Invisalign
In our office, when we have a choice, we prefer to straighten a patient's natural teeth versus restoring them with crowns and/or veneers. Many times we can help a patient avoid large cosmetic work simply by aligning teeth that are hitting poorly. Sometimes we can help avoid failures in dental work by correcting a patient's bite prior to crown work.
Our office is proud to be able to give you a clear, convenient, and comfortable option to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Why Invisalign?
About the Invisalign Process
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In our office we start with a quick consult to determine if you're a candidate.
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Once we determine that Invisalign® is the right treatment to correct your concerns, we take a 4 minute digital scan and take a series of pictures. The whole appointment takes about 15 minutes.
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It typically takes 2-3 weeks for your custom trays to arrive in our office.
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As soon as we have them in hand, you come in for your "bump" and instructions appointment where we place attachments on your teeth that will allow the trays to apply the correct forces to the teeth to generate the desired movements for alignment.
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We typically give patients 3 months worth of trays at a time.
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I'm sure you're wondering how long treatment takes. Well, just like traditional braces... it depends. Many patients are done with treatment in 7-8 months while others extend beyond a year. How long each case takes it determined by case difficulty and patient compliance.
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I'm sure you're also wondering how many hours throughout the day you have to wear the trays. Well clearly the movements don't occur when you're not wearing your trays. So for best results we instruct patients to wear trays for at least 22 hours per day. The only time the trays should be out is when you're eating (no more than 40 minutes).
Align Technology has been around for right at 25 years. Of all the clear braces products, we chose to become certified with Invisalign® because with more than a couple of decades worth of research and development, their product quite simply surpasses all others. The research they've put into their attachments (bumps) and their aligner plastic enables them to expand the arches and move the teeth in ways that other aligner companies can't at this point.
7 Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Are Invisalign aligners painful to wear?
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A: Most patients report that Invisalign aligners are not painful to wear. However, they may feel some discomfort or pressure during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners.
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Q: Can I eat and drink normally while wearing Invisalign aligners?
A: Yes- this is one of the main advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces. You can eat and drink normally while wearing Invisalign, however, you should remove the aligners before eating. -
Q: Can I brush and floss normally while wearing Invisalign aligners?
A: Yes, please do!! Also, please brush the aligners regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. -
Q: Can Invisalign treatment fix all types of orthodontic issues?
A: Invisalign treatment can fix many orthodontic issues, but it may not be suitable for all cases. Schedule a consult with us to determine if Invisalign is the best option for you. -
Q: Is Invisalign treatment more expensive than traditional braces?
A: Not necessarily. Again please call us to schedule a consult so that we can determine if Invisalign is an appropriate treatment option for you and discuss cost. -
Q: Will my insurance cover Invisalign treatment?
A: Some insurance plans may cover a portion of your Invisalign treatment as part of your orthodontic coverage. When you call to schedule a consult appointment we will obtain your insurance information so we can determine eligibility before your appointment. You can also call your insurance provider and ask if you have ortho coverage (make sure to ask up to what age they will provide ortho coverage as it frequently stops around 18 or so- but each policy is different).