Everything You Need To Know About Invisalign

Not so long ago, there were limited treatment options for anyone looking to straighten their smile. Fortunately, those days are over! Today’s patients can choose from a variety of affordable treatment methods, including Invisalign clear aligners. In fact, this exciting system is our most popular alternative to traditional braces! It’s not hard to see why—Invisalign allows us to achieve the same exceptional results as braces but without the brackets and wires. That makes it an appealing solution for patients who worry that traditional braces may not be the right fit for them.

Here at Smile Studio, our goal is to help you find the best treatment for your specific needs, whether that’s braces or clear aligners. Dr. White will build a personalized treatment plan for you that’s based on your unique smile, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re considering orthodontics to improve your oral health and give you a more aligned bite but are on the fence about braces, Invisalign could work for you. Let’s take a closer look at how the system works to give you long-lasting results you’ll love!

What is the Invisalign clear aligner system?

Orthodontists can use fixed or removable appliances to straighten teeth. Braces are a fixed appliance, which means the brackets are affixed directly to the surface of the teeth and only an orthodontic specialist can remove them. Invisalign is a removable appliance. The customized aligners are designed to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth, but no part of the aligner is directly attached to them. Both appliances work similarly, but Invisalign doesn’t require any brackets, bands, or wires to move the teeth.

The appearance of Invisalign aligners can be deceptively simple! They’re made of a special thermoplastic resin that is strong enough to move the teeth into new positions but comfortable enough to wear for the recommended 20-22 hours each day. This guideline must be followed for the system to be successful. Invisalign aligners must also be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan. This allows them to keep up with the movements the teeth are making.

How does the Invisalign treatment process work?

When you schedule a consultation with our team, Dr. White will determine if you’re a good fit for the Invisalign system. If you decide to move forward with clear aligners, we’ll begin the process by mapping out a precise treatment plan for you. This uses a highly detailed 3D scan of your teeth and gums to plot the exact movements we want your teeth to make and provide the design for your customized aligners.

Invisalign’s special SmartTrack® material is durable and nearly invisible, something our patients love! The trays are customized to fit snugly over your teeth. As mentioned above, Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours each day to move teeth into the desired positions. You’ll also be responsible for switching the aligners out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. Failure to follow these guidelines can lead to longer treatment times and subpar results.

When it comes to treatment times, this will vary from case to case. Everyone’s smile is different and each patient will respond to treatment in their own way. On average, however, most patients will need to wear Invisalign aligners for anywhere from 6-18 months. When we go over the details of your personalized plan, we’ll be able to give you a good estimate of how long your treatment is likely to take. You may even be able to get a peek at what your new smile will look like!

Once you’ve received your first set of aligners, you’ll be scheduled for regular checkups with Dr. White every 6-8 weeks or so. During these visits, she will check the movements your teeth are making and ensure that everything is progressing as it should be. Unlike braces, there are no adjustments necessary, so these appointments tend to be fairly brief. They are an essential part of the treatment process, though, so you should do your best not to miss any.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

There are lots of reasons to love Invisalign! Food restrictions are a great example. To protect the brackets and wires of their appliance, braces patients must avoid crunchy and chewy foods throughout the treatment process. While all that effort is worth it in the end, it can be frustrating to have to give up some of your favorite meals and snacks.

You never have to worry about this with Invisalign! Since the aligners are designed to be removed any time you eat or drink anything other than water, you can continue eating anything you normally would. This removability makes dental hygiene simple, too. Brushing and flossing with braces can be time-consuming, but Invisalign aligners are removed before your usual routine. Taking care of your teeth and gums is easier than ever!

What happens once Invisalign treatment is complete?

Whatever orthodontic treatment you choose, your teeth will always remember their previous places in your mouth. Over time, they’ll begin drifting back to those positions if there’s nothing in place to stop them. This is why wearing a retainer is so important for every orthodontic patient! Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, our office will provide you with a retainer. For the longest-lasting results, you should always wear it exactly as directed by Dr. White.

Invisalign is the clear choice at Smile Studio

Invisalign can be an excellent choice for many patients! In most cases, clear aligners can work just as well as braces at correcting many common issues. The system won’t be a good fit for everything, though. Cases that are particularly severe or complex may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner can achieve. If a different method of treatment would be more suitable for you, Dr. White will discuss this with you during your consultation.

Would you like to learn more about how the exciting Invisalign system can transform your smile into something special? Get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. White and our expert team! We’re here to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.