Invisalign – Windermere, FL
It’s a common issue people have when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Many people, especially adults who have already established a professional image, don’t want to wear braces for extended periods of time. In other cases, teenagers don’t want to deal with the added maintenance that comes with metal braces. Whatever your reason is for skipping orthodontic treatment, it doesn’t have to be the case anymore thanks to Invisalign.
To schedule a consultation and learn if Invisalign’s clear aligners system is right for you, contact our office today!
HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
Traditional braces use an arch wire threaded through multiple brackets that applies slow and steady pressure to teeth. Invisalign uses this similar concept but has engineered an entirely different approach to realigning crooked teeth and uneven bites. Instead of using metal hardware, it utilizes a series of clear aligners all representing different stages of your realignment process. After a thorough examination, Dr. McKissock or Dr. Thakkar will present your treatment plan from start to finish. This is all thanks to Invisalign’s proprietary 3D software that explains what your treatment will look like over the course of several months.
Once the series is fabricated and mailed to the office, you’ll come back to have the first pair fitted. After wearing the pair for about two weeks, you’ll move on to the next one in the series. For the most effective treatment, it is crucial that you wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. You’ll also need to come in every four to six weeks so our dentists can confirm your teeth are shifting as planned.
HOW LONG DOES INVISALIGN TAKE?
Depending on your own individual orthodontic treatment, your time spent wearing Invisalign clear braces can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. However, in some cases, treatments can take less than a year! That is significantly less than 2-3 years spent wearing traditional metal braces.
It’s important to remember, though, that once you are finished with Invisalign, it will be necessary for you to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back into their original position.
INDICATIONS OF INVISALIGN
Invisalign is an incredibly versatile orthodontic treatment that can address crowded teeth, spaces between teeth, and even bite alignment issues.
CROWDED TEETH
When teeth appear to sit too close together, tooth decay and gum disease are a likely development. The reason is due to the fact that brushing and flossing cannot be done effectively, increasing the chances of serious dental problems. Invisalign clear aligners can shift teeth in a way to create necessary space and improve alignment.
SPACES BETWEEN TEETH
Unlike crowded teeth, having too much space between teeth can also cause an increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease. As food becomes trapped in these areas, bacteria builds and spreads, leading to infection. Invisalign works to bring teeth closer together and essentially, close the gaps, creating a beautiful, more uniform smile.
BITE ALIGNMENT
Invisalign also makes it possible to address overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, realigning your jaw and reducing the chances of chronic jaw pain and excessive wear and tear on your teeth.
BENEFITS OF CHOOSING INVISALIGN
People often choose Invisalign because it allows them to maintain their appearance and current habits. Brushing and flossing aren’t hindered by aligners because they’re easily removable. There’s also no risk of damaging the hardware itself since they’re designed to be taken out when eating, drinking fluids other than water or chewing gum. However, these aren’t the only benefits you can expect.
When you don’t have metal hardware, there’s no risk of an allergic reaction, which can prevent some patients from pursuing orthodontics in the first place. There’s also a lower risk of a dental emergency occurring, which can easily happen if a bracket breaks off or if the arch wire becomes exposed and scratches the gums or inner cheeks.
Finally, the treatment time for Invisalign is typically much shorter when compared to traditional braces. Metal braces usually take anywhere from 18 months to three years before completion. Clear braces in Windermere can be completed between 6 and 18 months. While you’ll still need to wear a retainer after treatment, the overall length of treatment is significantly shorter than what you’d find with traditional orthodontics.
COST OF INVISALIGN
Invisalign is known to be more expensive than traditional braces; however, depending on your individual case, it may be affordable than you think. Each patient is different, so each treatment plan will incorporate different factors to achieve desired results. Each of these factors is considered when creating a cost estimate, which you should receive during your consultation. Some of these factors include:
- The number of clear aligners you will need throughout treatment
- The complexity of your individual orthodontic problem
- Any pre-Invisalign dental work or treatment (i.e. tooth extraction, periodontal therapy)
- Your retainer that you will wear after you’ve completed Invisalign treatment
- Possible replacement aligners
Ready to get started on your Invisalign journey? Contact our office to speak with either Dr. McKissock or Dr. Thakkar today!
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is an excellent option for correcting misalignment issues without the need for metal brackets and wires. However, it pays to be well informed. Here are some of the most common questions we receive about Invisalign in Windermere. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Just give us a call and we would be happy to answer your questions and get you started with an initial consultation.
Invisalign is not a painful treatment. In fact, its smooth plastic design makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options. When you first get Invisalign, there is an adjustment period where you will likely experience slight soreness, but this will go away as you get used to the treatment. Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment by using a series of clear aligners. Each time you switch to the next aligners in the series, you may experience some pressure, but this just shows that your treatment is working! Any discomfort can be managed by taking over-the-counter pain relievers and/or using a cold compress.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that they are completely removeable, allowing you to take your aligners out when it is time to eat. Eating with your Invisalign in your mouth will not only damage your aligners, causing cracks and stain, but it also puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth. The only thing you should be consuming while wearing your aligners is water. If you want anything else, you should take them out beforehand.
Invisalign’s process requires a series of aligners made of smooth, clear plastic. The set of aligners are manufactured by an advanced 3D printing process before getting shipped to your dentist’s office. The process for making all the aligners will typically take 3 to 4 weeks in total, so you will be notified by your dentist when your Invisalign is ready for pickup.
Possibly – this all depends on your specific needs. Braces are better able to correct severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites that Invisalign cannot. If your teeth have grown crooked or misaligned years after you’ve completed treatment with braces, Invisalign will usually be able to help with this problem and align your teeth once again. During your initial consultation, it will be determined whether or not Invisalign is the right solution for you.