What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is another kind of orthodontic treatment. Most commonly, people have heard of braces, but Invisalign can be an alternative option for qualified patients. 

How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?

Invisalign is similar to braces in that the end goal is to obtain an ideal bite and straighten any crooked teeth you may have. Invisalign differs in the sense that you don't have metal brackets in your mouth or metal wires. Instead, you're wearing clear aligner trays with filling attachments on your teeth, making it more aesthetic. However, they move the teeth in similar ways to reach the same end goal of achieving an ideal bite and smile.

Is Invisalign really faster than braces?

Invisalign can or cannot be faster than braces; it really depends the patient's case. If you are someone who simply needs realignment, such as fixing crowding on your lower teeth because you haven't worn your retainers in a while and your teeth have shifted back, cases like those are straightforward and Invisalign can achieve quick results. 

Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?

Invisalign is often considered more comfortable than braces simply because you don't have bulky metal in your mouth. Sometimes the wires from braces can cut your gums, and the metal brackets can be irritating and abrasive for some people. With Invisalign, you are wearing smooth, clear aligners, making it a bit more comfortable for most patients.

What are Invisalign trays, and how many will I need?

Invisalign trays are clear aligners that cover all of your teeth, which you wear for about 22 hours a day. How many a patient needs depends on what the treatment requires. If you have a more extensive treatment, you'll have more aligners, and each aligner is worn for about two weeks at a time.

What is the process involved in Invisalign?

The first step in Invisalign treatment is a series of digital photos taken of the your smile, bite and jaw shape. A scan of the teeth is also done which is then sent to the Invisalign lab (along with the photos) to create your custom aligners! Once the first set of aligners have been obtained, the doctor will attach filling buttons on your teeth to help hook on the aligners. You may also need interproximal reduction, a superficial polish between some teeth if more space is needed. Then you wear each aligner for about two weeks, until the next set of aligners is ready. You'll most likely feel your teeth slightly changing throughout the period of wearing the different aligners. If everything goes well, at the end of the treatment, we just polish off those buttons, and then a scan for your retainers will be taken!

Do I sleep with Invisalign?

Yes, you do sleep with Invisalign, and it's very important to wear them for about 22 hours a day to get the best results.

Is there anything that could disqualify me from Invisalign?

Certain factors could disqualify you from Invisalign. If your case is more complex and requires extensive orthodontic treatment, we'll let you know during your consult. Not everyone qualifies, but most people do.

Can Invisalign fix crossbite?

Invisalign can fix certain crossbites, but it depends on the severity of the crossbite. We take an assessment of your teeth and bite at your new patient exam and can better inform you at that time.

Is Invisalign painful?

Invisalign is not very painful, though you might feel a little soreness. Every time you switch out your aligner every two weeks, you might feel some pressure on your teeth. In that case, you can take some ibuprofen for a couple of days to help the soreness. Overall, Invisalign is not a painful process at all.

How can I schedule an appointment to talk with a dentist about Invisalign?

You can schedule an appointment with any of our dentists that offer Invisalign. Most orthodontic offices and a good number of general dentists offer Invisalign. Give us a call and schedule a new patient exam to get started!