Invisalign is one of the best alternatives to traditional metal braces. This orthodontic treatment uses clear, custom-fit aligners instead of noticeable brackets. Clear aligners are one of the orthodontic services we offer to new and existing patients in Southern Oklahoma. Each patient seeking treatment for their specific smile problems will be custom-fit for aligners.
Invisalign can be used on a wide variety of teeth types to correct many orthodontic issues. We offer Invisalign in Southern Oklahoma to help our patients get beautiful smiles that are also healthy. We offer this teeth straightening treatment to teens and adults. If you are looking for a discreet way to fix your crooked teeth or bite, Invisalign provides a perfect solution to fix your teeth.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses aligners to shift teeth instead of metal braces. The aligners are made of a virtually invisible clear plastic. They are custom-made from scans of your teeth so they will fit snugly over your teeth. Each week you will change to a new set of Invisalign clear aligners. Each series is slightly different from the last. This slight adjustment will shift your teeth into the desired position.
Conditions Invisalign Can Treat
Invisalign is a popular treatment that effectively addresses a variety of mild to moderate orthodontic issues. While it is a versatile treatment, it cannot handle severe misalignment cases. There are still some patients who will require traditional braces. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam of your teeth to determine if Invisalign is the right option for your orthodontic needs. The common issues that Invisalign can treat include:
- Crooked teeth
- Overlapping or crowded teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Overbite, where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively
- Underbite, where the lower front teeth protrude forward, overlapping the upper front teeth
- Crossbite, when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
- Open Bite, where there is insufficient vertical overlap of the front teeth, allowing the back teeth to touch
- Midline Shift, where the centerline of the upper and lower teeth does not align properly
- Orthodontic Relapse
Invisalign Treatment in Southern Oklahoma
Getting started with Invisalign will require several steps that starts with a consultation and examination. Your Storts Family Dentistry dentist will examine your mouth to see if you have good oral health. They will assess your smile and have a discussion with you about what you like and dislike about your teeth.
If you are a good candidate for clear aligner therapy, we will move forward with treatment. Our staff will review the treatment cost, payment options, and schedule your first appointment.
Creating Your Custom Invisalign Treatment
At the next appointment, your dentist will take digital scans of your teeth using a state-of-the-art iTero Element™ scanner. This hand-held wand will painlessly scan the inside of your mouth in 2-3 minutes. It supplies your dentist with a precise 3D model of your teeth that they will need for treatment planning.
With this accurate model of your teeth, your dentist will plan each step in your Invisalign treatment. The Invisalign software can even simulate the movements of your teeth, allowing you to see the outcome of your smile.
Your dentist will review the treatment plan with you. Because you can see the outcome, you can ask questions and request adjustments. Once you approve the plan, your dentist will order your custom aligners from the Invisalign laboratory.
Starting Your Invisalign Treatment
At your next appointment you will receive your first set of clear aligners. Your dentist will ensure they fit correctly. They will provide instructions on how to use and care for your aligners.
You need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You should only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and for oral hygiene practices.
Every 1-2 weeks, you will switch out your aligners to a new set. You will attend regular checkups with your dentist to monitor your progress and receive the next sets of aligners. We will also make adjustments to your treatment plan if we need to.
Maintaining Your Results with a Retainer
Your treatment is complete once you have gone through all your aligners and your teeth have reached their desired positions. At this time, we will provide you with a retainer to wear a night.
You will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth straight. Wearing a retainer is common after any orthodontic treatment. Teeth tend to shift back to their original positions over time. If you do not wear a retainer, you are at risk for orthodontic relapse.
Once you invest in your smile, it is vital to maintain the results so you do not waste your money. A retainer will prevent your teeth from shifting and help to stabilize your bite. Your Storts Family Dentistry dentist will give you instructions regarding retainer use to ensure the lasting success of your Invisalign treatment.
The Benefits of Invisalign
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is the clear aligners. Unlike metal braces, which are noticeable and can affect your appearance, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. This means you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your braces. For adults or teens who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces, Invisalign provides a more discreet option.
Invisalign also offers greater comfort than traditional braces. The aligners are made from smooth plastic, which means they are less likely to cause irritation or discomfort to the inside of your mouth. Metal braces can sometimes cause sores or irritation from the brackets and wires rubbing against your gums and cheeks, but with Invisalign, you won’t have to worry about this.
Another major advantage of Invisalign is the convenience of removable aligners. You can easily take out the aligners when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. This means you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your braces and can continue your normal oral hygiene routine without difficulty. Brushing and flossing can be more challenging with traditional braces because food particles can get stuck in the brackets and wires.
Invisalign aligners are also customized for each individual. Your dentist or orthodontist will take detailed impressions of your teeth and create a series of aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. This personalized approach ensures that your treatment is tailored to your needs and provides optimal results.
In addition to being convenient and comfortable, Invisalign treatment is often more predictable and faster than traditional braces. The treatment plan is mapped out digitally, showing how your teeth will move over time. In some cases, Invisalign can straighten your teeth more quickly than metal braces, depending on the complexity of the case.
Finally, Invisalign aligners are easy to maintain. They are designed to be cleaned with simple brushing and rinsing, and they’re made from durable materials that are resistant to staining. This makes it easy to keep your aligners clean and fresh throughout your treatment.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
First, always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food and beverages can stain or damage the aligners, and food particles can get stuck in them when eating, leading to plaque buildup and bad breath. It’s also a good idea to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in, as this helps remove any food or bacteria that could be trapped between the aligners and your teeth.
Next, it’s important to clean your aligners daily. Gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch the surface of the aligners, making them appear cloudy. You can also use a special Invisalign cleaning system or clear aligner cleaner, but make sure to avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your aligners.
When your aligners aren’t in your mouth, always store them in a protective case. This helps prevent them from getting lost or damaged when not in use. Avoid leaving your aligners where they can get stepped on or exposed to heat, like in a car or on a table. Using a case is an easy way to keep your aligners safe and clean.
It’s also a good idea to rinse your aligners after every meal or snack to prevent odors and bacteria from building up. If your aligners start to feel loose or uncomfortable, contact your dentist or orthodontist. Sometimes, slight adjustments are needed to ensure the aligners are working properly.
Lastly, follow the recommended wear schedule. Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours daily to be effective. The more consistently you wear them, the faster and better your results will be. Only remove them for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.
Invisalign FAQs
If you are looking for a discreet orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is a popular choice among teens and adults. This clear aligner system has delivered a lot of straight smiles and patients are inquiring about it every day. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand what to expect from the treatment and more. Contact us at our Madill or Ardmore, OK dental office if you have further questions.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners instead of metal braces. The aligners are custom-made to fit right over your teeth. You can remove them to eat and care for your teeth. Unlike braces, they are very discreet because they are clear and hardly noticeable.
How does Invisalign work?
You will get digital impressions of your teeth and your dentist will map out your treatment. Once you start your treatment, you will wear each set of custom aligners for one to two weeks each. Each one is slightly different from the last. This slow change will gently and effectively move your teeth into proper alignment.
How long will my Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatments vary for each patient. A typical treatment lasts between 6 to 18 months. You will meet with your dentist who will take digital images of your teeth to map out treatment. We should be able to give a rough estimate as to how long it will take you to see results. Factors that contribute to treatment time include the complexity of your dental issues, and how compliant you are with wearing your aligners and attending your checkups.
How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
You must comply with your treatment plan. This includes wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Only remove them to brush and floss your teeth and eat and drink non-clear liquids. Failing to follow these basic rules will extend your treatment time.
Is Invisalign painful?
When you first put in a new set of aligners, you may feel mild discomfort. The aligners are gently pushing your teeth into a slightly new position. However, most patients quickly adjust to the pressure. If it is painful, that is not normal and you should call your dentist. Gentle pressure that may be a little uncomfortable indicates effective tooth movement.
Will my dental insurance cover my Invisalign treatment?
Every dental insurance plan is different. Most providers and plans offer some type of coverage for orthodontics. However, that may or may not include Invisalign. Before starting treatment, our helpful staff will work with you to determine coverage.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
It is important to clean your aligners daily with aligners cleaner or a mild non-abrasive soap. Never use hot water as this can cause the plastic to warp. Additionally, rinse the aligners and your mouth after each meal.
How often do I need to visit the dentist during Invisalign treatment?
It is standard to visit the dentist every 4 to 6 weeks during your Invisalign treatment. However, your dentist may adjust this to meet your unique needs. These regular appointments allow your dentist to monitor your progress, make adjustments if necessary, and give you your next set of clear aligners.
Can I eat and drink while wearing my Invisalign aligners?
No, you cannot eat or drink anything when you have your aligners in other than plain water. You will need to remove them to eat and drink.
What happens after Invisalign treatment is complete?
After completing Invisalign treatment, we will fit you for a retainer. This is a crucial part of your clear aligner treatment because it will prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back into their original position. An Invisalign retainer will ensure you enjoy your results for many years.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign in Southern Oklahoma
Are you interested in Invisalign clear aligner therapy? Storts Family Dentistry is home to some of the most knowledgeable dentists that offer Invisalign in Southern Oklahoma. Contact us by calling (580) 260-3410 or request a dental appointment online. We offer Invisalign clear aligners at our dental offices located in Ardmore and Madill, OK.