Here at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, we provide you with the latest and safest orthodontic treatment options to straighten your smile. We believe you should have as much information as possible regarding your treatment to make the best decision for your unique smile. That’s why we’re bringing you everything you need to know about clear aligners from Invisalign!
Our expert orthodontists can help you get the same stunning results as traditional braces without using metal brackets or wires. Clear aligners can be the perfect choice if you are looking for a more flexible treatment option, but what exactly is Invisalign, and how does it work? To learn more about this innovative system, keep reading below!Â
What are clear aligners?
Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners to move your teeth and give you a straighter smile. Each set of aligners is customized specifically for you with the help of 3-D computer imaging, which gives us a detailed look at the state of your smile and the changes we want to make.
If you spend time watching tv or online, you most likely know about clear aligners. While the design may look simple, a lot goes into those trays! Invisalign aligners are constructed of a unique thermoplastic material that’s smooth enough to be comfortable but strong enough to align your teeth. When you wear your aligners as directed they can be just as effective as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
How does Invisalign work?
The first step in your orthodontic journey is an initial consultation with an experienced orthodontist. When you schedule your free Invisalign consultation with Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, one of our doctors will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and jaws. If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs, preferences, and goals.
This plan will include all the movements we want your teeth to make and how long we expect treatment to take. We may even be able to give you a sneak peek of what your new smile will look like once treatment is complete! We’ll then begin designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide.
Your aligners are custom-made to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. For them to work correctly, you must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily during treatment. You should only take your aligners out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. Failure to follow these recommendations can result in longer treatment times and unsatisfying results.
You’ll need to switch your clear aligners out for the next in the series every few weeks to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. We’ll schedule follow-up visits every 6 to 10 weeks to check your treatment progress. Every case is different, and everyone responds to treatment differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long you’ll need to wear aligners. On average, however, most patients wear anywhere from 24-36 aligners over a 9-15 month timeframe.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
It’s not surprising that what patients love most about Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are discreet and removable. However, there are many other advantages to this innovative system! These benefits include:
Zero food restrictions
The food restrictions accompanying braces are often the most challenging parts of treatment. Crunchy or chewy foods can damage the wires and brackets, so avoiding them is important until you finish braces treatment. While the result is worth it, eliminating some of your favorite foods for months can be frustrating. Unlike braces, which are fixed appliances, Invisalign aligners can—and should!—be removed every time you eat. That means you’re free to enjoy all the treats you usually would as long as you brush and floss when you’re finished.
Easy to maintain a good oral hygiene routine
We should all do our best to keep our teeth and gums healthy and clean, but this is even more important if you’re an orthodontic patient. It can sometimes be tough with braces since the nooks and crannies make it easy for bacteria to hide and multiply. With Invisalign, keeping your teeth free of pesky food particles and harmful plaque is easy! The clear aligners are designed to be removed before you brush and floss, making it simple to maintain a great oral hygiene routine. There are also special kits specifically for cleaning Invisalign aligners, or you can brush them with a soft toothbrush and denture crystals.
Convenience and flexibility
For Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontic patients who play sports or stay active, Invisalign can be a game-changer! The aligners can be removed before practice and games and replaced with a mouthguard to keep the mouth safe. They’re also great for musicians who play certain instruments since they can be taken out for short periods. And when it comes to special occasions like weddings, prom, and senior pictures, you can remove your Invisalign aligners to let your natural smile shine through!
Invisalign aligners are the clear winner at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics
Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign to patients at all of our convenient locations. Once you have everything you need to know about clear aligners, you can make the best decision for your unique smile. Schedule a FREE consultation with our team of experts and start your journey to a straighter smile!