Invisalign Serving Cincinnati, OH
When it comes to convenient, hassle-free orthodontic treatment, the name Invisalign® says it all: This remarkable product promises effective realignment of teeth with a nearly invisible technology that makes the traditional embarrassment associated with braces a thing of the past.
What Is Invisalign?
The principle behind Invisalign is simple: Patients receive clear plastic mouth trays, known as aligners, that are custom-designed by proprietary software to gently push misaligned teeth into straight, aesthetically pleasing positions. The trays’ incremental changes are based on measurements taken by your orthodontist, and are targeted to achieve your goals within months, rather than years.
Invisalign Compared to Traditional Braces
There is much that Invisalign patients don’t miss about traditional metal braces. The traditional approach, used for generations, involved metal bonded to each tooth with cement, occasionally supplemented by extremely noticeable “rubber bands” or exterior appliances. Regular visits were required, during which the braces would be tightened, increasing the tension on the teeth. If the braces were applied in the tenth grade, a young patient was lucky to have them off by graduation.
Metal braces interfered with every aspect of adolescent life, from social situations to eating choices. Invisalign, by contract, is hardly noticeable and easy to remove for eating and cleaning. Patients often forget they are wearing Invisalign, which is another dramatic departure from orthodontics based on gleaming 1970s technology.
Invisalign Process and Timeline
To start the Invisalign process, Dr. Pearce will take a digital image of your teeth and a series of X-rays and photos. These will be used to create a three-dimensional model that will provide the foundation for the series of aligners that will progressively move your misaligned teeth with gentle pressure. You can actually see a simulation of your new smile with our iTero technology.
Each week you will receive a new aligner, which will feature a carefully calibrated spacing for the “bite marks” in the aligner that will hold your teeth and gradually move them. Patients wear aligners at least 22 hours a day. By consistently wearing each aligner, and returning to the dental office for regular monitoring, most patients can reach their goals in six months or less.
Invisalign Features and Attachments
Invisalign has been an effective solution for more than seven million patients worldwide. Over time the company has added new varieties and innovative features to target specific orthodontic issues. For example, “power ridges” are enlarged areas of plastic along the gum line that “tip” the front teeth in inward or outward directions. SmartForce attachments can be added in more complex cases, to increase the “grip” the aligner can achieve with your teeth. Like the Invisalign tray itself, these tooth-colored attachments are barely noticeable.
Types of Invisalign Products
A product known as Invisalign Full corrects problems with the bite with aligners for both the upper and lower mouth. Cases of moderate misalignment may benefit from Invisalign Lite, Invisalign Express or Invisalign i7. The latter product can be used to target a single tooth, or a small number. Invisalign Express is usually worn for six months or less, and includes 10 aligners in its series, rather than the typical number of 20 to 30.
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for adolescent issues, and even includes a feature that parents can use to check if their son or daughter is wearing the aligner the prescribed amount of time each day. The newest product, Invisalign with mandibular advancement, corrects overbite by gradually moving the lower jaw forward.
How to Care for Your Smile During and After Invisalign Treatment
Good oral hygiene is an essential part of your overall health, and these daily habits are even more critical during your Invisalign treatment with clear braces. Take out your trays every time you eat and when drinking anything but water. Eating or drinking other liquids with your aligners could stain or weaken the material, especially if it’s a hot snack or beverage.
Once you’ve finished eating your meal or snack, floss and brush your teeth — do not put your aligners back in without this critical step. Food particles not only get wedged between your teeth but stick to the inside of the Invisalign aligners and develop bacteria. Bring your toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste to work or school, so you’re always prepared.
Your teeth need to be as clean as possible to maintain your oral health while they’re straightened with invisible braces. Brush at a 45-degree angle using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque from the gumline and teeth. When you floss, glide the string between two teeth and in the groves by the gumline on each side, using a clean section for each pair as you go through your upper and lower teeth. Mouthwash is another part of oral hygiene that prevents tooth decay and avoids bad breath during Invisalign treatment.
Your Invisalign Consultation
Our skilled orthodontists will examine your teeth during your consultation to understand the extent of misalignment and your unique needs. We will collect all vital information and take impressions of your teeth and gums. Using state-of-the-art technology, we may be able to show you what your final smile will look like after Invisalign treatment. If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, we will discuss a price estimate and send your digital impression off to create clear aligners to reach your smile goals.
The Cost of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is similar in cost to traditional braces. Still, the cost of your orthodontic treatment with these clear aligners depends on the extent of correction needed, the length of treatment and the orthodontist’s expertise. The price for Invisalign is generally between $1,800 and $10,000. Your insurance may cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign, and our Cincinnati office can help you with financing options to straighten your teeth with fixed monthly payments.
Invisalign FAQs
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisible braces are an excellent way to straighten your smile discreetly. These clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional metal braces and offer better hygiene for the duration of orthodontic treatment, as you can brush and floss more effectively when they are removed. Your diet is not limited, and you can enjoy any food and drink. Fewer dental visits are needed for Invisalign than for conventional braces.
A straighter smile can boost your confidence, and Invisalign allows you to improve a wide range of dental problems in a shorter amount of time and without unsightly metal and bands.
How Do I Take Care of My Invisalign Clear Aligners?
You will wear each set of Invisalign clear aligners for two weeks, and it’s important to rinse and clean them when you remove them from your mouth throughout the day. You can use a denture cleaner or the Invisalign brand denture crystals. Be sure not to wash your aligners with mouthwash, toothpaste or hot water, as these can damage the aligner trays.
Soak the clear braces for around 15 minutes and use a soft toothbrush to clean away any buildup one to two times a day with your chosen solution. When you’re away from home, you can rinse the braces in cold water and clean them with a toothbrush before placing them back in your mouth.
When it’s time to replace your trays, we recommend keeping the previous pair for a few weeks in case your new set is misplaced or damaged. This will prevent backsliding with your Invisalign treatment.
Are Invisible Braces with Invisalign Safe for Children and Teens?
Invisalign is a safe and effective option for children and teens, but whether invisible braces are the right orthodontic treatment depends on the child. Some children may take them out if they’re uncomfortable. Your kid needs to be mature enough to understand why it’s so crucial to wear their invisible braces as directed and responsible enough to take proper care of the aligners and wear them for at least 22 hours a day.
For severe dental concerns, such as impacted teeth or severe misalignment, Invisalign clear braces may not be the right option.
To learn more about Invisalign, schedule an appointment with experienced southwestern Ohio dentist Dr. Troy Pearce by contacting our Cincinnati office today.
