Straighten Your Smile With Invisalign
Dentists and orthodontists can straighten crooked teeth using many methods. But there’s a reason so many patients and dentists choose Invisalign. 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 smile.
Nobody will even know you are wearing clear aligners! Invisalign as a solution for patients who feel self-conscious about their crooked teeth. Instead of signing up for years spent in traditional metal braces, consider aligner therapy like Invisalign. This cosmetic dentistry option uses clear removable aligners to gradually straighten and gently reposition teeth.
The aligners are barely noticeable because they’re clear. You can take them out for short periods, to eat your favorite foods and brush and floss your teeth.
Before you begin a treatment plan, you’ll visit for a consultation with our Invisalign dentist in Cary, North Carolina, Dr. Jack Zhang. Together, you’ll go over your goals for your smile, and he’ll lay out a recommended treatment plan. On average, Invisalign treatment lasts about a year, allowing patients to achieve a straighter smile in a relatively short time.
Celebrate yourself and your smile with the help of clear aligner therapy from Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Jack Zhang explains Invisalign and its benefits below.
Benefits of Invisalign
Discreet
The biggest benefit people see with Invisalign is that clear aligners are much more subtle than traditional braces. This is a huge perk for adults and teens that are looking to get a straighter smile discreetly. Since the aligners are clear and fit so well, it can be hard to tell you are wearing them unless someone is specifically looking for them.
Faster Treatment Time
Invisalign treatment typically takes less time than traditional braces. The average time is around 6 to 18 months, while braces usually take years to correct teeth.
You don’t have to visit the office as much, either. With braces, you need an office visit once a month for an orthodontist to tighten the wires. Since you change out the aligners yourself, you need a few visits to make sure things are going smoothly.
You can Remove Clear Aligners For Oral Hygiene
You must wear the clear aligners 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. However, Invisalign aligners can just come out so you can clean the aligners and your teeth separately.
You Can Remove Clear Aligners to Eat
This is true of food as well. With braces, you need to avoid certain foods that can get stuck and others that are hard and could break a wire. On the other hand, you can easily remove the aligners before eating, so you don’t have to make any changes to your diet.
More Comfortable
Lastly, Invisalign designed the plastic aligners to be comfortable in your mouth. The aligners won’t cause irritation when it comes in contact with soft tissue such as cheeks or gum tissue. Braces often use wax to ensure the brackets and wires don’t dig into the soft insides of your lips and cheeks. Clear aligners are also much more comfortable because they are smooth against your cheeks and gums.
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 will shift your teeth into position. The aligners consist of plastic that’s thin. The compound is 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 you can also remove them while you eat so no food restrictions! Removing your aligners also makes brushing and flossing a breeze. With traditional braces, cleaning would often be a chore.
Patients should wear their Invisalign aligners as often as possible to ensure their treatment plan progresses quickly. We suggest only removing your aligners to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. On average, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours daily.
Our dentist will determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign. Some orthodontic concerns are too severe for Invisalign, and may need extensive surgery. Dr. Zhang will make sure that he treats any underlying dental health concerns before treatment to ensure the longevity of your results.
The Invisalign Process
The appointments at Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are easy, quick, and convenient. Before getting Invisalign, you will consult with Dr. Zhang to ensure you’re a good candidate. If so, he will take impressions of your teeth. He will use the impressions to customize the aligners for your mouth.
Dr. Zhang will let you know ahead of time how many treatments you will need to get your ideal results. When your first set is ready, we’ll make sure the aligners fit the way they should. You’ll feel a bit of pressure each time you change the aligners as the teeth adjust. You will change the aligners around every two weeks to slowly move your teeth into place.
We will not require you to visit us every two weeks to check on progress. However, you may need to visit us occasionally for check-ups.
FAQs
Does Invisalign make your mouth dry?
Yes, Invisalign may cause some initial dryness in the mouth. Your mouth might perceive the aligners as foreign material and create less saliva, resulting in a dry mouth or xerostomia. By restricting the flow of saliva, patients may experience gum inflammation and discomfort. However, this does not happen to most patients that follow their dentist or orthodontist’s instructions.
Dryness is usually temporary and should improve as your mouth adjusts to the aligners. Hydrate and drink plenty of water while wearing Invisalign to help alleviate dryness.
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. 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?
You can sleep with your Invisalign aligners in, but we don’t recommend it. Removing them before sleeping will allow your teeth and gums to rest. Sleeping with the aligners in your mouth can also cause damage and may affect your treatment progress. So remove them before going to bed, and clean them properly before putting them back in your mouth.
Is Invisalign a permanent fix?
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 and retainers are both orthodontic devices, but there are some key differences. Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner system that fits over your teeth. The aligner system can correct mild to moderate teeth misalignment. Invisalign also address issues such as crowding, spacing, and bite alignment.
Retainers are devices that you wear after braces or Invisalign treatment. They keep the teeth in their place after orthodontics treatment. Retainers help prevent the teeth from gradually shifting back to their original positions.
Call Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry if you want to straighten your crooked teeth with clear aligners. We will help create a custom treatment plan that works for you.
We provide cosmetic dentistry solutions in Cary, NC. You can request an appointment with Dr. Jack Zhang online or call 919-823-7107. Feel free to ask Dr. Zhang any questions you have about Invisalign treatment at your next dental exam. He will help clarify each step of the Invisalign treatment for you.