INVISALIGN®

According to statistics, nearly everyone has some type of misalignment. While many of these are not visible and don’t seem to cause any issues, there are some that are significant and can cause problems with eating and speaking and can significantly impact self-esteem.

For many years, traditional braces was the only option for resolving these mild to moderate malocclusions. However, in the late 1990s, Invisalign was introduced to the market. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign treatment at Avery Dental Center in Dublin.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. It is a series of clear aligners designed to gradually shift teeth into their appropriate positions within the jaw. Over the years, this treatment has become popular primarily among teens and adults.

How Invisalign Works?

Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against the teeth. This places even pressure on the entire arch to gradually shift them into their appropriate positions in the jaw. Each aligner is slightly different and moves teeth approximately 0.33 mm. This gradual movement allows your teeth to be shifted into perfect alignment.

Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

There are several considerations when determining a patient’s candidacy for Invisalign treatment:

  • Adults and Teens

    First of all, age and responsibility is a factor. We prefer that patients be older teens or adults- or at least responsible enough to wear the aligners as instructed. We do offer Invisalign for Teens to give peace of mind to parents who are unsure of their child’s commitment to wearing the aligners.

  • Mild to Moderate Malocclusions

    Invisalign is designed to resolve mild to moderate malocclusions. If there is significant crowding with rotated teeth or exceptionally wide gaps between teeth, Invisalign alone may not work. You may want to start with traditional braces and then switch to Invisalign to finalize your results.

  • Overbites, Underbites, or Crossbites

    Invisalign clear aligners are designed to treat a variety of malocclusions including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and more.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

There are several steps involved in the treatment process:

  • Initial Consultation

    The first step to any treatment at Avery Dental Center is the initial consultation. During this visit, the dentist will perform a comprehensive exam including x-rays and other necessary imaging. In addition, a detailed dental and health history will be taken. We will also take the time to discuss your expectations for treatment. This information will be used to create your personalized treatment plan.

  • Treatment Plan Options

    Treatment with Invisalign depends on the condition of your teeth as well as the type and severity of your malocclusion. For very mild malocclusions, we typically recommend Invisalign Express, which has two options: 5 or 7 aligners. For severe malocclusions, we typically recommend Invisalign Comprehensive, which includes unlimited aligners.

  • Fabrication of Aligners

    Once your treatment plan is established, your aligners will be ordered. The fabrication process typically takes a few weeks. Once your aligners are returned to the office, we will schedule an appointment to ensure they fit properly. You will be given the full system of aligners and instructed to change them out every 1 to 3 weeks, based on your personal treatment plan.

  • Monitoring Your Progress

    Depending on your treatment plan, you will need to visit the office every 4 to 6 weeks to allow us to monitor your progress. This will allow us to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Once your treatment is complete, you will be given a retainer to wear. You should wear the retainer for 20 to 22 hours a day at first, but eventually you will be able to wear it only at night. This will give your jawbone time to form around the teeth, securing them in their new position.

Advantages of Invisalign over Braces

Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces:

  • Clear, Discreet Aligners

    Aligners are virtually invisible, even at close range. Most people won’t realize you are wearing them unless you tell them.

  • Comfort and Convenience

    Aligners are made from smooth plastic and do not involve brackets and wires. Plus, you can remove them to brush/floss teeth.

  • No Food Restrictions

    Since the aligners should be removed while eating, you don’t have to worry about giving up your favorite foods. As long as you brush/floss after eating and rinse your aligners when taking them out and putting them in, you can eat what you like.

  • Improved Oral Hygiene

    Since the aligners are removable, you can brush/floss your teeth as you normally would. You don’t have to worry about brackets and wires getting in the way. This improves your oral hygiene.

  • Shorter Treatment Time

    The average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months. Patients with very mild malocclusions may see resolutions within 6 months, while more complex ones may require up to 24. On the other hand, the average treatment time for traditional braces is 12 to 36 months, depending on severity.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Every time you remove your aligners and before putting them back in, you should rinse them with cool water. This will remove any bacteria that could cause gum problems. You should never use warm or hot water, as this could cause them to warp, which would reduce their effectiveness.

During your treatment, it’s important to visit the office every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your treatment plan, so that we can monitor your progress. This will allow us to make any necessary changes to further customize your treatment plan.

Following treatment, it’s important to wear your retainer as instructed to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional braces, ranging from around $1,200 to $8,000. The good news is that many dental insurance companies are beginning to recognize this as a valid treatment option and will cover a portion of the treatment. On the other hand, there are still a few that will not. Our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage.

We accept a variety of payment options, including financing for patients who qualify.

Schedule Your Complimentary Invisalign Consultation Today

Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces, including:

  • Clear/discrete
  • Improved oral hygiene
  • Comfortable
  • Convenient
  • Reduced treatment time
  • No food restrictions

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign treatment for your mild to moderate malocclusion, schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation today. We can help you determine if this treatment option is right for you or if we should choose another route.

We are located on Avery Muirfield Drive in Dublin. Our office hours are Monday from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. We are available on Saturdays by appointment only for patients who have an emergency or who need Saturday treatment due to work obligations.

Invisalign FAQs

We believe that patients should understand their treatment options. Therefore, we are happy to answer your questions at any time. Below are some of the most common questions that we hear about Invisalign:

On average, Invisalign resolves most mild to moderate malocclusions within 12 to 18 months.
Yes, research has proven Invisalign to be effective for most mild to moderate malocclusions.
Invisalign aligners should be rinsed in cool water any time you take them out or before putting them back in. When cleaning, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste or liquid soap.
Yes, Invisalign has been proven effective for resolving mild to moderate overbite.
No, you should not chew gum while you are wearing your aligners. You can chew gum during the 2 to 4 hours per day that you have them out to eat/drink or brush/floss your teeth. However, it’s important to note that the longer you have them out, the longer your treatment time may take.
Due to the many benefits of Invisalign treatment, the team at Avery Dental Center believes that Invisalign is worth it.
Invisalign clear aligners should be removed prior to eating to avoid damaging or staining the aligners.
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