Why an Invisalign Dentist is better than a general dentist for Invisalign treatment?

Did you know that every year, 1.4 million adults visit the dentist to fix their crooked smiles?

In the past, adult orthodontic treatment was uncommon. However, more and more people are learning that it’s easy to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth at any age- thanks to Invisalign clear aligners. That’s why it has become such a popular choice.

If you are an adult considering straightening your teeth, you may find that Invisalign is the perfect solution. Below, we’ll explain more about Invisalign and 5-step process for treatment.

Improved Method for Teeth Straightening

In the past, the only way to straighten misaligned teeth was with metal braces. Many people found these to be unsightly, uncomfortable, and basically undesirable. Plus, they required a lot of maintenance. So, many times, adults chose to just live with their crooked teeth, unless they had no other option.

Then, Invisalign clear aligners came to the market. This is an innovative way to straighten teeth- a system of clear aligners that overcome the disadvantages of metal braces. They straighten your teeth without the metal brackets and are virtually invisible. As long as you are compliant with your treatment instructions, they work just as well.

You will be given a set of trays that are customized to the unique shape of your mouth, so they’re comfortable. These trays are changed out every couple of weeks as they gradually pull your teeth back into alignment.

With Invisalign clear aligners, the dentist is not as involved as with traditional metal braces. You will need to check-in periodically to monitor your progress. However, you will not have to make an appointment every time you change your aligners.

5 Step Process

When you know what to expect, it’s easier to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you. In just 5 steps, you’ll have a beautiful smile!

Initial Appointment

At your first appointment, Dr. Isaac Perle will meet with you, evaluate the condition of your mouth, and discuss your cosmetic dentistry needs and goals. At this time, it will be determined if Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for you. Unfortunately, some people do not qualify. If this is true for you, the dentist will explain your other options. If, on the other hand, you do qualify for Invisalign treatment, the dentist will discuss the protocol for treatment and an estimated timeline.

Molding

The second step in the Invisalign treatment process is digital molding. This may happen at the initial appointment, or it may need to be scheduled at a different time, based on your schedule.

An accurate model of your mouth and teeth positioning will be created with digital scans, x-rays, and photos. These im ages are sent to the Invisalign lab so that they can create your custom aligner trays.

Placing Your First Aligner Tray

Once we receive your aligner trays, we will schedule your pick-up appointment. At this time, Dr. Isaac Perle will place your first tray. He may attach some small, clear buttons to your teeth to keep the aligners in place. They are painless to install, temporary, and almost invisible. Once he has confirmed that the tray fits properly, your aftercare program will be explained, and you’ll be on your way.

Follow-Up Appointments

A few weeks later, you’ll need to return to the office so that the dentist can check the fit of your aligner tray and monitor tooth movements.

The entire treatment process is made of a series of Invisalign trays. With metal braces, you must follow up on a regular basis. However, with Invisalign, this is not the case. You will simply need to follow up periodically so that the dentist can check your progress. You do not need to come into the office every time you change aligners.

If it is determined that treatment is not progressing as it should, you may need new scans and a second set of aligners.

Success!

At the end of your treatment protocol, you will have straighter teeth. Final results depend on the severity of your misalignment at the start of your treatment. However, as long as you comply with treatment instructions, straighter teeth are guaranteed. You will be required to wear a retainer after treatment to ensure that the teeth remain in their new position.

FAQs about Invisalign Clear Aligners

Now that you have an idea of what to expect during the Invisalign treatment process, you may have some other questions. Below are some of the most common questions we are asked to help you determine if this is the best treatment option for you.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

No, Invisalign is not painful during any stage of treatment: molding, fitting, or wearing. You may have some discomfort with the initial tray, but this resolves in about a day. If you need the attachments, those don’t hurt either. Local anesthesia is not necessary to have them placed and, once your teeth are straight, they are easy to remove.

How can I clean my teeth with Invisalign?

One of the major advantages of Invisalign clear aligners is that they are removable. You will be instructed to wear them for at least 22 hours a day- but it’s fine to remove them to brush your teeth. In fact, it’s expected.

Simply remove the trays and brush your teeth as you normally would. Clean trays with cold water and replace them when done.

On average, how long does Invisalign treatment take?

Everyone is different and will have their own experience with Invisalign- treatment times will vary.

First of all, it depends on the severity of your misalignment to begin with. In addition, your compliance influences your treatment length. If you wear them as instructed, you will see results faster than someone who does not fully follow instructions. Typically, adolescents see faster results because they are still growing.

It is recommended that you wear a retainer, especially at night, to keep the teeth in their new positions.

Can Invisalign aligners be seen?

When you are up close to someone with Invisalign, you can see them- but they’re still virtually invisible. You won’t have obvious attachments and metal wires running across your teeth as you do with traditional metal braces.

Since they are removable, if you have a special event to attend and you don’t want people to see your aligners, you can remove them. However, it’s important to note that this could potentially slow your progress, so it’s not recommended.

Can I kiss with Invisalign?

Yes, you can kiss with Invisalign. They do not get in the way at all because they sit so close to your teeth. In fact, the fit is so tight that your partner won’t even notice them. You may feel a bit awkward the first time you kiss with them in, but that will soon go away.

Can I play sports with Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are designed to straighten your teeth. They will not protect them while playing sports. If you typically wear a mouthguard while on the field, remove your aligners and wear the appropriate mouthguard. Your overall treatment will not be affected if you remove them for a few hours- just don’t forget to put them back in once your activity is over.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment to fix your crooked teeth, schedule your consultation today with Cambridge Dental. Dr. Isaac Perle, is our Invisalign specialist. He can help you determine if Invisalign is appropriate for your needs and goals- and help you get started with treatment if it is.

Once you get started with your treatment, you’ll need to check in periodically, but the dentist will not be near as involved with Invisalign as he is with traditional metal braces.