When people come into our office looking for orthodontic help we often talk about Invisalign as a newer option than traditional braces. We at Dentistry on the Pines have seen how this has changed the way people think about straightening their teeth. The technology behind the clear aligners has come a long way and we are happy to offer this option to people in Vaughan.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom made aligners to slowly move your teeth into place. These can be taken out unlike regular metal braces. So you can take them out to eat, brush or floss. This freedom makes it much easier to keep your Dental Hygiene up while you’re in treatment. We use state of the art 3D imaging technology to create a custom treatment plan for you. This allows us to see the whole path your teeth will take from where they are now to the final result.
The first step is to come into our office for a long consultation. We look at your teeth, take digital scans and talk about your unique goals. Invisalign isn’t for everyone and we always tell you the truth about whether or not this treatment is right for you. Some complex orthodontic problems may require traditional braces or other treatments and we will help you choose the best option for your situation.
After we decide Invisalign is right for you we make a perfect model of your teeth using digital impressions. This eliminates the need for messy old fashioned moulds that many people don’t like. The Invisalign facility gets the digital scans and uses them to make your custom aligners. We get a series of aligners that are all a little different from each other. They are meant to move your teeth a little at a time.
You will wear each pair of aligners for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. The aligners put gentle, steady pressure on certain teeth to slowly move them into place. We usually schedule check-ups every six to eight weeks to see how you’re doing and give you your next set of aligners.
Many people choose Invisalign because they want to look better but there are other benefits as well. There are several ways properly aligned teeth can help your oral health. Plaque and bacteria can build up in hard to reach places when teeth are crowded or crooked. This increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Straightening your teeth makes it easier to take care of your mouth which reduces your risk of future dental problems.
Teeth that aren’t in the right place can also wear down unevenly which can lead to tooth damage or jaw problems before they should. Some people have migraines, jaw pain or trouble chewing because of bite problems. Fixing these issues with orthodontic treatment can make you feel better and stop problems from getting worse in the long run. Many of our patients have told us that their chronic jaw pain disappeared after they finished their treatment.
People ask us how Invisalign fits into their daily lives. For best results you should wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. This gives you a few hours to eat and take care of your mouth. You just take out the aligners, eat, brush your teeth and put them back in when you’re done. Unlike traditional braces which can break brackets and wires if you eat sticky or hard foods, there are no dietary restrictions.
The aligners are made of smooth plastic so they don’t bother your cheeks and gums as much as metal braces do. Some people feel a little uncomfortable when they switch to a new set of aligners. This is a good sign that the treatment is working. As your mouth gets used to it this soreness usually goes away in a day or two. We tell patients to call us if they feel any strange pain or if the aligners are really uncomfortable.
It’s easy to clean the aligners. We recommend you rinse them off every time you take them out and clean them lightly with a soft toothbrush. Don’t use hot water as it can change the shape of the plastic. You should also keep up with your regular dental hygiene practice by brushing and flossing after every meal before putting the aligners back in. This keeps food and bacteria from getting stuck to your teeth which could cause decay or bad breath.
How long your Invisalign treatment will take depends on how complex your case is. Some people get the results they want in as little as six months while others may take 18 months or more. We give you an estimated timeline during your initial consultation. The length of treatment depends on how bad the misalignment is, how often you wear the aligners and how your teeth respond to movement.
Following the treatment plan is crucial for its effectiveness. To stay on track you need to wear the aligners for the required 20 to 22 hours a day. Your treatment will take longer and the results may not be as predictable if you often take the aligners out for extended periods of time. We help you come up with ways to remember to wear your aligners and make them a part of your daily routine.
We use the ClinCheck program at Dentistry on the Pines to show you a 3D model of how your teeth will move during treatment. This gives you a clear idea of what to expect and keeps you motivated as you work towards your final smile. Many people find it helpful to see what will happen before they start treatment.
Invisalign works for people of all ages, even teens. We have treated people from their early teens to their eighties. The treatment can help with many orthodontic problems such as overcrowding, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites. We look at whether clear aligners can help with your unique issues during your consultation.
Invisalign is a good choice for teens because it doesn’t affect their social life or self-esteem. Many teens like that they can take the aligners out for special events like school pictures or sports events. We also have Invisalign Teen which has compliance markers that fade over time to help parents keep track of how long their kids wear them. The small blue dots on the aligners fade away over time with regular use, which helps you remember to wear them correctly.
Many adults choose Invisalign because they want to fix their smile without the look of regular braces. Many of our adult patients work in professional situations where they prefer a more discreet orthodontic solution. They can straighten their teeth with the clear aligners without anyone noticing they’re getting treatment. We have worked with teachers, businesspeople and retirees who all liked how private Invisalign was.
You need to wear a retainer after your Invisalign treatment to keep your results. Teeth want to move back to where they were before, especially in the months right after orthodontic treatment. We make custom retainers for you that you will need to wear as advised, usually all day at first and later only at night. Wearing your retainer regularly will make sure your investment in treatment pays off for years to come.
You still need to visit the dentist before, during and after Invisalign treatment. We monitor your dental health and make sure no new problems arise while your teeth are moving. If you have concerns about cavities or gum health, it’s best to take care of these issues before orthodontic treatment. This makes the process easier and leads to better results. We work with our Family Dentistry services to make sure you get full care during your treatment.
It’s up to you to decide if you want to straighten your teeth. You should think about your goals, lifestyle and finances. We talk to you about all aspects of treatment, including the cost, time and benefits. We want to give you the information you need to feel good about your choice of dental treatment. We know orthodontic treatment costs money and time and we want you to feel good about your choice.
Thinking of getting braces and want to know more about Invisalign? Book an appointment with us in Vaughan. We’ll examine your teeth, answer your questions and help you decide if clear aligners are the right choice for you. You can get a healthier, more confident smile and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our team is committed to providing you with specialized care that meets your needs and helps you achieve your smile goals.