Clear orthodontic aligners have been growing in popularity for many years. One of the most recognizable brands is Invisalign®. Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that uses clear tray aligners to straighten the teeth instead of the traditional mouthful of metal wires and brackets.
If you are a candidate, Invisalign provides an almost invisible way to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is available at Venetian Family Dental in Stockton and the surrounding area. Call us at (209) 474-0888 to schedule an appointment to see if this treatment is right for you.
An Alternative to Traditional Braces
Invisalign uses clear tray aligners instead of metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The aligners are constructed of a solid piece of plastic strong enough to shift the teeth and move them into the correct position. Every one or two weeks, the patient receives a new tray with an updated aligner. Each tray will feel slightly different as it shifts and moves the teeth.
The idea of using removable aligners to adjust the teeth is not a new concept. The idea was first introduced in the 1940s. Additional improvements were made through the decades, though the technology did not improve until the 1990s. The creators of Invisalign developed their mass-market system in 1999.
How Invisalign Works To Straighten Teeth
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of clear aligners that gradually straighten teeth over time. These aligners are removable and do not have any brackets or wires. They consist of a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® that fits snugly over teeth. Each aligner in the series encourages a slightly different position than the previous one, making the overall correction a steady yet gentle progression.
Before a patient can begin Invisalign, they must have a consultation to discuss the treatment process and have their smile evaluated. We will map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that shows the patient the step-by-step transformation of their smile during this appointment. Once the patient approves the plan, we will take digital scans, X-rays, and photos of their teeth and mouth to create an accurate model. This information goes to the Invisalign laboratory to create custom-fitting trays.
The Creation of Invisalign Trays
The process of receiving Invisalign trays usually takes around four weeks. Once we take impressions or scans of the patient's teeth, we must send them to the Invisalign factory with notes about how the treatment should progress. Then, the factory will determine the optimal amount of trays and send the specifications back to us.
We will make any necessary modifications and then email the changes to the factory. Once implemented, the factory will create the trays, and lab technicians trim each one individually to match the patient's gumline. Although there is a waiting period before a patient can begin treatment, this process ensures that the treatment process will be effective and comfortable.
Invisalign’s Three Steps
The first step to getting Invisalign is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist. Our staff will look at overall oral health and take impressions of the mouth. Next, that impression is sent to Invisalign and used to make aligners unique to the patient's mouth for a custom fit.
Once the aligners have been made, our staff will make sure they fit well, answer any questions, and go over the treatment plan. Patients will be expected to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get results. Regular checkups with Venetian Family Dental will make sure treatment stays on track. Our staff will determine how often new aligners are needed.
After the desired results have been achieved, the patient may be expected to wear a retainer to maintain those results. This will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their initial position. Our doctor will provide specific instructions on how often a retainer will need to be worn.
Benefits of Invisalign
One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is its clear, almost invisible appearance. The clear aligners are also easy to remove for eating, so patients can eat and drink without restrictions. Once removed, wearers can easily clean their teeth since there are no metal wires in the way. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, making for improved oral hygiene and health. Crooked teeth can trap debris and bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. When untreated, this can cause a range of problems, from teeth loss to gum disease.
In most cases, adults and teens are the best candidates since they have fully or mostly developed bones and teeth. Invisalign works more effectively for patients with less severe crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. People with severely misaligned teeth, bites, or significant gaps may benefit from a different means of correction.
Taking Care of Invisalign Aligners
It is essential to use and care for Invisalign aligners appropriately to have a good orthodontic outcome. For Invisalign to work, the aligners have to be worn for the recommended number of hours a day. Patients should try to limit the number of times they remove the aligners since it will not take long to exceed the time they can be left off.
Cleaning the Aligners
Patients should always rinse the aligners when they are removed. Bacteria and plaque can easily attach to them, which can cause an unpleasant odor and sticky feeling on the teeth. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap. If patients use toothpaste to clean the aligners, they should make sure that it is not a brand with whitening agents, as these can wear away the plastic.
Invisalign aligners need to be stored in a case when not being worn. Leaving them out in the open exposes them to germs that can then be transferred to the mouth.
Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential at any time, but it is a bit easier when using Invisalign versus traditional braces. Food and plaque can get trapped in conventional braces' metal brackets and can be tough to brush. Since Invisalign aligners can be removed, it is simple to brush and floss and replace the aligners when finished.
Make sure to brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck in the aligners, leading to bacteria growth and bad breath.
Length of Treatment Time
Only a dentist can reasonably predict the length of the Invisalign treatment time. The severity of the condition, how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan, and age are all factors. On average, it takes less than two years to see results. The treatment time for teens is typically a little shorter than adults.
Following all the recommended guidelines will ensure patients do not extend the treatment time. Patients need to switch trays on schedule and talk to our staff if there are any concerns. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended time, the teeth may start to shift back to their original positions.
Finding the Right Invisalign Dentist
People who are interested in Invisalign treatment should conduct thorough research to find the right Invisalign dentist. It is crucial to find a skilled and reliable dentist since the provider will dictate the quality of treatment results. People should research the dentist's education, training, and certifications to ensure that they have the right experience and knowledge.
It is also helpful to look at reviews and before and after photos to see if the results align with their orthodontic goals. During the consultation, people should ask the right questions regarding the treatment process, results, and concerns. The right Invisalign provider will also genuinely care for their patient's oral health. Our team works with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan for their needs and goals.
Services and Future Check-ups
When the aligners are ready, patients will return to our office for a fitting. Invisalign dentists can also provide Invisalign attachments, which are small and button-like. They are attached to a patient's teeth to ensure aligners stay in place. These attachments are temporary and removed when treatment is complete.
Throughout treatment, patients will return for follow-up appointments. We will check the fit of the aligners and the progress made in shifting teeth. While Invisalign wearers do not require regular appointments for adjustment, they will have periodic checkups to check their progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Invisalign?
A. Invisalign is an orthodontic technique that uses clear, plastic aligners to straighten the teeth. The aligners are created from a custom mold of the patient's mouth, and new aligner trays are provided at specific intervals as part of the treatment process. Venetian Family Dental will develop the treatment plan and monitor the process.
Q. What are the advantages of Invisalign over traditional metal braces?
A. Since Invisalign aligners are clear, patients can avoid the unsightly look of a mouth filled with metal brackets and wires. They are also more comfortable to wear and allow the patient fewer restrictions on foods they can eat. Since they are removable, it is easier to brush and floss your teeth.
Q. How long is the treatment time?
A. Treatment, on average, takes less than two years but can vary depending on the patient's specific concerns. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to see results. If a patient does not wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time, treatment results will take longer.
Q. Does Invisalign hurt?
A. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign's clear aligners do not rub and poke at the soft tissues of the mouth. Patients can expect to feel some sensitivity for a day or two when a new set of aligners are put in. This means the teeth are shifting and the aligners are working. Any discomfort should go away quickly.
Q. How do you keep Invisalign aligners clean?
A. Aligners should be cleaned with a clear and unscented antibacterial soap or toothpaste. If using toothpaste, make sure it is not a brand with whitening agents, which can wear away the plastic. Always brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in the mouth. This helps keep food particles from getting stuck, which can lead to bacteria growth and bad breath.
Q. Do I have to avoid any foods with Invisalign?
A. If you eat with the aligners in place, make sure to avoid hard foods like raw carrots and sticky foods like gum. Hard and sticky candies should also be avoided. You will also want to avoid drinking anything other than water when the aligners are in place. Coffee and tea can stain the aligners, while soda has acidic properties that can break down the plastic.
Q. Is teeth straightening only about a great smile?
A. Straighter teeth can lead to better oral health. When teeth are crooked, people can find it difficult to clean some areas properly. Having straighter teeth should help people clean their teeth more easily and thoroughly.
Q. Will I have to wear a retainer?
A. Although Invisalign moves teeth differently from traditional metal braces, the results are still the same. After treatment, a retainer will prevent teeth from shifting back out of alignment. Patients can discuss retainers with our team for more information.
Learn More About Invisalign
For many patients, Invisalign is a practical alternative to traditional braces. If you are interested in finding out whether this treatment is right for you, call Venetian Family Dental in Stockton at (209) 474-0888 to learn more about whether or not you are a candidate.