The Invisible Way to Align Teeth
Are you looking for a way to straighten your teeth without having to wear clunky metal braces? Some people would rather live with crooked teeth than to have metal brackets and wires on their teeth.
Thanks to advances in modern orthodontics, you can discreetly and conveniently straighten your teeth with Invisalign. Obtaining straight teeth doesn’t have to be a painful or embarrassing process anymore.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a custom made set of clear aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth. They’re a revolutionary orthodontic system that straightens your teeth quickly and discreetly. It’s great for people whose teeth are crowded, gapped, or crooked. They can also be used to correct an overbite or underbite.
While Invisalign is a good option for most people, they aren’t ideal for patients who require significant bite alteration, or movement along the vertical axis.
What are the benefits?
Did you know that having crooked teeth can affect more than just the way you smile? When a person’s teeth aren’t straight it can also affect their oral hygiene and functionality. Invisalign gives you more freedom in your everyday lifestyle that metal braces don’t offer.
Additional reasons why patients get Invisalign Include:
- Ideal for good oral health — Removable trays allow you to maintain optimum oral hygiene throughout treatment.
- Straighten teeth discreetly — The clear aligners are nearly invisible to those around you, so people won’t even know you’re wearing them
- More freedom while eating — You can remove them while you eat, which allows you to eat whatever you please.
- Comfort — The aligners are custom made to fit your teeth to ensure maximum comfort
What does the process look like?
One major benefit of Invisalign is its effective and efficient treatment process. Generally, it only takes 9-15 months to complete. Once you’ve decided Invisalign is right for you, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with us at one of our two locations. During your free consultation, Dr. Clint Ambroson will go over the process with you which includes the following steps:
Step 1: We will take digital impressions and clinical photos of your teeth and send them off to the lab.
Step 2: You’ll receive your custom sets of aligners.
Step 3: Wear each set for about one to weeks until you move onto your next set.
Step 4: Visit Dr. Clint Ambroson every 3-6 weeks for follow-up appointments.
While you’re allowed to take your aligners out as you please, it’s recommended that you wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day for maximum results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are braces or Invisalign better?
Braces and Invisalign are both great options for straightening teeth, but the right choice for you depends on your individual needs. Invisalign has become popular for its ability to correct your smile with a nearly invisible, removable aligner. But Invisalign does have its limits.
If your teeth need significant movement to align your smile, traditional braces may be a better option for you. Invisalign can only provide so much movement, so it’s best for people whose smiles need minor adjustments. At your consultation, you’ll learn if Invisalign or braces is best for you.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works by pushing on your teeth constantly to move them into a new position. Once your teeth have shifted into the position of your current aligners, you’ll receive a new set of aligners. This occurs every two weeks — your new set of aligners furthers your treatment by shifting your teeth slightly further.
Invisalign is often faster than traditional braces because braces can only push your teeth from certain points. But Invisalign makes contact with all surfaces of your teeth, meaning it can push from all directions.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign can be slightly uncomfortable until you get used to wearing your aligners. The treatment shouldn’t be severely painful — if it is, there may be something wrong with your aligners and we’ll need to adjust your treatment.
It’s important to keep in mind that your aligners are moving your teeth around your mouth, and this is hardly a comfortable experience. But the longer you wear your aligners, the more used to the feeling you’ll get. The minor discomfort can also be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.
Can Invisalign fix gaps?
Yes, Invisalign can fix small gaps between teeth. However, if you have large gaps you may need to consider another solution. Traditional braces can close some larger gaps, but if you have a missing tooth, you may need a tooth replacement.
Invisalign is ideal for people who need minor adjustments to their smile, such as people who previously had traditional braces but whose teeth have shifted.
Contact us at our Oelwein and West Union locations
If you’re looking for a pain-free way to get realign your smile, then Invisalign may be right for you.
Give us a call to schedule your free consultation and get the smile you deserve.