cleaning crystals that clean your aligners thoroughly in just a few minutes. You may also purchase a UV sanitizing case to keep your aligners fresh and hygienic.
Storing Your Aligners
When you remove your Invisalign aligners, store them in the case provided so you don’t mislay or damage them. If you have pets, keep your aligners out of reach in case they become chewed or nibbled.
What to Expect after Invisalign Teeth Straightening: Wearing Your Retainers
Once you complete your Invisalign teeth straightening and finish wearing all your aligners, you must begin wearing Invisalign retainers.
These Vivera retainers look just like the aligners, except they will be more comfortable to wear since your teeth are no longer moving. Initially, you will need to wear your retainers all the time, just like your aligner trays. It’s essential to wear your retainers. Otherwise, your teeth will shift back to their original locations.
After several months, you can gradually reduce your wear time. Dr. Simons will discuss when you can do this safely. Be prepared to wear your retainers occasionally, once or twice a week for life, to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign Before and After Results
Are You Interested in Learning How to Straighten Teeth without Braces?
Contact Clock Tower Dental to see our Invisalign dentist, Dr. Simons, and learn more about teeth straightening without braces. Request an appointment today!