CUSTOM-MADE INVISIBLE ORTHODONTICS
Have you always wanted a straighter, more beautiful smile, but been deterred from seeking orthodontic care by the thought of traditional bracket and wire braces? You’re not alone. More and more often, we treat adult and adolescent patients for whom traditional orthodontics just isn’t the right solution. There are a number of reasons you may want a non-traditional orthodontic solution. In addition to the cosmetic concerns, traditional braces require years of treatment, regular, lengthy office visits, changes to diet and oral hygiene, and other inconveniences that may not fit your schedule or lifestyle. For these patients, Barco Family Dentistry may recommend Invisalign clear braces. If you’re interested in finding out more, please contact our Bloomington dental office to schedule your Invisalign consultation. We welcome patients from nearby Ellettsville and Martinsville, IN.
HOW INVISALIGN WORKS
Invisalign utilizes clear, plastic alignment trays rather than metal brackets and wires to shift teeth into alignment over the course of about a year of treatment. The process is simple. Each set of alignment trays represents one step closer to the ideal alignment. When worn for about two weeks, the pressure from the trays shifts teeth into this new position. Then, patients exchange the current alignment trays for the next set in the series. You will not need to visit us for adjustments the way you would with traditional braces, but you will need to have checkup appointments every six weeks to two months. These quick, painless appointments simply verify that your teeth are progressing as planned, and we are able to adjust your treatment plan as necessary to ensure you achieve your desired results. Best of all, Invisalign does not significantly impact your daily hygiene routine or diet. You simply need to remove the braces during meals and while cleaning teeth. Then, replace them and go on about your daily routine.
INDICATIONS FOR INVISALIGN
Invisalign can be used to treat the most common orthodontic issues. The indications for Invisalign are listed below.
CROWDED TEETH
Having teeth that are too close together can make it difficult to clean them properly, leaving you at a higher risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign can help to create more space for the teeth to line up properly.
SPACES BETWEEN TEETH
You may feel like your gapped smile is unattractive, plus having too much space between your teeth makes it easier for food particles to get trapped which leaves you at a higher risk of bad breath and tooth decay. Invisalign can help push the teeth back into the proper alignment!
BITE ALIGNMENT
Problems with the overall bite put pressure on your jaw joint and can leave you vulnerable to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which lead to accelerated wear and tear of the tooth enamel. Overbite, underbite, and crossbite can all be corrected with Invisalign.
BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN ORTHODONTICS
Advances in the materials, techniques, and technologies used to perform Invisalign orthodontic treatment mean that more patients than ever can achieve their smile alignment goals using clear aligners. If you and the Barco Family Dentistry team decide to move forward with Invisalign clear braces orthodontics, there are numerous advantages compared with traditional braces, including:
- Speed – most patients complete their Invisalign treatment plan in just 12 months. Traditional braces require 24 to 36 months in many cases, and patients need to visit the office for bracket and wire adjustments much more frequently. Invisalign patients will only need to visit us for short appointments every six to eight weeks.
- Comfort & safety – traditional bracket and wire braces can cause a great deal of discomfort as the smile shifts. This discomfort affects both the teeth themselves and the soft tissue that becomes irritated by the brackets and wires. Smooth alignment trays prevent soft tissue irritation as they gently shift teeth into alignment.
- Cosmetic superiority – even clear and tooth-colored bracket and wire braces are obvious when you speak, chew, and smile in public. Completely clear alignment tray orthodontics offer a natural smile throughout orthodontic treatments. That means you can smile with confidence in any situation.
UNDERSTANDING THE COST OF INVISALIGN
When it comes to treatments like Invisalign, no patient is created equal. That means the price you’ll pay for your new smile will largely vary depending on your needs as a patient. A few of these factors include the severity of your case, the amount of time you dedicate to wearing the aligners, and your age. Of course, the best way to find out the most precise cost of Invisalign possible is by meeting with Dr. Barco for a consultation!
INVISALIGN FAQS
Now that you understand the basics of how Invisalign works, you might have a few questions about some of the details. At Barco Family Dentistry, we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have before we begin any treatment. For your convenience, we’ve included the answers to the questions that we get asked the most frequently below.
DOES INVISALIGN TREATMENT HURT?
Invisalign works by constantly applying gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them into their ideal position. Some patients feel a slight discomfort when they first begin treatment, or when they switch to a new pair of aligners. They usually describe it more as “pressure” rather than outright pain. However, this sensation is completely normal and shouldn’t last more than a few days. If your discomfort lasts longer than that, call us and we can figure out whether your treatment needs adjusting.
I USED TO HAVE BRACES, BUT MY TEETH ARE CROOKED AGAIN NOW. CAN I STILL GET INVISALIGN?
In most cases, yes. Many patients who have previously worn braces have had their teeth shift back into their original positions after not wearing their retainer. Invisalign is a great way to straighten these patients’ smiles again without drawing attention to it. In fact, your treatment might not even take as long since the braces most likely corrected the more serious orthodontic issues, such as a misaligned bite.
CAN I GET INVISALIGN IF I HAVE DENTAL CROWNS OR VENEERS?
It depends on the details of your individual case. Sometimes, veneers or crowns can present problems with orthodontic treatment, and sometimes it’s perfectly fine. The only way to know for sure is to have Dr. Barco take a closer look at your smile.
WILL INVISALIGN AFFECT THE WAY I SPEAK?
At first, you may sound as if you have a slight lisp. Many of the sounds that we regularly make are produced by your tongue pressing against the roof of your mouth or the back of your upper front teeth. Since the top aligner is now there, your tongue may get confused and have trouble pronouncing certain sounds, particularly the letter “S.” The good news is that it takes most people less than a week to get back to speaking like normal. You can speed up this adjustment process by saying words with a lot of “S” sounds, like counting from sixty to seventy repeatedly.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY INVISALIGN TRAYS?
Cleaning your aligners is necessary in preventing them from becoming discolored or retaining bacteria that could contribute to cavities and gum disease. Ideally, you should rinse your aligners in lukewarm (never hot) water every time you take them out. At least once a day, gently scrub them clean with a toothbrush, running water, and a clear antibacterial hand soap.