More people than you think have crooked or mismatched teeth. Many people still have alignment issues from when they were kids. At the time, braces seemed like too much work or too embarrassing. Now, advanced teeth straightening technology can fix problems without the complications that come with metal braces. People who thought they couldn’t get braces can now get them thanks to Invisalign.
Your teeth will look and function better if you straighten them. Teeth are in the right place when they work together as you chew. When you bite down, the force is spread evenly over all your teeth so some areas don’t wear down too quickly. It’s also easier to clean straight teeth well which reduces your chance of cavities and gum disease. These benefits go beyond the outward changes that first catch your attention.
Invisalign moves your teeth into place with a series of clear plastic aligners. Each aligner fits tightly over your teeth and gently pushes them to move a little. You wear each pair for about two weeks before switching to the next one. This keeps going until your teeth are in the right places. For most patients it’s easy to understand, follow and follow through.
Digital planning is the foundation of Invisalign’s process. We use advanced scanning technology to create a 3D model of your teeth. This digital model lets us plan every move your teeth will make as they’re being treated. You can even see a fake version of what your smile will look like when it’s done. This preview gives you the confidence to start.
A full exam is the first step in treatment at our office. We check your teeth and how they fit together and your jaw. Invisalign doesn’t fix all alignment issues. Some complex problems may still need traditional braces for the best results. We give you honest advice based on what we think will work best for you. The custom aligners are made just for your teeth. No two sets are the same because every patient is different. We get the aligners here at the office and give you a few sets at a time. This means you won’t have to come in as often as you would with traditional braces which need to be adjusted every few weeks. Most of our Invisalign patients come in every 6-8 weeks to see how things are going and get new aligners.
You actually have to wear the aligners the right way to get the results you want. You have to wear them 20-22 hours a day. You can make steady progress by only taking them out to eat, drink anything other than water and brush your teeth. If you take your aligners out too often you may have to wait longer for your treatment to work or not get the results you want.
Invisalign makes life normal. The clear aligners are hard to see when you smile or talk. You won’t know you’re getting your teeth straightened until you tell them. This level of secrecy is especially desirable for professionals, presenters and anyone who is uncomfortable about getting dental treatment done. You can fix your teeth without telling everyone you meet about it.
While you have Invisalign you can still eat whatever you want. You take out the aligners before each meal so you can eat whatever you like. You can’t consume anything sticky, hard or crunchy just like with traditional braces. Take out your aligners, eat normally and then put them back in after brushing your teeth. This flexibility makes eating out with friends easier and more fun.
Oral hygiene stays easy when you’re getting treatment. You can clean the aligners by brushing and flossing as usual. Brushing your teeth before getting braces will help you avoid problems. Our Dental Hygiene professionals can help you take care of your mouth while you wear aligners. Adding professional cleanings to your home care routine is a good idea.
At Dentistry on the Pines we help our patients with every part of the process of straightening their teeth. We want you to feel comfortable and understand everything that’s happening. We explain what will happen at each stage and answer any questions you may have. From the first appointment to the last this process makes you feel safe and informed. How long your treatment takes depends on how bad your alignment problems are. It may just take 6-12 months if there’s only a few small gaps or a lot of people. It could take 18-24 months if the misalignment is bigger. During your appointment we will give you a realistic estimate of how long your treatment will take.
When you first start using new aligners you may feel some discomfort. You may feel sore or pressure for a day or two after you switch to the next set. This feeling means the aligners are working to move your teeth. Your mouth will get used to it soon and the soreness will usually go away. Most of the time over-the-counter pain relievers work well to ease the discomfort.
When planning for dental work you should always think about the cost. Straightening your teeth is a big step towards being healthier and feeling better about yourself. We discuss all the costs during your consultation. Many dental insurance plans cover some orthodontic work like Invisalign. We also have payment plans that let you pay the fees in small monthly installments that are easy to keep track of.
Once active treatment is over retention is key. Your teeth need time to adjust to their new position. We give you retainers that hold everything in place as the bone and tissue around it changes. If you follow the instructions for using your retainers your beautiful straight smile will last for years. This last step is just as important as the process of straightening your teeth.
Straight teeth will help you for the rest of your life. Your new smile will help you feel better about yourself at work and in your personal life. Better function will keep your teeth safe from harm. It’s easier to keep your mouth healthy for a long time if cleaning is easy. Getting your teeth straightened is one of the best things you can do for yourself because of these benefits.
Many people wish they had started treatment sooner. They waited longer than they needed to because they were worried about how they would look, how much it would cost or how hard it would be. Invisalign and other new options fix these problems. Treatment doesn’t get in the way of your busy life too much. Vaughan has professionals who can change your smile. Our General Dentistry practice offers complete care including Invisalign for advanced teeth straightening. Book an appointment to find out if clear aligners are for you. We’ll check your teeth, chat about what you want to achieve and then develop a plan just for you. The first step to a straighter, healthier smile is to talk about what you want to do.