Invisalign® clear aligners are the preferred method to straighten crooked teeth and address mild to moderate orthodontic issues. This customizable treatment option gradually and comfortably shifts your teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign is the clear solution for straightening your smile because it’s discreet, effective, and affordable. 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 who want to correct orthodontic concerns without 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.
What Can Invisalign Aligners Treat?
Invisalign can address these dental issues:
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps in-between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open Bite
- Orthodontic Relapse
Our dentists at Claremont Dental Institute will work with you to determine if clear aligners are the right option for you. We’ll examine your bite and may take X-rays if needed. Our team will also review your history and current dental health needs.
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. This series of clear, removable aligners will gradually move your teeth into their desired position. Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional braces, including improved comfort, convenience, and aesthetics.
Invisalign clear aligners are removable and promote better oral hygiene than metal braces. In addition, Invisalign can help reduce treatment time and provide greater convenience than traditional braces.
You can thoroughly brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day without braces getting in the way. You can also eat a diet without restrictions!
Invisalign patients are less likely to get tooth stains or tooth decay because they can remove their aligners to brush and floss. Clear Invisalign aligners can help you improve your oral health and achieve a more comfortable bite without anyone else noticing. You can continue with your regular routine and enjoy beautiful results.
The Invisalign Process
Dr. Steve Fountain and Dr. Marcelo Durski are Invisalign providers in the Claremont area. Our dentists at Claremont Dental Institute offers Invisalign to teen and adults. Invisalign helps patients straighten their smiles without interfering with their professional or personal lives.
Step 1: Dental Exam & Initial Consultation
Invisalign is a great option to improve the health and look of your smile if you have crooked or gapped teeth. Your treatment will begin with a thorough oral health examination and a bite and jaw analysis.
Before we begin, we’ll 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 treatment will ensure a successful and comfortable outcome.
If our dentists determine that Invisalign is the right treatment for you, we’ll schedule you for a follow-up appointment to begin the design and fabrication process.
Step 2: Preparation & Fabrication
Our dentist will take x-rays and digital impressions of your teeth. We use these images to create 3-D digital models of your mouth for precise treatment planning.
Digital imaging and planning helps us determine the length of treatment and the number of aligners you need. Then we take impressions and measurements of your teeth and send them to a lab.
An Invisalign lab fabricates aligners with the most advanced dental materials for precision and comfort. You must wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You can remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss.
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 our dentist to track your tooth movement.
Treatment times will vary depending on the degree of your orthodontic concerns and how often you wear the aligners. Most patients wear Invisalign for 12-18 months.
How To Achieve the Best Results with Invisalign
Getting the best results with Invisalign takes planning. Following your treatment plan closely plays a big role in how successful your results will be. We recommend that you attend all your progress appointments and follow the instructions from our dental team.
For the best outcome, you should wear your aligners for about 22 hours each day. Only remove them when eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, or flossing. Wearing your aligners as directed helps your teeth move correctly and stay on schedule.
You’ll need to wear a retainer once you finish Invisalign treatment. A retainer helps keep your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. Wearing your retainer as recommended will help protect your new smile and make your results last.
Patient Review
Invisalign FAQs
If you’re ready to begin your journey to a more confident smile with Invisalign, you want to know what to expect. We welcome you to read answers to commonly asked questions about clear aligner therapy. Let us know if you have more questions or concerns.
Will clear aligners stain my teeth?
No, the aligners themselves can’t stain your teeth. Invisalign aligners are made from medical-grade plastic that doesn’t contain color dye or any other compounds that stain teeth.
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. Always remove your aligners before you eat or drink to prevent tooth stains unless you’re drinking plain water.
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. Please contact us right away if you begin to experience tooth sensitivity during treatment.
Are invisible braces comfortable?
Yes. Most patients forget they’re 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 keep your teeth 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 adjustments or changes to keep the treatment on track.
Are there any risks associated with Invisalign treatment?
Clear aligners are safe and effective for most patients, but you should be aware of a few risks. Some patients may experience tooth or gum irritation when they begin treatment or switch to a new set of aligners.
You may be at a higher risk of infection if you don’t wear or clean your aligners properly. This is why good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are very important during treatment.
In rare cases, some patients may be sensitive or allergic to the materials used in clear aligners. We’ll discuss these risks before we start your treatment. But you should be set up for success as long as you clean your aligners, wear them every day, and visit us for routine checkups.
Will people notice my Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet. They’re created in a lab from clear, medical-grade plastic. But people may still notice them if they look at your teeth closely. They’re still less noticeable than metal braces and a great option for 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 often you wear your aligners. The average Invisalign treatment lasts 12 to 18 months. Some patients will complete their treatment in 6 months if they have minor issues. People with complex dental problems may need 24 months for treatment.
Is clear aligner orthodontic treatment painful?
Wearing clear aligners isn’t painful for most people. 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 caused by the slight pressure the aligners exert 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?
There’s an adjustment period with any dental treatment that involves placing an object in your mouth. 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 often takes a few days to a week.
What is the minimum age for Invisalign?
We don’t recommend Invisalign for patients who are too young or don’t have the most permanent teeth. Most teens about 13 to 14 years old can get clear aligner therapy. By this time, their jaws have stopped growing, and most of their permanent teeth have grown.
Straighten Crooked Teeth
We’re here to help you get straighter teeth and a balanced bite. Call Claremont Dental Institute at (909) 277-6919 to get started with your Invisalign treatment. You can also request an appointment with us online.