Invisalign Teeth Straightening
Invisalign (“invisible braces”) is a less invasive, more aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces. It uses a series of clear aligner trays to gradually adjust your teeth into alignment. Since they’re clear, they can be worn all day and remain unnoticed by people around you. Invisalign aligners also can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth, which eliminates some of the restrictions placed on patients by metal braces. Using Invisalign is a popular choice for both teenagers and adults who need teeth straightening. Results are typically seen faster and with less pain and discomfort.
The Invisalign teeth straightening process
Invisalign works by gradually straightening your teeth with a new set of clear aligner trays every two weeks or so. It takes about one year to straighten the teeth for most patients, and the recommended time spent wearing them is a minimum of 22 hours each day.
To custom-fit the Invisalign aligner trays to your mouth, your dentist will take impressions or an intraoral digital scan of your bite and teeth, and send their specifications to Invisalign so they can create aligners that will work best for you. The number of aligner sets needed varies for each patient and their treatment plan. Invisalign can treat most of the common misalignments like spaces and gaps, crowding of teeth, overbites and underbites. However, it’s not always 100 percent effective for very complex tooth placements or misaligned bites. Your dentist can recommend the best approach for your individual dental needs, whether that is Invisalign treatment or traditional braces. At the end of your teeth straightening treatment, you should have a straight, even, beautiful smile.
Invisalign vs braces
When it comes to finding the best option for straightening teeth, many patients consider the benefits of Invisalign vs braces. Traditional braces, which uses a system of metal brackets, wires, and rubber bands, were first developed in the 1800’s and have significantly evolved in terms of style, comfort, safety, and efficacy. But while braces are still considered the gold standard of orthodontic correction, the potential discomfort and appearance of them led to the creation of clear braces including Invisalign.
Some of the key differences been these two types of braces are:
Treatment time. Braces are worn 24/7 for an average of about 2 years depending on the patient’s treatment plan. Invisalign trays are only worn for about 22 hours a day over the course of 16-18 months.
Color. Metal braces are highly visible in the mouth while the clear plastic Invisalign trays are minimally visible while the patient is wearing them. Maintenance. The brackets and wires of braces need to be carefully cleaned and rinsed while the Invisalign system can be removed for fast, thorough cleaning.
Follow-Ups. Invisalign trays are replaced every 2-4 weeks with visits every 4-6 weeks to monitor improvement. With regular braces, visits are typically on a monthly basis and the braces are adjusted manually by the dentist.
Both conventional braces and Invisalign braces can effectively straighten teeth, but each system has its own pros and cons, which will be discussed with you during your consultation.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the patient’s needs and insurance plan. At Moore & Pascarella, we are here to support you every step of the way and address any concerns you may have about paying for your dental care. We proudly offer all of our patients Care Credit to help with dental treatments, and we discuss all your possible options with you during your appointment so you can move forward with your treatment plan with confidence.
What can and cannot be fixed with Invisalign
Invisalign has been proven to be safe and effective for treating:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Children who have a mixture of both baby and permanent teeth
- Smiles that are generally straight but could use a slight adjustment
But while there are multiple dental conditions that Invisalign does correct, it may not be the best solution for patients who have:
- Bridgework
- Back tooth bite issues
- Canines or premolars that need to be rotated
- Teeth that need to be moved vertically
After reviewing your x-rays, our team will let you know whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign and what other treatment options may be available to you.
How to care for your Invisalign aligners
Properly caring for your Invisalign system can be easily incorporated into your daily dental routine. The cleaning kits that are specifically designed for the Invisalign system are the best option, but trays can also be cleaned by brushing them in cold water with a soft bristle toothbrush and a clear, gentle liquid soap once per day. Harsher brushes or cleaning agents can break down the material of the trays. It’s also important to rinse your Invisalign trays every time you take them out to prevent saliva or plaque from drying and building up.
Experience the Moore & Pascarella difference
If you’re looking for Invisalign, contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your journey to a straighter smile.
We’re an Invisalign Preferred Provider
We’ve helped lots of patients achieve straighter smiles using Invisalign and have earned Preferred Provider status with Invisalign for demonstrating a strong track record using the system.