Invisalign® clear aligners are quickly becoming the preferred method for straightening crooked teeth and addressing mild to moderate orthodontic issues affecting the aesthetic of the smile.
Invisalign is a customizable treatment option that will gradually and comfortably shift your teeth into proper alignment. Discreet, effective, and affordable, Invisalign is the clear solution for straightening your smile. To learn more about Invisalign and the permanence of its results, see Is Invisalign Treatment Permanent?.
Invisalign is an ideal treatment option for teen and adult patients looking to correct orthodontic concerns without the bulk or stigma of traditional metal braces. The clear aligners consist of hard-soft BPA-free plastic that helps protect the gums and teeth from irritation. The aligners fit snugly against the teeth and are barely visible.
Invisalign can address the following dental issues:
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps in-between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open Bite
- Orthodontic Relapse
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that can help you achieve the perfect smile without the need for traditional metal braces. A series of clear, removable aligners will gradually move your teeth into their desired position. This treatment offers many benefits over traditional braces, including improved comfort, convenience, and aesthetics.
Invisalign clear aligners are removable and promote improved oral hygiene when comparing them to metal braces. In addition, Invisalign can help reduce treatment time and provide greater convenience than traditional braces. Patients can thoroughly brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day without braces getting in the way. They can also eat a diet without restrictions!
A patient who uses Invisalign is less prone to developing tooth discoloration or tooth decay that often comes with wearing traditional braces.
Invisalign aligners allow patients to improve their oral health while achieving a more comfortable bite without anyone else noticing. Patients can continue with their routine and enjoy beautiful results.
The Invisalign Process
Dr. Steve Fountain and Dr. Marcelo Durski are Claremont area Invisalign providers. Claremont Dental Institute offers Invisalign to teen and adult patients. Invisalign helps patients straighten their smiles without interfering with their professional or personal lives.
Step 1: Dental Exam & Initial Consultation
Invisalign may be a viable option for improving the health and look of your smile if you have crooked or gapped teeth. Your treatment will begin with a thorough oral health examination as well as a bite and jaw analysis.
Before beginning the process, it’s key to make sure that your mouth is in good condition. That means your teeth and gums should be healthy enough for Invisalign treatment. Taking care of your oral health before starting treatment will ensure a successful and comfortable outcome with Invisalign.
If our dentists determine that Invisalign is the right treatment for you, we will schedule you for a follow-up appointment to begin the design and fabrication process.
Step 2: Preparation & Fabrication
Your dentist will take x-rays and digital impressions of your teeth. These images are used to create 3-D digital models of your mouth for precise treatment planning. Digital imaging and planning help your dentist determine the length of treatment and the necessary number of aligners needed to achieve your optimal result.
Aligners are fabricated in an Invisalign lab using the most advanced dental materials for precision and comfort. Invisalign aligners are meant to be worn for 22 hours daily. Aligners can be removed for oral hygiene and while eating.
Step 3: Straightening Process
Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift teeth further into proper alignment. You will schedule several progress appointments with your dentist to track movement and ensure a successful result.
Treatment times will vary depending on the degree of your orthodontic concerns, but typically patients wear Invisalign for 12-18 months.
How To Achieve Optimal Results with Invisalign
Achieving optimal results with Invisalign requires careful planning and execution. Patient compliance while using Invisalign is essential for successful results. Patients who wear their aligners every day for at least 22 hours will enjoy a better outcome.
It is essential to attend all of your progress appointments and to follow the instructions that your dentist will provide. Patients who properly care for their aligners, and follow their treatment plan get the best possible results from their Invisalign treatment!
Maintaining Results After Your Invisalign Treatment
Most patients will wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Wearing a retainer will help prevent orthodontic relapse and keep your teeth from shifting into crooked positions. It can also help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions and may even help improve the longevity of your Invisalign results. Investing in a comfortable retainer and wearing it as instructed by your orthodontist is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.
Invisalign FAQs
If you are ready to begin your begin your journey to a straighter, more confident smile with Invisalign, it is important to know what to expect. To help you learn more about the process, we have put together a list of our most frequently asked questions about clear aligner therapy. Please refer to the list if you have questions or contact us with additional questions or concerns.
Will clear aligners stain my teeth?
No, the aligners themselves can’t stain your teeth. They are made from medical-grade plastic that does not contain color dye or any other teeth-staining compounds. However, your teeth can stain if food particles get stuck between your teeth and the aligners or if you drink colored liquids while wearing them. Unless it is plain water, always remove your aligners before eating or drinking to prevent tooth stains.
Will Invisalign cause my teeth to be more sensitive?
The Invisalign clear aligner system does not cause tooth sensitivity. The most common side effect is minor discomfort when people first begin treatment and when they switch to a new set of aligners. If you begin to experience tooth sensitivity during treatment, please contact us right away, as this is not normal.
Are invisible braces comfortable?
Yes. Most patients forget they are wearing invisible braces after the first couple of days. Your aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth snuggly, and we will only apply slight pressure with each set. You can easily take them off to eat and care for your teeth to keep them clean and healthy.
Does Invisalign require frequent visits to the dentist?
Generally, patients must visit their dentist every four to six weeks for check-ups and adjustments or to receive their next set of aligners. This is about the same number of visits you will make with braces. During these visits, our dentist will assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments or changes to keep the treatment on track.
Are there any risks associated with Invisalign treatment?
You should be aware of a few risks while receiving Invisalign treatment. These include tooth and gum damage, a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and being allergic to the materials. During your consultation, we will discuss these risks before starting your treatment. However, clear aligners are considered safe and effective for most patients.
Will people notice my Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners are designed to be clear and discreet. They are created in a lab from clear, medical-grade plastic. However, people may still notice them if they look at your teeth closely. On the other hand, they are still much more discreet than metal braces. This makes them very appealing to adults and teens.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of your clear aligner treatment will depend on how complex your case is and how compliant you are with wearing your aligners. The average Invisalign treatment lasts 12 to 18 months. However, some patients will complete their treatment in 6 months if they have minor issues. People with complex dental problems may require a 24-month-long treatment.
Is clear aligner orthodontic treatment painful?
For most people, wearing clear aligners is not painful. However, you may feel some minor discomfort when you first put them in and when you switch to a new set of aligners. This temporary sensation is due to the slight pressure the aligners place on your teeth to move them. With a high compliance rate, most people find Invisalign very comfortable and manageable.
Will clear aligner therapy affect my speech?
As with any dental treatment that involves placing an object in your mouth, there will be an adjustment period. This may or may not affect your speech. Some people may have a slight lisp as they adjust to wearing the aligners. This adjustment period is usually short as they adapt quickly, often within a few days to a week.
What is the minimum age for Invisalign?
We do not advise using Invisalign for patients who are too young or do not have the most permanent teeth. Most teens about 13 to 14 years old can undergo clear aligner therapy. By this time, their jaws have stopped growing, and most of their permanent teeth are in, ensuring their treatment will be effective.
To get started with your Invisalign treatment, you can reach Claremont Dental Institute at (909) 277-6919 to schedule an appointment or you can request an appointment online.