Invisalign Cary NC

Straighten Your Smile With Invisalign

There are many ways to straighten crooked teeth, but there’s a reason Invisalign is chosen so many times by both patients and dentists alike. Dr. Elise Brace of Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a provider of cosmetic dentistry in Cary, NC, explains Invisalign and its benefits.

Does your smile make you feel self-conscious? Do you try to keep your teeth covered in photos? Life shouldn’t be about what you are or aren’t. You should be celebrating yourself!

We understand that crooked teeth can make one feel embarrassed, but we’re here to help. Clear aligner therapy will straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your teeth. Nobody will even know you are wearing braces!

Instead of signing up for years spent in metal braces, consider aligner therapy like Invisalign. This cosmetic dentistry solution uses clear, removable aligners to gradually and gently reposition teeth.

The aligners are barely noticeable because they’re clear, and you can take them out for short periods of time to eat your favorite foods or brush and floss your teeth.

Before you begin a treatment plan, we’ll bring you in for a consultation with our Invisalign dentist in Cary, North Carolina, Dr. Elise Brace. Together you’ll go over your goals for your smile, and she’ll lay out a recommended treatment plan. The average treatment time is only about a year.

Benefits of Invisalign

Discreet

One of the biggest benefits people see in Invisalign is that the clear aligners are much more subtle than traditional braces. This is especially a big perk for adults that are looking to get a straighter smile discreetly. Since the aligners are clear and fit so well to your smile, it can be hard to tell you’re wearing them unless they’re specifically looking for them.

Faster Treatment Time

Invisalign treatment typically takes less time than traditional braces. The average time is around 6-18 months, while braces usually take years. You don’t have to come into the office as much, either. With braces, you need an office visit once a month so that the wires can be tightened. Since you change out the aligners yourself, you need a few visits to make sure things are going smoothly.

Can be Removed For Oral Hygiene

The clear aligners must be worn for around 22 hours a day, but they are removable. Braces create new structures in your mouth where plaque and tartar can build up. You have to learn new techniques to make sure that you’re brushing in a way that everything gets clean. Invisalign aligners can just come out so you can clean the aligners and your teeth separately.

Can be Removed to Eat

This is true of food as well. With braces, you have to avoid certain foods that can get caught in the various new structures and others that are hard and can break a wire. As with cleaning them, the aligners can be removed any time you’re eating, so you don’t have to make any changes to your diet.

More Comfortable

Lastly, the plastic aligners are made of is designed to be comfortable in your mouth. It doesn’t cause irritation when it comes in contact with soft tissue such as cheeks or gum tissue. Wax is often used with braces to ensure the brackets and wires don’t dig into the soft insides of your lips and cheeks.

Additionally, advantages of Invisalign clear aligners include:

• Require fewer visits to our office for check-ins
• Provide faster treatment time than traditional braces

 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces to straighten your teeth. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, clear plastic aligners are used to shift your teeth into position. The aligners are made of plastic that’s thin and light enough to be comfortable but durable enough for everyday wear and tear.

Aligner therapy is the most convenient form of adult braces. Not only are they nearly invisible, but they can also be removed while you eat. That means no food restrictions! Removing your aligners also makes brushing and flossing a breeze. With traditional braces, cleaning would often be a chore. Clear aligners are also much more comfortable because they are smooth against your cheeks and gums. The appointments at Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are easy, quick, and convenient.

Invisalign aligners should be worn as often as possible to ensure that your treatment plan progresses as intended. We suggest only removing your aligners to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. On average, you should wear your Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours daily.

Dr. Brace will determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign. There are some orthodontic concerns that are too severe to be resolved with Invisalign and may require extensive surgery. Dr. Brace will need to ensure that she treats any underlying dental health concerns prior to treatment to ensure the longevity of your results.

The Invisalign Process

Before getting Invisalign in Cary, NC, Dr. Brace will do a cosmetic dentistry consultation to ensure you’re a good candidate. If so, impressions are taken of your teeth so that aligners can be customized for your mouth. Dr. Brace can let you know ahead of time how many treatments are required to get your ideal results.

When your first set is ready, we’ll make sure the aligners fit the way you should. You’ll feel a bit of pressure each time you change the aligners as the teeth adjust. The aligners will be changed around every two weeks to slowly move your teeth into place.

FAQs

Does Invisalign make your mouth dry? 

Yes, it is possible. Invisalign can make your mouth dry because your mouth might perceive the aligners as foreign material and creates less saliva, resulting in a dry mouth or xerostomia. As a result, patients may experience gum inflammation and discomfort. This does not, however, happen to most patients that follow their dentist or orthodontist’s instructions.

How long does Invisalign take to work for a teenager?

Invisalign can take anywhere from 6-18 months to work, depending on the severity of the case. Your dentist or orthodontist should provide you with a new set of aligners every two to three weeks.

Can I switch from braces to Invisalign? 

Yes. You can switch from braces to Invisalign. However, your dentist or orthodontist will take your current orthodontic condition into consideration. It is important to consult with your orthodontist or dentist to see if it’s the right decision for you. Invisalign is a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of braces.

Can I sleep with my Invisalign aligners in? 

Yes, you can sleep with your Invisalign aligners. You need to have them for at least 22 hours a day. That can include when you sleep.

Is Invisalign a permanent fix? 

Not exactly. Invisalign is not a permanent fix, but it can offer a long-term solution. If you maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, your Invisalign results should last for many years.

What is the difference between Invisalign and retainers? 

Invisalign is a type of retainer. It is a clear, plastic aligner that fits over your teeth. It moves your teeth into the correct position over time. Your orthodontist or dentist uses retainers to keep the teeth in their place.