Invisalign Q & A

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an innovative alternative to wearing braces if you have teeth that need straightening. Issues that Invisalign can address include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gap teeth
• Open bite
• Crowded teeth

Metal braces were the only way to align crooked teeth for many years, but they do have some disadvantages. Chief among them is their appearance. Metal braces are visible and can make you feel very self-conscious.

Invisalign addresses this issue by being totally see-through. The aligners fit over your teeth seamlessly, so you don’t have the same worries about your appearance.

Also, you can take out Invisalign aligners to clean them and brush your teeth, as well when eating, so there are no food restrictions, unlike braces.

What does Invisalign treatment involve?

At your consultation with Dr. Vasilev at Arnica Dental, she takes digital impressions that the Invisalign system uses to show how the straightening process would work on your teeth. Based on this information, it’s possible to create customized aligners that gradually straighten your teeth.

Your aligners come in sets that you wear for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. Each aligner eases your teeth a little further toward straightness, guided by Dr. Vasilev’s expertise and experience.

You need to wear your aligners for 20 hours or more every day.

How long does Invisalign take to straighten my teeth?

There’s no set time for achieving straight teeth using Invisalign because every patient’s teeth are different. The average period is somewhere between 12 and 18 months, but a lot depends on how crooked your teeth are to begin with.

Dr. Vasilev finds that Invisalign straightens her patients’ teeth more quickly than traditional braces – sometimes producing results in half the time. When she’s analyzed your digital impressions and prepared your treatment plan, Dr. Vasilev can give you a better idea of how long your treatment is likely to last.

How do I look after my Invisalign aligners?

It’s important to make sure you clean your aligners and the teeth underneath every day for the length of your treatment. If you don’t, you could develop problems like gum disease and other oral health issues.

To keep your aligners in the best condition:

• Brush them gently after eating
• Clean your teeth when the aligner’s out
• Use lukewarm (not hot) water
• Take your aligners out while eating and drinking

Your aligners aren’t designed to stay in when you eat and drink, but it’s safe to drink water with your aligners in place.

Invisalign is the best-known manufacturer of invisible aligners, but there are several other high-quality versions available. Dr. Vasilev also offers alternatives to Invisalign that provide similar results at a more competitive price.

To find out more about getting beautifully straight teeth with Invisalign, call Arnica Dental today, or book an appointment online.