Invisalign Works with Your Lifestyle Not Against It
Incredibly Discreet
Invisalign trays are customized to comfortably fit your smile. They are fabricated from a clear plastic material, so most people will never even notice that you’re wearing them.
Improved Comfort
Unlike metal brackets and wires, the snug fit and smooth edges will never rub, snag, or irritate the delicate soft tissues inside your mouth.
No Hygiene or Diet Restrictions
Since the trays are removable, Invisalign patients can brush and floss normally while continuing to enjoy all their favorite sticky, crunchy foods.
Let’s take a closer look at how Invisalign works...
Millions of Patients Have Benefited from Invisalign
It can most likely help you too.
So how do I know if I'm eligible for Invisalign?
Examples of Cases Successfully Treated with Invisalign
Underbites
If your lower teeth stick out past your upper teeth, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign.
Crossbites
If your upper and lower teeth are horizontally misaligned, it can trigger jaw pain and other symptoms.
Overbites
If your upper teeth project too far forward, you may be more susceptible to a chipped front tooth.
Gapped Teeth
A gapped smile can make it difficult to eat and pronounce certain words correctly.
Open Bite
If your upper and lower teeth do not line up, your chewing and speaking abilities can be compromised.
Crowded Teeth
An overly crowded smile makes it difficult to brush and floss and can increase your risk of cavities.
Invisalign May Cost the Same as Braces
In most cases, Invisalign treatment costs approximately the same as traditional braces. However, depending on your needs and goals, Invisalign treatment can be more expensive. Invisalign is also generally more expensive than other clear aligner brands like ClearCorrect®.
So how long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment Can Take 12 to 18 Months From Start to Finish
Consultation
Your Invisalign-certified dentist or orthodontist will evaluate your case, take impressions of your smile, and send the information to an Invisalign laboratory.
Planning
Invisalign technicians will create a customized treatment plan, including step-by-step information about how your smile will change over the upcoming months.
Fabrication
Over the next two to four weeks, the Invisalign team will use your impressions to create customized aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth.
Starting Treatment
You can begin wearing your aligners immediately. They should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Every two weeks or so, you switch to the next tray in the series.
Check-Ups
You will visit your dentist's office every four to six weeks so that they can monitor your progress and ensure that you are wearing your aligners as instructed.
Final Results
Most patients can achieve their desired end results in 12 to 18 months. You can maintain your results by wearing your last aligners or a custom retainer.
There is a noticeable difference between these two treatments...
A Straighter Smile Can Benefit Your Oral and Overall Health
The goal of Invisalign is to help you achieve a straighter smile. But it does so much more.
After treatment, you may find that it is easier to brush and floss your teeth. By treating malocclusion, Invisalign can also reduce the symptoms of a misaligned bite such as headaches and excessive wear on your teeth. Best of all, you can even feel more confident in your smile and yourself when talking to others or smiling in photos.
See what a difference Invisalign can make...
Transformative Results
Uneven teeth and an overbite detracted from this patient's smile.
Invisalign was used to shift the teeth into alignment and create a noticeably straighter smile.
Your Important Role in Maintaining Your Results
When you complete your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will recommend whether you should wear your last set of aligners or a custom retainer. Typically, you will only have to wear your retainers overnight and can enjoy your newly straightened smile throughout the day.
Many patients wear their aligners or retainers for the rest of their lives, so you should care for them like any other medically prescribed treatment. Take them with you when you travel, keep them in a safe place, and clean them every morning to prevent bacteria buildup.
The latest technology is used to plan your Invisalign treatment...
Advanced Technology Allows for Precise, Expedited Treatment
Prior to beginning treatment, your dentist will create digital impressions using an advanced imaging system such as the iTero® Intraoral Scanner. This allows your dentist to provide you with a proposed treatment plan and accurate timeline. For your convenience, you can receive all your trays at once so you do not have to visit your dentist each time you need a new aligner. You will still need to attend appointments every four to six weeks so the doctor can assess your progress.
Additionally, depending on the condition of your smile and the treatment options available at your dental office, you may also be eligible for Invisalign Express, which works even faster and can lower your overall treatment cost.
Is Invisalign really the best solution for me?
Virtually Invisible Aligners
The most obvious benefit of Invisalign is that it is nearly unnoticeable to others during use.
Drawbacks of Invisalign Treatment
While traditional orthodontic treatment can be customized for virtually any case, Invisalign may not be the best option for treating severe gaps or certain types of misalignment. Patients should also consider treatment timeline, their lifestyle, and budget.
Length of Treatment
While alternatives such as porcelain veneers can help transform the symmetry, shape, and size of your teeth in a matter of weeks, Invisalign treatment can span several months. If you need a more immediate boost to your confidence or would like to achieve a straighter smile before a quickly approaching special event, such as a wedding, Invisalign treatment may not be the best option for you.
Limited Candidacy
Although advancements have made Invisalign available to a greater pool of candidates, it is not designed for cases of severe malocclusion or misalignment. These concerns, as well as severely rotated or tipped teeth, are best treated with traditional orthodontics. You can determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign using their smile assessment and attending a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.
In order to reap the full benefits of treatment, Invisalign patients must be committed to wearing their aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
Adjusting to the Aligners
Although Invisalign’s customized trays fit securely over your teeth, they may not feel natural during the first few days of treatment. Most patients are able to adjust to their aligners relatively quickly, but a small number of patients feel that they have trouble speaking properly. A persistent lisp, for example, could impact your confidence.
Weighing Your Options
Although you have many orthodontic systems to choose from, the proven benefits of Invisalign make the treatment a great option to consider. In addition to the original product, Invisalign is also available in Teen and Express options. Patients whose cases are considered too severe for Invisalign treatment can nearly always achieve their goals with traditional orthodontics. In very rare cases, surgery may be recommended. During an Invisalign consultation, you can discuss all your questions and concerns with your doctor.
How do I get started?
Take the First Step
Orthodontics can enhance your appearance and lessen your risk of cavities and gum disease. With options like Invisalign, there is no reason to delay treatment. Take the next step and schedule an appointment today.
“Maintaining your oral health can help you improve your overall health and enhance your quality of life.” Dr. Edward J. Zuckerberg
“Maintaining your oral health can help you improve your overall health and enhance your quality of life.” Dr. Edward J. Zuckerberg
