Do you want to straighten your teeth without obvious metal braces? Invisalign is a treatment that uses invisible aligners that are discreet and easy to care for. Invisible aligners are comfortable and can be removed for some time during the day. Contact Petty & Bielik Orthodontics in Oak Lawn, IL for more information on how invisible aligners can improve your smile.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a clear aligner for your teeth that is virtually invisible. The aligners can be used to treat the top and bottom teeth. The solution is comfortable and can be removed for some time while you eat or clean your teeth. It is easy to see why these invisible aligners are appealing to adults and teens. The aligners go unseen by most, and patients do not have to make significant changes to their eating habits. More than 70% of orthodontists in North America choose to offer invisible aligners to their patients.
How long does it take to see results from Invisalign?
Most adults treated with invisible aligners will see an improvement in their smile after only three months. The entire treatment takes 9 to 15 months on average for adults. Treatment time varies based on the condition being treated. Patients who wear the aligners as instructed and avoid removing the aligners for longer than advised will see the fastest results. Generally, we recommend patients wear their aligners at least 22 hours per day. This provides ample time to eat, drink, and clean the teeth without worry.
Invisalign can treat some issues faster than traditional metal braces. Small gaps in between the teeth can be resolved in as little as 8 weeks with invisible aligners. Crowding can take 6 months to correct, and more severe crowding may take longer. Traditional braces generally take 24 months to treat what invisible aligners treat in 12 months.
How frequently will I need to see the dentist with Invisalign?
Invisalign patients enjoy fast treatment time. They also require less maintenance and have the ability to remove their aligners. Traditional braces need to be tightened every two to three weeks, which can be a stressful experience for wearers. With invisible aligners, there is no tightening, but a new pair is created every two weeks to gradually align the teeth.
Office visits may be more frequent, but the visits are much less stressful. Patients will experience a reduced chance of equipment failure because a new pair of aligners are created every two weeks. Traditional braces patients may experience broken wires and brackets throughout the treatment.
What are the benefits of Invisalign®?
The greatest benefit to adults and teens is that invisible aligners will not be seen. Invisible aligner patients do not have to worry about awkward stares that patients with metal braces experience. Patients can look as if they are not wearing braces while they enjoy quick and discreet treatment. Invisible aligners require less maintenance, no tightening, and can be removed.
Patients can remove their aligners to eat and drink. This makes it easier to maintain healthy eating habits with minor changes to the patient’s diet. Patients can also maintain oral hygiene with typical brushing and flossing habits. Dentists recommend brushing and flossing at least twice a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Patients can continue sports and playing musical instruments without significant changes to their routine.
Invisalign® for discretion
Most adult patients want a treatment option that isn’t obvious. They’re looking for a way to straighten their teeth and want to avoid sacrificing their appearance. When compared with traditional braces, Invisalign® is significantly different because it consists of transparent aligners.
Regular braces require you to wear wires and brackets, and they can make oral hygiene much more difficult. Invisalign® aligners are transparent, removable trays, and when worn, they gently move your teeth into the correct positions.
The greatest benefit of this treatment is the invisible factor. Most people will never know that you’re wearing the removable trays. If you’re like most people, you want to straighten your teeth, but you don’t want everyone else to know about it.
Invisalign® for comfort
In the past, orthodontic treatments relied heavily on using powerful, uncomfortable forces to shift the positions of crooked teeth. With such powerful forces at work, it didn’t take long for traditional braces to earn a bad reputation among wearers.
Today, treatments for straighter teeth don’t require you to endure many months of discomfort. The aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, which makes them safe and comfortable.
When wearing these trays, you can forget about discomfort and irritation. The aligners are designed to prevent irritation of the gums and mouth, and they even make it easier to eat food and practice proper oral hygiene.
The aligners can be removed easily, so you can keep your teeth clean and put the aligners back on when you’re finished. Traditional braces make flossing and brushing much more difficult, and if you want to avoid these problems, consider Invisalign®.
Invisalign® for convenience
Most patients want an orthodontic solution that is convenient, and they don’t want to make unnecessary changes to their lifestyle. Fortunately, Invisalign® is designed around convenience.
If you have a special occasion and don’t want to wear the aligners, you can easily take them out and put them back on when you’re finished. This treatment works well for people who’re busy because it requires fewer visits to our office than traditional braces.
What are the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces?
Traditional braces come in a variety of materials and colors to stand out less, but invisible aligners are far less visible. Invisible aligners are made of flexible plastic that makes them more comfortable. They also don’t have to be worn 24 hours a day, allowing for more enjoyable eating and cleaning. Patients can enjoy treatment in only half the time with invisible aligners. They are also not prone to breaking like metal guide wires or brackets.
While wearing invisible aligners, special care and changes to everyday routines are minor since the aligners are removable. With traditional braces, patients may have to change their routine, diet, and activities to accommodate the treatment. Invisible aligners are made from 3D image software. Patients of invisible aligners will see a computer-generated image of the expected results.
What can Invisalign correct?
Invisalign is used to treat a variety of dental conditions quickly and discreetly. Some more severe cases may require self-ligating braces or a retainer after invisible aligners are removed. The best option will vary based on condition and patient, and sometimes traditional braces will be recommended over invisible aligners. Patients should also have healthy teeth and gums without disease or cavities before using invisible aligners. Previous work, such as bridges may prevent the use of invisible aligners.
The following conditions can be treated with invisible aligners:
- Gaps in teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
Who is an ideal Invisalign® patient?
Patients looking to use invisible aligners should have a condition that is treatable with aligners. Invisible aligners can also help patients looking to straighten the overall appearance of their teeth. Some factors that may prevent the use of invisible aligners are previous dental work, poor dental health, the shape of the teeth, and teeth that are rotated or severely misaligned. Patients range in age, and invisible aligners can be used for children with baby teeth and permanent teeth. Many patients will choose invisible aligners as a discreet and ideal solution in their teen and adult years.
Improve your smile today
If you think Invisalign looks like the perfect solution for you and you’re interested in braces Oak Lawn, visit Petty & Bielik Orthodontics in Oak Lawn, IL for a free consultation today. Experience an improved smile with quick and discreet invisible aligners.