Have you been putting off orthodontic treatment because you are dreading the hassle of traditional metal braces? Then Invisalign may be the best orthodontic treatment for you! Invsialign uses a system of customized clear aligners to gradually move the teeth into the correct position. Invisalign treatment uses the same orthodontic approach as traditional wire braces, but uses a minimally-invasive and aesthetic method.
Did You Know?
Although Invisalign is primarily known for their aligners, the entire orthodontic process from treatment planning to retainers is minimally-invasive and uses the most advanced dental technology.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
You may be a candidate for Invisalign if you are looking for a discreet orthodontic option and have teeth that are:
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- Crooked
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- Overcrowded
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- Improperly spaced
- Have gaps between them
You may also be a candidate for Invisalign if you have dental malocclusion. Malocclusion is the improper alignment of the bite when in a closed position and can include overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
However, those whose teeth do not fit inside the aligners, have severely rotated teeth, have gaps that are spaced too far, require correct in the back of their mouth, or who have a very uneven midline may not be the best candidates for Invisalign. Additionally, those with dental restorations such as bridges, veneers, or dental crowns are not candidates for Invisalign.
To find out if Invisalign is the right treatment choice for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ross Quartano and Zach Staples of Magnolia Dentistry today.
How does Invisalign work?
The basic mechanism of orthodontic treatment is to apply gentle, direct pressure to the teeth in order to move them into the proper position. Invisalign works by using this same principle. Each aligner worn will apply pressure to certain areas and cause the teeth to move gradually. As the aligners are switched out every few weeks, the teeth will continue to move according to the pressure exerted by that particular aligner. The end result is perfectly aligned teeth.
How often do I have to wear my aligners?
For your treatment to work properly, you need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. This means that the aligners must be worn at all times, minus when you are eating, brushing, or flossing. Although they are removable, they are not meant to be removed for long periods of time. Not wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time may cause your teeth to not move properly and extend the length of your treatment.
What can I expect when receiving Invisalign treatment at Magnolia Dental?
To begin your Invisalign treatment, our dentists will first scan your mouth with a digital scanner. These digital scans are used to obtain information about your teeth that is then sent to a dental lab to have your aligners fabricated. Additionally, these scans are used with Invisalign’s ClinCheck® software to determine an estimated treatment length and to preview the final results.
When your aligners arrive, you will begin with the first aligner. At this time, you may also have SmartForce® attachments placed. These are small, tooth-colored shapes that are adhered to your teeth in order to concentrate pressure on a certain area. They are tiny, hardly noticeable, and sit underneath your aligners.
When first starting treatment, and when your aligners are switched out, you may experience some minor soreness. This is because your teeth are adjusting to the pressure being placed on them. This discomfort usually fades within the first few days. If needed, you can always use over the counter pain medications to alleviate any soreness.
To get the predicted treatment results, you must wear your aligners full time and only remove them when eating, brushing, or flossing. Each aligner will be worn for a designated amount of time and then switched out for the next aligner in the sequence. You will also attend appointments every so often so that we can monitor your progress and provide you with your next set of aligners.
How do I care for my aligners?
You will need to care for your aligners by keeping them clean and protecting them from damage. To keep your aligners clean, you will need to remove them during meals and be sure to brush your teeth before placing the aligners after meals. You will also need to brush your aligners twice a day like you brush your teeth. When rinsing your aligners, it is also important to never use hot water because this can cause their shape to warp.
To protect your aligners from damage, you should always store them in their protective case when they are not in your mouth. NEVER wrap your aligners in a napkin, because this almost guarantees that they will get lost or accidentally thrown away.
What if lose or damage my aligners?
If you lose or damage an aligner, call our office for further instruction. In some cases, you may be able to move to the next aligner, but this is not always the case. Never try to use a damaged aligner because it can incorrectly change the position of your teeth and negatively affect the treatment results.
How long with my treatment take?
The total length of your treatment will depend upon how severe your case is initially and how well you follow instructions about wearing your aligners. As a general rule, people who wear their aligners as directed notice faster results than those who don’t. With that being said, the average treatment length for Invisalign is about 12-18 months.
What happens after treatment?
After your Invisalign treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer. Retainers are highly important because they hold your teeth in the correct position. During orthodontic treatment, the bone structure around your teeth breaks down to allow for movement. After treatment, it is essential that this bone structure rebuilds around the teeth’s new position. This is what prevents your teeth from shifting back to where they were before.
Just as Invisalign aligners are clear and not noticeable, their Vivera® retainers are as well. Directly after treatment, you will often have to wear your retainer full time. As time goes on, however, you can usually transition to only wearing it at night. Our dentists will provide you with detailed information on how to properly wear your retainer.
For the highest quality dental treatments and sincere patient care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ross Quartano and Zach Staples of Magnolia Dentistry today. Magnolia Dentistry provides dental services to the community of Covington, LA and surrounding areas.