Invisalign®

What Is Invisalign®?

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Capable of addressing a wide range of dental concerns, Invisalign® is a popular teeth-straightening system that offers a wide range of benefits. Invisalign® can help you achieve straighter teeth in a discreet and more comfortable way than the self-consciousness that often accompanies treatment with metal braces. This treatment involves a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into the desired position and give patients a straighter, more beautiful smile. In addition to crooked teeth, Invisalign® can often correct crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and other forms of misalignment such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite.

At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we’re proud to have two certified Invisalign® providers – Drs. Lincoln Law and John Rosa Jr. – on our team of skilled dentists. During your initial consultation, we will develop a customised Invisalign® treatment plan based on your dental needs and goals.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

The Invisalign® process involves a set of custom-made aligners that apply gentle pressure to the individual teeth that sit out of alignment. Each aligner moves the teeth a little bit closer over the course of one to two weeks, after which point you will move on to the next tray in the series. Since minor adjustments are made each time, your discomfort is kept to a minimum. The number of aligners you will need to use will depend on your treatment plan, and we will discuss the anticipated time frame with you at your first appointment. The best way to stay on target with the goal is to wear the aligner for at least 22 hours a day, or whenever you are not eating or brushing your teeth.

What Benefits Can Invisalign® Offer?

Invisalign® can be an effective and much less noticeable option for patients who want to straighten their teeth and improve the appearance of their smile, without having to suffer the drawbacks of metal braces. The treatment can address a wide range of issues and can suit the goals of many different types of patients. For instance, Invisalign® can usually treat overbites, underbites, crossbites, gap teeth, open bites, crowded teeth, and general asymmetry. While not every person will be an ideal candidate for this technique, Invisalign® is very versatile and can accomplish the desired outcome in many cases. We will evaluate your concerns and discuss your interests to arrive at a personalised treatment plan using the optimal teeth-straightening technique. If you have any questions about why the method we recommend is advised, we will be happy to answer those and provide additional guidance.

How Does Invisalign® Compare with Traditional Metal Braces?

Invisalign® Teeth Straightening

While traditional orthodontic procedures such as metal braces can be very effective at correcting teeth misalignment and bite issues, they can often be very uncomfortable and cause you to feel embarrassed just opening your mouth to smile. Invisalign® can resolve these issues by serving as a much less noticeable method of straightening your teeth. Some of the benefits of Invisalign® include:

  • Virtually invisible teeth aligners
  • No wires or brackets
  • Less maintenance required
  • Reduced need for return visits and adjustments
  • Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing
  • Improved comfort
  • Less time is typically required to achieve optimal results when compared with other orthodontic procedures

Both Invisalign® and traditional metal braces can address a wide range of concerns, and the right approach will depend on the severity of your dental asymmetry, lifestyle preferences, and other factors. We will review all your options during your initial consultation, so that you can make the best decision for you.

What Is Invisalign® Teen?

Invisalign® Teen is just like traditional Invisalign®, except it’s designed for our younger patients. For teenagers and young adults, Invisalign® Teen can help reposition the teeth, straighten the smile, and provide a more comfortable and functional bite. And just like original Invisalign, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear removable aligners that gradually shift the errant teeth into the desired location.

What Does the Invisalign® Treatment Involve?

Invisalign® Teeth Straightening

After our experienced orthodontists have evaluated your teeth and determined that Invisalign® can be a good option for your needs, they will create an impression of your teeth to serve as a precise guide for the creation of the teeth aligners. Once the custom-designed Invisalign® clear teeth aligners have been made, you will be provided with a series of them to take home. You will wear the first set of aligners for about two weeks, after which you will replace them with the next set of aligners in the series. Each aligner is slightly modified from the one before, allowing for a gradual progression of teeth movement into a more desirable position.

How Long Does Invisalign® Take?

The entire Invisalign® treatment process typically takes about 9 to 15 months to achieve optimal results. That said, everyone’s experience is unique. Your treatment may take longer or shorter than this estimate depending on your needs and goals. We will be with you throughout the process to ensure the ideal outcome and a lasting, beautiful smile. To get the best results from your Invisalign® treatment, you should wear your aligners as much as possible, though they can be removed while you eat, drink and clean your teeth each day.

Is Invisalign® Painful?

You may experience some minor soreness when you first wear a new Invisalign® aligner. Each aligner in the series is designed to gently push on the teeth that are out of alignment, which may cause some sensitivity in the first couple days of use. It should be tolerable, but you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed until the sensation subsides. Most patients love Invisalign® for its improved comfort and ease of use over traditional metal braces.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign® Aligners?

Caring for your Invisalign® trays is very simple. We recommend brushing them with your toothbrush while running them under warm (not hot) water. You should brush them every time you remove them from your mouth to eat and drink or for oral hygiene reasons. If needed, you can use a little bit of toothpaste as well, though this may not be necessary. If you have any questions about how to keep your aligners in good shape, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign®?

Following your Invisalign® treatment, you will need to wear an orthodontic retainer to maintain your improved teeth position. This retainer will need to be worn long-term while sleeping. Your dentist will provide instructions on how long to wear your retainer to ensure lasting results from your Invisalign® treatment.

How to Choose the Best Invisalign® Doctor?

Changing the orientation and location of the teeth requires a great deal of knowledge about oral structures to provide the best and safest outcome. When searching for an Invisalign® dentist, you will want to ask them about their experience and how often they perform treatment to determine if they have the skill necessary to address your concerns.

Each member of our dental team has extensive training in orthodontics and dentistry and the know-how to deliver exceptional results. What’s more, Dr. Rosa and Dr. Law are certified Invisalign® providers – a title reserved for dentists with extensive experience in Invisalign® and a track record of highly satisfied patients.

From our dentists to hygienists to office staff, we offer a kind, compassionate demeanor so patients of all ages can feel comfortable straightening their smiles in our care. When you choose The Paddington Dental Surgery for your Invisalign® experience, you can expect the best!

How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?

Invisalign® can range in price from about $4,500 to around $12,000. In some cases, Invisalign® can be a more affordable way to straighten teeth than traditional metal braces; however, this will depend on your singular treatment plan.

Cost can be a concern for many people, and we offer a range of payment options designed with your convenience in mind. Please note that while Invisalign® is not always covered by insurance, certain private companies may provide full or partial coverage. We will happily communicate with your provider or discuss your options with you to help you better understand your benefits.

We understand you may need time to make a decision, and fees associated with your plan will be discussed prior to beginning any treatment. Our friendly and knowledgeable dental team will provide additional details during your pressure-free appointment. We will also take this time to discuss the cost of the procedure, which will vary depending on your unique concerns. No two smiles are alike, and we make every effort to ensure your outcome is as planned.

Are There Any Alternatives to Invisalign®?

Alternatives to Invisalign® may include traditional metal braces or another straightening system. We want to help you find the most appropriate orthodontic treatment for your needs and goals. In many cases, that could mean Invisalign, but for some patients an alternative may offer the optimal outcome. During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your oral structures, discuss your preferences and lifestyle, and work with you to find a great solution.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

As one of the most popular and effective ways to straighten teeth, Invisalign® can help you improve your smile more discreetly and comfortably than ever. To help you decide if this treatment is right for you, our experienced cosmetic dentists have answered additional frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Invisalign. If you have additional inquiries, we invite you to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable team to schedule a consultation.

Are Invisalign® Aligners Completely Invisible?

Invisalign® aligners are not entirely invisible, and some people may be able to see that you are wearing them if they look closely. However, Invisalign® is designed to be very discreet and inconspicuous when worn. The aligners are transparent so your natural teeth can be seen through them, and they don’t have any metal pieces to obscure your smile during treatment. Most patients report that others do not typically notice the aligners as they fit snugly against the teeth. We can show you how clear the aligners are during your initial consultation.

What Are the Invisalign® Trays Made Of?

Each tray is made from a clear thermoplastic material that is durable, easy to clean, and customised to fit your needs. If you’ve ever used teeth whitening trays, the aligners resemble them in many ways.

How Long Will I Have to Wear Each Invisalign® Tray?

Every treatment plan is unique, but in general each aligner tray should be worn for two weeks (unless your dentist recommends otherwise) and then you can move on to the next tray in the series. Aligners should be worn as often as possible, ideally 22 hours a day, and removed only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. The length of treatment will depend on your individual needs and how committed you are to wearing the aligners as directed. Most patients can achieve their goals in as little as nine to 15 months. We will give you a more specific range during your first visit.

How Often Will I Have Check-In Appointments for Invisalign®?

Routine appointments will be scheduled approximately every six weeks to allow your dentist to monitor your Invisalign® progress and provide your next sets of aligners. You will come in for these check-in visits throughout the duration of your treatment. These appointments are typically quick visits and needed less often than with a traditional braces treatment.

Will Invisalign® Affect My Speech?

When you first begin wearing the aligners you may experience a little bit of a lisp. As you become acclimated to the sensation of the trays, this effect should subside. Most patients find that they can speak normally with the aligners within a few days.

What Can I Eat and Drink with Invisalign®?

There are generally no food or drink restrictions when undergoing Invisalign® treatment, since the aligners can be removed. It is recommended that when consuming foods or beverages that are known to stain—such as berries, coffee, or tea—patients should make sure to remove their aligners, as well as brush their teeth before putting them back in. Hot beverages are another instance when your Invisalign® trays should be removed, since hot liquids (even water) can potentially warp the plastic.

Can I Chew Gum with Invisalign®?

Just as certain foods should only be eaten after removing your Invisalign® aligners, you should refrain from chewing gum unless your aligners have been removed. Many patients choose to not chew gum throughout their Invisalign® treatment since it can interfere with wearing the aligners for the recommended amount of time each day. In addition, gum with sugar can cause a buildup of bacteria that may stain the aligners.

Can I Smoke with Invisalign®?

Smoking cigarettes while wearing the Invisalign® aligners can stain or discolor the plastic material, making them less discreet. As a result, our dentists recommend patients cease smoking until they complete their treatment with Invisalign.

Are Invisalign® Attachments Necessary?

Some Invisalign® patients require attachments, which are bonded to the teeth to keep the aligners in place and can aid in shifting the teeth to the proper positions. These small attachments are designed to blend seamlessly with the aligners and are typically not noticeable. Generally, attachments are reserved for more complex cases, but your dentist will determine whether they are necessary to support your aligners after a thorough evaluation of your needs.

Invisalign® can be a great way to address lifelong problems you may have had with your teeth, without anyone even noticing you are undergoing treatment. For more information on Invisalign® or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

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