Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing; and you can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth; and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.
Many of our patients had never considered traditional braces but are now happily and comfortably improving their smiles with Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
- Invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces.
- Series of clear, removable, custom-made Aligners.
- Uses no metal wires or brackets.
- Custom-made for comfort.
How does Invisalign work?
- Wear each set of Aligners for about two weeks.
- Remove only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
- Your teeth will move gradually each week.
- Visit us every 8-10 weeks.
- Total treatment time averages 6-15 months.
- Average number of Aligners is between 18 and 30.
What are the steps involved in the Invisalign process?
1. Records
2. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
3. Custom impressions for perfect fit
4. Insertion of Appliances
How long does it take to see results?
It varies but you can see changes right away.
Do I have to wear my Invisalign aligners every day?
You should wear them 22 hours per day.
Are they really noticeable?
Not really – you have to look really close
Do they yellow or stain like teeth do?
If you drink a lot of coffee or wine
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners or care for them?
Brush them like teeth and use the cleanser available.
Are they airtight and do they ever get bubbles in them from saliva?
They do get occasional bubbles from saliva
Do you take them out every time you eat – or can you leave them in? If you leave them in can you drink red wine or eat anything with food coloring?
You can eat in them and rinse them immediately after.
What are aligners made of? Are they hard plastic or are they more bendable?
They are flexible and plastic
Can they break or get scratched?
Rarely.
Do they hurt?
Like braces, they place a small amount of pressure on the teeth.
Are they more expensive than regular braces?
Yes they are.
Would I be wearing my Invisalign for a longer period of time than I would with regular braces?
Not necessarily
What is a clin check?
A clin check is a computer generated screen to analyze the movement of the teeth and the number of aligners to treat the case.