ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS

Invisalign Clear Aligners

When it comes to teeth, we can set things straight

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear braces that cover your teeth and gently pull them into the proper position over time.

Causes of Malocclusion

Malocclusion or shifts in the bite can occur in patients of all ages for a variety of reasons. Although you can prevent some of the resulting problems through proper oral health care and regular dental appointments, others require more advanced procedures.

The most common causes of a shifting bite include:

Time: The older you grow, the tighter and smaller your lips become. This change in facial features also puts pressure on your teeth from the outside. Over time, your mouth feels crowded, and changes in dental alignment occur.
Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the tissue around your teeth. When it progresses further and becomes periodontitis, it can cause gum shrinkage and bone loss, increasing the likelihood of tooth loss and misalignment.

Tooth Loss: If you lose one or more teeth, the remaining ones will shift towards the new gap and adversely affect your bite.
Genetics: If you have the condition, your parents, siblings, and other relatives are likely to have it as well. Genetic disorders such as cleft lip or palate also affect your bite by changing your dental structure.
Injury or Trauma: Kids, teens, and young adults are at higher risk of traumatic dental injuries which affect their bite.

How can malocclusion be prevented?

Preventing the condition can be difficult because most cases of malocclusion are largely hereditary.

Parents of young children should limit pacifier and bottle use to help reduce changes in the development of the jaw. Children should also be encouraged to stop sucking their thumbs as young as possible.

Early detection of malocclusion may help decrease the length and severity of the treatment.

5 Reasons To Choose Clear Aligners

The following are five reasons why anyone who wants straighter teeth should use Invisalign clear aligners to do so.

They are clear or nearly invisible – which means they are barely noticeable when worn.

They are removable, making them convenient – Because Invisalign wearers can remove the clear aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing their teeth, they are an extremely convenient braces option.

They are soft and comfortable -Unlike metal braces that can scrape the inside of one’s mouth, clear aligners do not have any sharp edges.

Less chance of any tooth discoloration – As it is easily removable it is to maintain proper oral hygiene and eating, so there is less possibility of food stuck between teeth and tooth discoloration.

Fewer dental appointments– are needed when someone chooses Invisalign clear aligners to straighten their teeth, making this option particularly beneficial for those who are very busy.

Who Needs Invisalign Clear Aligner?

Invisalign is suited for adults and teens who want a more radiant and beautiful smile without the visibility of traditional metal braces. If you have gaps between your teeth, or if they are crooked or slightly overlapping, Invisalign can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Outcome Of Invisalign Clear Aligners

You can rest assured that Invisalign treatment is permanent and will give you straighter teeth for a lifetime if you follow the orthodontist’s instructions perfectly.

Conditions Invisalign Can Correct

Invisalign can treat the following problems in some individuals, depending on how severe they are:

Crooked Teeth : Invisalign is commonly used to treat crooked teeth and straighten smiles in patients. It can align your teeth, giving you a cleaner smile.

Overbite: When the teeth on top close too far in front of the lower teeth, it is called an overbite. It can cause difficulty in chewing and biting certain food items. Invisalign can move the teeth so that the bottom and top teeth align when an individual closes their mouth.

Underbite : An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. It is when the bottom line of teeth is in front of the upper line. An underbite can weaken your teeth and lead to speech difficulties. Invisalign can help move back the lower teeth so that they are behind the front teeth.

Crossbite : A crossbite occurs when some of your upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This condition can cause chipping in your teeth and receding of your gums. Invisalign can, in some cases, position the teeth correctly.

Gaps in Teeth : Gaps in two or more teeth lead to spacing issues. Invisalign can help close this gap between teeth to create a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. However, there may be certain limitations depending on how much space requires closing.

Open Bite : When the upper and lower teeth don’t meet, it is called an open bite. Invisalign helps fix an open bite. It moves the two sections of teeth into position so that they close properly.

Crowded Teeth : Your teeth will overlap and twist when there isn’t enough space in your jaw to accommodate all your teeth. This reduced space between your teeth causes food to get stuck, tartar, and plaque to build up, ultimately leading to gum disease and tooth decay.

Pros And Cons Of Invisalign Clear Aligner

Pros

Cons

Comfort: Invisalign is much more physically comfortable to wear. Since there are no wires or brackets, you don’t have to worry about getting any painful nicks or cuts in your mouth.
More Attractive: Since Invisalign is clear, it doesn’t leave you with a mouth full of metal. In other words, they are more attractive to the eye, and most people won’t even know you are wearing them.
Convenience: This makes them very convenient, especially as they are available on a widespread scale.
Can be Removed: Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. It allows you to eat the foods you want and practice better oral hygiene.
Minimal Maintenance: They can get dingy over time when you wear them, but you can freshen them by using a toothbrush dipped in a small amount of bleach and water.

Expensive: One of the biggest cons of Invisalign is that they are expensive. They are not covered by dental insurance.
Attachments: The attachments are used to click into the aligners so that they fit better and can more effectively shift your teeth into the proper position. Attachments also make Invisalign much more noticeable, which can mean you look more like you’re wearing actual braces.
Required to Wear Them 22 Hours Per Day: Invisalign must be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day. That means that if you are heading out for a date or going to a party, you will have to wear them.
Tooth Discomfort: Getting new Invisalign aligner trays can be uncomfortable and even painful when you get fitted for a new set.
Inconvenience: Invisalign aligners can be cumbersome for some patients. You always have to remove them for eating, which means you may deal with some embarrassment when you go out to eat.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Treatment?

Here is a breakdown of the primary benefits of wearing Invisalign braces:

It is worth expanding on the fact that Invisalign aligners are removable for eating and brushing. Metal and other types of braces may limit the kinds of foods that patients can eat; this is not the case with Invisalign. The fact that they are removable also allows for normal brushing and flossing.

Initial Consultation And Preparing Treatment Plan

The first step in the Invisalign process is an initial consultation with the dentist. Your teeth, jaw, mouth, and orthodontic and dental needs will be assessed and you will explain your end goals.

The dentist will make a plan of what can be done with Invisalign. You’ll get the cost, the treatment plan, the timeline, a schedule of appointments, and instructions on how to wear and take care of your Invisalign aligners.

During The Invisalign Process

Making the Aligners and Attachments

The dentist uses 3D technology imaging rather than putty impressions to monitor your teeth at the start of treatment and throughout your treatment process.

The 3D images and tech create each aligner to the exact specifications needed to move your teeth just the right amount.

Some dentists also use tooth-colored enamel attachments glued to your teeth to assist your aligner in moving your teeth as needed. These are similar to braces that are glued to the front of teeth.

Dental Office Visits

At each visit, you will receive multiple aligners to last you until your next visit. Your dentist will tell you how long to wear each aligner — usually one to two weeks — before throwing it out and putting in the next aligner in the series.

Typically, you’ll come in for an office visit every six to eight weeks to have your teeth and mouth 3D-assessed and to get your next set of aligners.

Overall, you’re likely to have fewer visits to the dentist than you would to the orthodontist if you had braces. This is because you can go home with a bunch of aligners and just swap them out every few weeks rather than coming in each time to get your braces tightened.

Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners

Whenever you put in a new aligner, expect it to feel snug and fit tightly over your teeth. It’s like this as it’s built to put pressure on your teeth to make them move.

It should snap into place over your teeth. You may need to use some force and wedge your fingernails just under the edges near your gums to pop your aligner back off when needed.

After the Procedure

You are expected to wear your aligner about 22 hours a day for the best and fastest results. The two hours a day you have without your aligner are meant for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.

Maintain Your Smile With Retainers

You will need to wear retainers after treatment is complete to give the bones of your jaw time to solidify around your new teeth placements. Invisalign makes a product called Vivera which is similar to their other trays, but they’re a little thicker and more durable. They’re not meant to be changed out bi-weekly as Invisalign trays are. You can also use a wired retainer. It is essential to wear your retainer during the months immediately after treatment, but ideally you should wear a retainer a little each week for the rest of your life. Your teeth are always shifting and moving, after all.

What Possible Complications Can Happen With Invisalign?

Like other orthodontic treatments, there are a few potential risks with Invisalign, such as:

Allergic reactions: Though it rarely happens, a few people may be allergic to the materials used in Invisalign aligners, such as acrylate. It happens when the plastic irritates the gum tissue. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include redness, itching, swelling, and blistering of the skin.
Tooth Discomfort: It is common to experience tooth discomfort during the first stages of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign. This is because your teeth are slowly being moved into the correct position and your aligners put pressure on your teeth. The discomfort should disappear after a few days as your teeth get used to the aligners. However, if the pain persists, your dentist or orthodontist may need to adjust your treatment plan
Cavities: Cavities are holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. It is caused by bacteria in plaque which accumulate on the teeth and produce acids that damage the enamel. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, bacteria-filled plaque can get stuck in the aligners, leading to cavities.
Tooth decay: Tooth decay is a common complication of Invisalign. It happens when you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly. As a result, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, leading to tooth decay. Symptoms include toothache, bad breath, and sensitivity to hot and cold drinks.
Gum disease: Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue. This usually results from poor oral hygiene or not cleaning your aligners. This can lead to inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums. If not managed immediately, it can damage the bone and connective tissues supporting the teeth.
Mouth sores: This happens when the aligners rub against the gums and cheeks, which usually happens when the aligners don’t fit properly. Mouth sores can lead to irritation and inflammation. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain.

FAQ's

What Are the Cons of Invisalign Treatment?

There are very few cons when it comes to straightening teeth with Invisalign clear aligners. That said, they may not be suitable for everyone. The aligners may be less effective than some other types of braces for very complex dental issues. Invisalign also requires compliance, given that they can be removed for a portion of the day. For people who are prone to losing things or are worried that they may forget to wear the aligners for the sufficient time each day, they may not be the best choice.

How Do I Get Invisalign Braces?

Simply schedule a consultation at any of our three convenient locations. We are proud to offer Invisalign treatment to our patients, as an effective and aesthetic alternative to traditional braces.

There are just 3 easy steps to having straight teeth. Firstly, book your consultation; secondly, review your customized treatment plan; and finally, follow your treatment plan and watch your smile transform in front of your eyes.

What Is Involved With Wearing Invisalign Braces?

When you opt for Invisalign treatment, the first step is to create a 3D image of your mouth and jaw. Your orthodontist will then be able to create a personalized plan and a series of aligners that patients will wear throughout their treatment.

Each case of Invisalign treatment is different, though patients will generally move to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. The aligners work by applying gentle pressure to the teeth, allowing them to gradually shift into place.

Invisalign clear aligners are so comfortable to wear, it’s natural to forget that you are even wearing them. Given that they are made from a clear thermoplastic material named SmartTrack, your colleagues or classmates won’t be able to tell that you are wearing Invisalign clear aligners.

Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

Dentists or orthodontists have, in the past, successfully used removable appliances for years. But with the application of Invisalign’s 3D computer technology, the Invisalign System can be used to treat a wide range of patients who wants straighter teeth. The unique ClinCheck® software allows patients to see their treatment plan from beginning to end even before the start of treatment.

Will the aligners affect speech?

The vast majority of patients report no effect on speech. However, as with traditional orthodontic appliances, there is an initial adjustment period associated with having something new in the mouth. You may have a slight lisp at first, but you’ll quickly get used to your aligners and should be talking clearly and confidently within a few days.

Regain Your Happy Smile in Healthy Way

Be it a dental checkup, an inquiry about a dental procedure, or correcting your dental issues, we assure quality care and a happy smile with flexibility in appointment scheduling.