Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that can be used to straighten misaligned teeth for dramatic cosmetic and health benefits! This is done by using a series of aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. Invisalign is a household name now, and for good reason! It has been around for over 20 years, and has now been used by over 10 million people.
Straight teeth will make your smile more attractive, which will help you smile more confidently. Proper alignment is also the best foundation for any further esthetic work (such as whitening).
Misalignment of the teeth can lead to many problems beyond the obvious cosmetic concerns. Misalignment can lead to cavities, notching of the teeth along the gumline (called Abfraction), tooth chips and fractures, tooth wear, clenching and grinding, TMJ pain, and stain collection.
Since Invisalign aligners are clear, they are virtually invisible and barely noticeable (especially compared to metal braces). No brackets or wires either! And unlike braces, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign aligners – you just need to take them off while eating.
Invisalign is FDA-approved, proven to produce long-lasting results, and sometimes even work better than braces. This is partially because Invisalign applies gentle force all around the tooth, instead of just one point like braces.
Non-Invisalign Aligners
There are other generic, mail order aligner products out there, but steer clear! They do not include several critical aspects of treatment:
- X-Rays (necessary for accurate realignment of teeth)
- An experienced dentist providing one-on-one advice
- Attachments to help the aligner work more effectively
- Retainers
- Follow-up visits for the best possible long-term results
What to Expect
The treatment time of Invisalign is also much shorter than braces, giving you results in 5-10 weeks and a transformed smile in as little as 6 months. The aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day, and swapped for a new aligner every 1-2 weeks. Your aligner can be taken out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Treatments range in price and length of treatment. If you’re already wearing braces, you might be able to switch to Invisalign. There are also some situations where Invisalign may not work, including overbite, tooth shape, and tooth position. But Invisalign is usually very effective for even the most complex bite issues.
Cosmetics
Our esthetic philosophy is focused on enhancing your natural beauty in a way that improves physiologic function and health. Dr. Sutherland is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
