What is Invisalign?
Before Invisalign, traditional metal braces were a patients’ only option if they wanted to straighten crooked teeth. Now, this revolutionary orthodontic treatment gives patients a more comfortable and discreet alternative. Northeast Children’s Dentistry offers Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues looking to straighten their smiles without the stress and highly visible treatment of traditional braces. Start your journey today!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic “aligners,” which look similar to a clear retainer or a mouth guard. These aligners are built to shift your teeth gradually into the proper position using even, gentle pressure. Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks, and treatment usually includes around 20-24 sets of aligners, making the average treatment time just under a year.
Is Invisalign Treatment Right for Me?
Invisalign is a great option for patients who have minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues, such as slightly crooked teeth, small gaps, and other slight problems with alignment. However, it cannot be used to treat major orthodontic issues like a serious overbite or underbite, or extremely crooked, crowded, or rotated teeth. For patients with significant orthodontic issues, traditional braces may be a better alternative.
To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, schedule an appointment with Northeast Children’s Dentistry.
Get the Most Out of Invisalign Treatment
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you must be disciplined when wearing them and make sure you keep them in for at least 20 hours per day. Ideally, you should be wearing them for 22+ hours per day, and only removing them to eat, drink, brush and floss. If you do not wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day, your treatment may fall behind, which could cost you additional time and money. Make sure you can commit to wearing your aligners properly before you undergo treatment.
Products to Aid Your Invisalign Treatment
Retainer Brite Cleaning Tablets
Placing your aligners in a glass with one of these tablets with help clean your trays and remove any odor.
EverSmile AlignerFresh Cleaning Foam
Spray foam on trays and wear as normal. Will keep breath fresh and gradually whiten teeth at the same time.
Chewies
Using chewies when seating your trays aids in making sure the trays are seated properly, ensuring your treatment is more predictable and you will spend less time in treatment.
We give you one tooth specific chewie at the start of treatment but some patients like to order more.
Some patients also like to order the smaller chewies and carry them in their case. Multiple flavor options are available.
PUL System Aligner Chewies and Removal Tool Combo
This aids in the placement and removal of your aligners and prevents them from getting distorted when taking out. The hook end gently loosens the tray for removal and the rubber part assists in fully seating. Patients also chew the rubber part to massage sore teeth during treatment.
Movemints
Even though Invisalign treatment is more comfortable than traditional braces, placing a new tray in your mouth can cause some discomfort. These mints are made for you to chew on while wearing your aligners, giving your teeth and gums a massage to help with soreness.
CAPSULE Case
It is important to clean your teeth and aligners before placing the aligners back in after a drink or a meal. Most people carry a bag with their Invisalign case, a toothbrush and some toothpaste. The CAPSULE is a convenient case to carry all of those items in.