Invisalign® Info
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you may experience problems ranging from feelings of self-consciousness to difficulty chewing and talking. Invisalign® is one of the most important orthodontic products available to consumers because Invisalign® can correct problems like misaligned teeth without many of the disadvantages of traditional braces.
As your orthodontist in West Bradenton, East Bradenton, and Parrish, FL, we’re here to help you decide whether Invisalign® is the right product. We offer diagnostic services to identify tooth misalignment and recommend treatment. Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign®? How Does Invisalign® Work?
Invisalign® is a brand of clear aligners that fit over the teeth and push them gently into the correct position. Invisalign® clear aligners are made from clear plastic. You’ll be given a series of aligners when you use Invisalign® to correct your tooth misalignment. Each aligner in the series will use gentle pressure to push your teeth into the correct position.
As your teeth adjust to the first set of aligners, you’ll be given a second set that pushes your teeth into a slightly different position, then a third set, and so on. Your dentist will determine how many sets of aligners you need and how much time is needed with each set.
What Is Invisalign® Used to Treat?
Invisalign® is used to treat problems like overbite, underbite, gapped teeth, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and crossbite. In other words, if you want straighter teeth, Invisalign® may be able to help you.
Who Needs Invisalign®?
You may be a good candidate for Invisalign® if you have mild to moderate tooth or jaw misalignment. Some of the symptoms of tooth and jaw misalignment include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty chewing
- Regularly bite the inside of your mouth
- Teeth appear crowded or crooked
If you’re noticing the symptoms of jaw misalignment, one of the dental professionals at Orthodontic Specialists can examine your teeth and tell you if Invisalign® is a good choice for you. Not all jaw misalignment can be corrected with Invisalign®. Some problems require traditional braces or other orthodontic solutions. If your condition is severe, your dentist may recommend traditional braces.
What to Expect When Getting Invisalign®
If you think you’re a good candidate for Invisalign®, start by getting an evaluation with your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and tell you whether you’re a good candidate. If you are, your dentist will need to scan your teeth. This scan will be used to create the clear aligners.
Next, you’ll need to wait for the Invisalign clear aligners to be made. Once they’re made, you’ll come back to the dentist for a fitting. At the fitting, you’ll learn more about wearing Invisalign and taking good care of your new aligners.
Advantages of Invisalign® Over Traditional Braces
Invisalign has many benefits over traditional braces. Some reasons that patients choose Invisalign® over braces include:
Subtle Appearance
Whereas traditional braces are made up of wires and brackets that are easy to see, Invisalign® clear aligners are made of clear plastic that fits easily over the teeth. Clear aligners are difficult to see, even up close, and do little to affect the appearance of your smile. This makes Invisalign® a popular option for adults who want to get the alignment of their teeth or jaw corrected without the stigma of braces.
Easy to Clean
Traditional braces stay on your teeth until the dentist removes them, which means that patients with traditional braces must work around their braces to keep their teeth clean. Flossing with braces on can be a challenge, and removing sticky foods from your braces can be difficult.
Cleaning your teeth is much easier when you have clear aligners because aligners can be removed for tooth brushing time. In fact, your clear aligners can be easily cleaned at the same time when you’re brushing your own teeth. This easy cleaning action makes it much easier to protect your teeth from plaque and tartar.
Eat What You Like
People who wear traditional braces must restrict what they eat. Sticky foods can get caught in traditional braces and may be difficult to remove, while crunchy, hard or tough foods can damage braces. Invisalign® clear aligners can be removed for meals, so people who have Invisalign® don’t have to change their diet.
Is Invisalign Covered by Insurance?
Typical dental plans will cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign®. Policies and coverage amounts vary, so it’s important to check with your dental insurance provider to find out how much your insurance will cover.
Does Getting Invisalign® Hurt?
Invisalign® uses pressure to push your teeth into the correct position. You may experience some mild discomfort when you first begin wearing your Invisalign® clear aligners. Your dentist will give you some suggestions for how to manage this problem.
Interested In Invisalign®? Contact Orthodontic Specialists
Patients choose Orthodontic Specialists because we provide professional orthodontic services and excellent patient care. Are you interested in Invisalign® in West Bradenton, East Bradenton and Parrish, FL? If so, the professionals at Orthodontic Specialists can help. We offer Invisalign® and traditional braces services, so if you suffer from crooked, gapped, crowded or misaligned teeth, we can help. We treat all ages and address all needs. Call today to make an appointment.
