What is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are clear orthodontic devices designed to straighten teeth discreetly. Unlike traditional wire braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a favored choice for those seeking an aesthetic orthodontic solution. Invisalign clear aligners are a simple, effective alternative to braces, offering many amazing benefits.
Why Choose Aligner Treatment?
Invisalign is totally invisible when worn and does not affect speech, making it an ideal choice for older adults. It also provides faster treatment than braces in most cases, and it’s more comfortable since there are no metal components to poke or irritate your mouth.
In addition to this, Invisalign is very convenient. It can be removed to eat and drink, so there are no dietary restrictions. You will also have the convenience of removing your aligners to brush and floss, making oral care more simple. Invisalign won’t hinder your hobbies either, as you can also take out your aligners to do things like play sports or musical instruments with mouthpieces. For all of these reasons, Invisalign is very popular as an alternative to traditional metal/ceramic braces.
THE INVISALIGN TREATMENT PROCESS
What To Expect
Initial Consultation
To begin the process, you’ll need to see Dr. Emmy for an Invisalign consultation. She will perform a comprehensive oral exam and determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. We offer complimentary Invisalign consultations at our office.
First Set of Aligners
If you’re approved, Dr. Emmy will use the scans taken during your consultation and work with Invisalign to create your treatment plan. Your first several sets of aligners will be sent to our office within a few weeks, in most cases.
Wearing Your Aligners
Each set of aligners is typically worn for 20-22 hours or longer per day. They should be removed only to eat and drink, and to brush and floss. Each set is worn for about 2 weeks. You will need to come back into our office periodically for a quick oral exam and to get your next few sets of aligners.
Treatment Completion
This basic process outlined in the previous step will continue until your smile has been corrected. Then, you’ll come to our office for a final consultation and get a set of retainers to wear to keep your smile in the proper position. This completes your Invisalign
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
Know Your Options
Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign. For example, if you have serious orthodontic problems or you have oral health issues like decayed/infected teeth or gum disease, you may not qualify for treatment. To find out if you’re a good candidate, you can schedule a complimentary, commitment-free consultation at your Coconut Creek Dentist. Dr. Emmy will help you explore your options and find out if Invisalign is right for you, free of charge. We proudly serve the dental patients of Coconut Creek, FL!
Invisalign
WHY CHOOSE INVISALIGN OVER BRACES?
-
By far the biggest appeal of Invisalign is the clear aligners that enable patients to discreetly correct their tooth alignment without drawing attention to themselves. Visible metal wires and brackets can be embarrassing, cause feelings of self-consciousness, and ruin pictures. Clear aligners blend in with your teeth and Invisalign attachments are also tooth-colored.
-
Many patients go through years of wearing uncomfortable braces, excited to finally be left with straight teeth, only to find that their teeth are discolored, have white or yellow spots, and have left them with cavities. This is because it is incredibly difficult to properly brush and floss between the immovable wires and brackets. Invisalign aligners can be taken out completely so you can brush and floss your teeth like normal with no obstructions. This reduces your chance of developing tooth decay, bad breath, discoloration, and uneven spots on your teeth.
-
Traditional braces place many restrictions on your diet. Patients aren't supposed to eat sticky, hard, crunchy, chewy, and sugary foods. They can become trapped in the braces, increase the risk of cavities, dislodge or damage your braces. Invisalign, however, places no restrictions on your diet, because you can remove your aligners to eat. As long as you remember to take your aligners out, keep them clean, and brush and floss your teeth before putting them back in, you can eat or drink whatever you want!
-
Metal braces place a lot of force on the teeth to shift them, which is what makes them the most effective at correcting severe malocclusions. However, this force can cause severe pain, soreness, and discomfort that never really goes away. Invisalign is much more comfortable because it places gentle pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them. The plastic material is much more comfortable and gentle than the metal wires and brackets in braces.
-
Invisalign's software allows us to digitally plan your entire orthodontic treatment from start to finish with the use of digital impressions, x-rays, and photos. You can see what the end result will look like from the very beginning and we can show you how we'll achieve these tooth movements on a digital model.
Why Would I Need Invisalign?
Invisalign is most effective at correcting minor orthodontic problems such as:
Overcrowding
Gaps
Crooked teeth
Bite problems
If you would like to correct these orthodontic problems and avoid the negative symptoms that come with wearing braces, then Invisalign is an excellent alternative. If you have more severe malocclusions like an open or overbite, we can place Invisalign attachment buttons on your teeth to help anchor the aligners. This assists the aligners in exerting the correct amount of force to encourage certain teeth to shift in the right direction.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY DENTIST ABOUT
Invisalign?
-
It’s important to anticipate the cost of treatment so we can work with your budget to develop a treatment that works for you. Some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of Invisalign, while others may not. This depends on whether or not the treatment is considered medically necessary or purely aesthetic.
-
It’s also crucial that you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in the first place. While Invisalign can treat an array of orthodontic problems, from crooked teeth and overcrowding to bite problems, it’s not as suitable for performing complex tooth movements as braces. If you have severe malocclusions, you may be a better candidate for braces and this is something you should speak to your dentist about.
-
There are not as many limitations under Invisalign treatment as there are with traditional braces. That’s why so many people prefer Invisalign. However, you should know that you will be required to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, need to regularly clean your aligners, and can’t eat or drink flavored beverages with your aligners on, nor should you smoke. All of these behaviors can negatively affect your treatment.
-
Many people think that once they have shifted their teeth with Invisalign, their work is done. However, the truth is that once you’ve finished the bulk of the treatment, you will move into the retention stage. You will be required to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back.
-
First, let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. Don’t smoke, eat, drink hot liquids, or consume flavored drinks with your aligners in. We recommend abstaining from smoking during your treatment altogether. These behaviors increase your risk of staining your aligners and getting cavities.
Hot water can morph your aligners. You should clean your aligners with denture cleaner and a soft-bristle toothbrush twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night. Rinse your aligners under cold water when taking them out and put them back in their storage case so you don’t lose or break them.
You need to remove your aligners before eating but also remember to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. We recommend that you soak your aligners in denture cleaning solution or Invisalign cleaning crystals for at least 15 minutes a day.
Make An Appointment
Serving Patients In and Around Coconut Creek, FL
Currently Accepting New Patients
CONTACT US.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re happy to help!