Invisalign—also known as clear aligners—is an alternative to traditional braces. It’s an orthodontic device that is transparent and fits the shape of your teeth and mouth, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the pain of braces. Your family dentist team in Naperville, IL has all the information you need on Invisalign so you can make an informed decision on if this product is right for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign in Naperville is a modern replacement for braces without the wires and brackets. Just like braces, Invisalign can help straighten overbites, underbites, crossbites, gap teeth and crooked teeth. Instead of brackets and wires, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth to create a series of clear, plastic aligners. These custom Invisalign aligners snap on your teeth like a retainer and gently straighten your smile over time. Every two weeks, you replace your aligners for a new set, allowing your teeth to slowly move into the correct position.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
The Invisalign treatment process is seamless and easy if you follow the instructions provided by your dentist. A 3D smile scan of your teeth is taken to initiate a treatment plan. You will be able to preview your final smile before treatment starts. Lastly, custom aligners are created according to your treatment plan and directions are given on how and when to wear them. You wear the same set of aligners for two weeks at a time, and switch to a different set when those two weeks are completed.
Living With Invisalign
As long as you take good care of your Invisalign aligners, people may not even notice you have them on. For best results, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, even while you sleep. Teens can even have blue compliance indicators built-in to their Invisalign that allow parents to monitor if they’re wearing them enough.
Invisalign in Naperville should be removed for cleaning and eating. This allows you to keep brushing and flossing your teeth like you normally would, without brackets or wires getting in the way. Plus, when you take the aligners out to eat, you can continue to eat all your favorite foods with no restrictions. However, always remember to brush after each meal, and before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth. This will help you avoid staining your aligners and is especially important after eating or drinking things that stain your teeth.
To keep your aligners clean, rinse them in lukewarm water and scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also purchase an Invisalign Cleaning System online or soak them in a denture cleaning solution.
Advantages of Invisalign
There are several advantages to straightening your teeth with Invisalign, such as being able to see a nicer smile appear gradually. Other advantages include optimal comfort, a cleaner mouth, the ability to remove the Invisalign when needed, and not worrying about brackets and wires.
Invisalign Advantages vs. Braces
- Invisible: The best part about Invisalign is that they are clear and far more subtle than a mouthful of metal. If you keep your aligners clean, they are virtually invisible and no one will even know you are wearing them.
- Comfortable: Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic that will not cause abrasions when rubbing against your cheeks or gums. While there may be mild discomfort as your teeth shift, patients generally find aligners more comfortable than braces.
- Removable: While braces stay on your teeth for the entirety of the treatment, Invisalign in Naperville can pop off and on easily, like a retainer. Your clear aligners should always be removed before cleaning and eating.
Why Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign has technological advancements that allow you to wear custom-fit aligners for comfort and support while straightening your teeth. Invisalign works 50 percent faster than other aligners, according to Align Technology. The advanced technology allows the Invisalign system to move teeth with more control and better predictability.
Contact Us
If you think you may be a candidate for Invisalign in Naperville, contact us today! Schedule your initial consultation at Naperville Commons Dental by visiting us online or calling 630.355.2935.
FAQ
Q) How long does it take for Invisalign to work?
A) Actual time varies from person to person, but the average treatment time is 12 months.
Q) How painful is Invisalign?
A) Most Invisalign users have reported feeling mild to no pain when first starting treatment. Other patients speak about a slight toothache. If you ever feel pain, make sure you let your dentist know.
Q) Is Invisalign worth the money?
A) While Invisalign carries a higher price tag than braces, most users prefer the pros of Invisalign, such as near invisibility and the ability to remove them.
Q) Can I drink coffee with Invisalign?
A) To prevent staining, don’t drink coffee with Invisalign in the mouth. Remove your aligners to drink coffee and rinse your mouth after completing your beverage and before reinserting aligners.
