Have you ever thought about straightening your teeth? Braces aren’t the only option. Invisalign can offer a convenient and subtle alternative to traditional metal braces.
Why Should I Consider Invisalign?
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. Difficulty maintaining your oral hygiene between dental cleanings may also lead to plaque and bacteria buildup that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Misaligned teeth or bite issues can also cause problems with biting and chewing, which can lead to additional complications.
Traditional braces have long been a trusted solution for achieving a straighter smile. Over the past 25 years, Invisalign has become a fantastic alternative for mild to moderate teeth alignment issues.
What Is the Difference Between Braces & Invisalign?
Traditional braces typically cannot be removed. They apply gentle pressure to the teeth, helping them shift slowly over time. Invisalign works similarly but uses a series of custom-made, clear aligner trays crafted from soft plastic to gently shift the teeth into their desired positions. The aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush your teeth, or participate in sports without restrictions.
The clear aligners are one of Invisalign’s biggest appeals because they have a subtle appearance, making Invisalign a popular choice for those who want a more discrete treatment.
What Can Invisalign Help Treat?
Invisalign can help with several dental issues, including:
- Uneven spacing (crowding or gaps): Invisalign can gently adjust your smile by creating space for crowded teeth or closing unwanted gaps, helping create a more uniform smile.
- Malocclusions and open bites: Invisalign can gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, helping improve your bite function and comfort by addressing overbites, underbites, crossbites (malocclusions), and open bites.
- Crooked teeth: Crooked teeth not only affect the appearance of your smile but can also cause difficulty with chewing and speaking. Invisalign can help straighten teeth for a more functional smile.
We can help determine if Invisalign is right for you during a consultation.
The Invisalign Process
At Sunshine Dental, we prioritize clear communication throughout your Invisalign journey. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and examine your smile to determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you.
Everyone’s experience with Invisalign can be slightly different, but the common features of the Invisalign process include the following:
- Precise scans: Using 3D scanning technology, we’ll capture a detailed image of your teeth to create custom aligners with an accurate fit.
- A smile designed just for you: We will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your desired outcome based on your scans.
- Custom-fitted aligners: You’ll receive your first set of custom aligners and meet with our dental team to ensure they fit correctly. During your ongoing treatment, you’ll need to switch to new aligners as your teeth continue to shift.
- We closely monitor your progress: We will be by your side every step of the way. We schedule regular checkups to monitor your progress and supply you with your next set of aligners.
- Daily wear recommendations: It’s typically recommended that you wear your aligners for 20–22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, brush your teeth, and clean the aligners. Spending this amount of time wearing the aligners can be crucial for successful treatment outcomes. Our team will provide clear instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners.
- Recommendations for maintaining your results: After completing your Invisalign treatment, we may recommend that you wear a retainer to maintain your newly achieved smile. Our team will discuss the right options for long-term smile retention with you based on your teeth.
We are here to provide full support for your oral health and personal advice for achieving your aesthetic goals. During your Invisalign treatment, we will monitor your progress with regular checkups to help you progress toward your desired results. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have during your initial consultation or at any time during your ongoing treatment.
