When you have misaligned or crowded teeth, you can lose confidence in your smile. However, there is a way to get the smile you’ve always wanted. With the technological advancements in dentistry, you no longer have to live with an imperfect smile or wear brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. Instead, you have options for clear aligner therapy, like Invisalign. 

This innovative solution has changed the way patients receive orthodontic treatment. Instead of uncomfortable and embarrassing traditional braces, the clear aligners provides a discreet, comfortable way to align your teeth. Getting Invisalign from a Saint Joseph dentist can transform your smile with minimal disruption to your daily life. 

What is Invisalign? 

Invisalign clear aligners are a practical and modern cosmetic dental treatment. They work quickly to correct imperfect smiles—but only with some orthodontic conditions. Invisalign effectively treats the following:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Spaces and gaps 
• Bite issues, like a crossbite, open bite, underbite, or overbite 

To be considered for this treatment, you must schedule an appointment with an orthodontic provider. They can determine whether you are a good candidate. 

How does Invisalign work? 

At your Saint Joseph Dental Clinic, the treating dentist begins by gathering records of your mouth to create a plan for repositioning your teeth. After specialized computer software uses these records to develop your plan, custom clear trays are fabricated in a dental laboratory. The number of trays you receive is based on your unique conditions. 

These trays are designed to apply pressure to your teeth at specific points to reposition them slowly. Approximately every two weeks, you’ll insert a new set of trays to continue reshaping your smile.

To ensure your aligners attach to your teeth properly, your dentist will use plastic to create buttons on specific teeth. These buttons, or attachments, are little bumps that help the trays guide each tooth into its desired position. 

Placing the buttons is a simple procedure that requires a template to indicate where each bump should go. Your dentist polishes the tooth to create a suitable bond between the plastic and the tooth’s surface.

The Ideal Invisalign Patient       

Does Invisalign work for everyone? In most situations, any candidate for traditional braces will qualify for Invisalign. However, those who need jaw surgery will not be eligible for clear aligners. This treatment suits older teens and adults whose jaws have stopped growing. These patients are also more likely to commit to wearing the trays.

Younger patients may want to remove the aligners when they don’t feel like wearing them. You must commit to wearing them for a minimum of 22 hours daily. Without following this step, treatment will not work.

Invisalign may also be unsuitable for patients with dental bridges, implants, or TMJ disorders. Furthermore, traditional braces may be a better treatment option if your teeth are misshapen or on the smaller side. 

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces      

Both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners are effective treatments for straightening teeth. However, digital technology allows Invisalign to provide greater accuracy. Treatment is fully customized to meet your needs. Traditional braces consist of standard brackets and wires that must be routinely adjusted, requiring multiple appointments throughout treatment. 

One of the most common questions dentists receive is, “How long does Invisalign treatment take compared to traditional braces?” Every patient will have a unique timeframe based on the conditions being treated. However, in most cases, traditional braces are a slower process.      

Advantages of Invisalign

There are numerous benefits to choosing Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment. You don’t have to alter your lifestyle and can continue speaking worry-free. Clear aligners also provide more flexibility, but there are many more advantages as well.

More Aesthetic Than Traditional Braces 

You can guess by the product’s name, but Invisalign trays are practically invisible. They are made from clear plastic, which makes them a highly discreet treatment option. Adults find this feature particularly appealing because it means they don’t have to worry about traditional brackets and wires interfering with their professional engagements.

Safe and Comfortable

Because they are made from plastic, Invisalign trays have smooth surfaces and contain no metal. These factors make them more comfortable and cause less irritation than traditional braces.

Removable   

Clear aligner trays are removable, making daily activities like brushing and flossing more convenient. You can take them out when you eat, which means that you don’t have to give up your favorite sticky, crunchy, and hard foods.

Potentially Faster Treatment Times 

The length of your treatment time depends on your specific case. However, many patients complete Invisalign in approximately 12 months. This timeframe is significantly faster than traditional braces, which can take between 18 and 24 months. 

Get on the road to a straighter smile today. 

Are you considering straightening your teeth? Patients who achieve a straighter smile have more self-confidence and improved oral and overall health. They also save money on future dental bills. If you want to take advantage of the benefits of Invisalign, contact Berrien Dental in Berrien Springs or St. Joseph.