Do you have crooked teeth? Are your misaligned teeth making it difficult for you to eat properly or clean your smile? Receive comfortable Invisalign treatment at Wayne Family Dentistry in Wayne, PA. Invisalign is a cosmetic dental solution for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. With Invisalign, our patients can gradually and discreetly realign their teeth.
Invisalign is also a more comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. We recommend Invisalign for teens and adults who want to create a straighter smile. Realigning crooked or misaligned teeth makes it easier for patients to brush and floss as well as eat with an even bite. Our patients benefit from a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Comparing Metal Braces and Invisalign
Metal braces and Invisalign aligners are orthodontic treatments that use different treatment methods. When looking for orthodontic care, you may be comparing these options against one another.
Metal braces:
- Use brackets, wires, and elastic to straighten teeth
- Are not removable
- Require frequent office visits
- Have restrictions against hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
Invisalign aligners:
- Use clear trays to straighten teeth
- Can be removed to eat, drink, brush, and floss
- Will not require frequent office visits
- Do not have any dietary restrictions when removed
On average, Invisalign treatment can take less time than braces treatment. This is often due to the extent of the patient’s dental problems. Metal braces are best for patients with moderate or complex orthodontic needs. Invisalign can help patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems.
Treatment with Invisalign in Wayne, PA
Before Invisalign treatment, we will take digital X-rays of the teeth and gums and dental impressions. Using detailed X-rays of the teeth we can map out a customized treatment plan. The dental impressions will ensure that the aligners fit precisely. These impressions also allow us to predict tooth movement through the Invisalign aligners.
We send the impressions to a dental lab, where technicians fabricate the clear Invisalign aligners. Patients will wear each pair of aligners for several weeks. Then, they will switch out their old pair for a new pair. Each set of aligners is slightly different as they shift the teeth into a straighter position.
Patients can clean their aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and baking soda. Another option is to soak the aligners in a water and distilled white vinegar solution. Keeping the aligners clean and intact helps prevent bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums.
Prevent Orthodontic Relapse
After you complete your Invisalign treatment, we will give you a retainer to keep your teeth straight. This retainer is similar to your Invisalign aligners but holds your teeth in place.
At first, you will wear the retainer constantly, and gradually only wear the retainer at night. Orthodontic relapse occurs when you stop wearing your retainers. Your teeth can revert to their previous positions during orthodontic relapse, meaning you can experience tooth gaps, crooked teeth, and overcrowding.
Please get in touch with us if you lose your retainer. We can create a new one to ensure your teeth stay straight. If you have experienced an orthodontic relapse after braces in the past and require additional care, we often recommend Invisalign for its quick treatment time.
The Sophisticated Technology Used to Create Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are created using advanced 3D technology and custom treatment plans. First, your dentist takes digital scans or impressions of your teeth. We will use these images are used to create a 3D model of your mouth.
Specialized software then maps out a step-by-step plan for moving your teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is precisely crafted using clear, flexible plastic designed to apply gentle pressure to specific teeth.
At the Invisalign lab, they use cutting-edge technology to manufacture the aligners to ensure accuracy. The result is a series of custom-fit aligners that are precisely tailored to your teeth. The aligners will gradually shift your teeth, providing a nearly invisible and comfortable way to straighten your smile.
Tips for Caring for Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Taking good care of your Invisalign aligners is vital to making sure your treatment is on track and your smile looking great. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, always remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Foods and drinks can stain or damage them. After eating, try to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in your mouth to avoid trapping food particles. Trapped food can cause cavities or bad breath.
- Clean your aligners daily. Rinse them with lukewarm water. Never use hot water as it can warp them. Gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and clear, mild soap. Never use toothpaste because it can scratch the surface. You can also soak them in a special cleaning solution or denture tablets to keep them fresh.
- Never leave your aligners exposed when they’re not in your mouth. Always store them in their protective case to avoid losing or damaging them. Keep them away from pets, as animals might mistake them for chew toys.
- Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, as recommended by your dentist, to ensure your treatment progresses as planned. Switch to the next set of aligners on time, usually every 1-2 weeks.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your aligners clean, clear, and effective, helping you achieve the smile you want!
Invisalign FAQs in Wayne, PA
Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign? Read on as we answer common questions about this orthodontic treatment below:
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
We recommend Invisalign treatment for patients with overcrowded, crooked, and misaligned teeth. Teens and adults benefit from Invisalign because it works on patients with permanent teeth. The best candidates for Invisalign can care for their aligners and wear them for at least 20 hours daily. Invisalign involves cleaning your teeth and aligners separately.
We will not recommend Invisalign for patients with cavities, gum disease, or other dental infections. Before considering Invisalign treatment, we will address these dental problems.
What are the benefits of Invisalign treatment?
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can thoroughly clean their teeth and gums. Patients can also eat without dietary restrictions against hard, chewy, or sticky foods. In addition, patients who choose
Invisalign aligners are less noticeable and often more comfortable than metal braces. Invisalign aligners are clear and custom-made to fit each patient’s smile. Sometimes, the metal wires that comprise traditional braces can poke and irritate the gums.
How long is Invisalign treatment?
The length of your own Invisalign treatment will depend on the misalignment of your teeth and how you care for your aligners. Patients who clean their aligners and wear them for 22 hours a day are more likely to complete treatment in a timely manner.
Do I need to wear Invisalign aligners during sleep?
Yes. Because you must wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day, you will wear your aligners during sleep. We will not recommend Invisalign for patients who experience nighttime teeth grinding because patients need to wear their aligners constantly.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
No, Invisalign treatment is no more painful than treatment with metal braces. As patients get used to each new pair of aligners, they may feel soreness in their teeth for a day. However, this quickly fades. On the other hand, the wires of metal braces can sometimes scratch the gums and soft tissues of the mouth.
What can’t you do when wearing Invisalign aligners?
When you wear your Invisalign aligners, you need to avoid:
- Eating food
- Drinking hot drinks
- Chewing gum
- Brushing your aligners
- Smoking or vaping
Drinking anything other than cool or room-temperature water can warp and damage the Invisalign aligners. Eating or smoking with Invisalign can also damage and stain your aligners.
Request a Dental Consultation
Do you want to learn more about Invisalign? Contact Wayne Family Dentistry for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign in Wayne, PA, today at 610-347-5133. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with our dentists on our website.
Please let our team know at your next consultation if you have any remaining questions about Invisalign or current concerns about orthodontic treatment. They will always be glad to assist you.