Our Services / Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth and correct malocclusions (poor bites). The treatment works in the same way as braces, by placing gradual force on your teeth to pull them into alignment.

The main difference between traditional braces and clear aligners is that the former fixes to the surface of your teeth with brackets and wires, while the latter are removable. Clear aligners are just that — clear — so others won’t be able to tell when you’re wearing them. You can also take Invisalign out to brush, floss, eat, and drink.

What can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign can treat many of the same orthodontic concerns as braces, such as:

• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

Like braces, Invisalign can address multiple concerns at once to enhance the appearance of your smile while correcting functional disorders.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Adults and teens gravitate toward Invisalign due to its translucent appearance. With Invisalign, you can correct orthodontic issues discreetly. Other important benefits of Invisalign include:

• Enhanced comfort
• Shorter treatment time
• Easier chewing
• Clearer speech
• Improved oral hygiene
• Fewer orthodontic visits

In many ways, Invisalign is a less disruptive treatment than braces. You can remove your clear aligners when you need to, clean them, and replace them with a new set each time a new one arrives in the mail.

What is the Invisalign process like?

Invisalign uses a digital process that starts with the iTero® digital scanner. This intraoral scanner takes exact impressions of your teeth digitally and stores the images in Invisalign’s proprietary software. Your dentist uses these impressions to create your individualized treatment plan, while the Invisalign lab creates your new aligners.

Depending on the treatment plan you choose, you may receive a new set of aligners every two weeks. Traditional Invisalign typically takes about 12-18 months to correct moderate to severe orthodontic concerns, while Invisalign Go can improve mild to moderate problems in as little as six months.

For the best results, wear your clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. You can prevent oral health concerns, such as tooth decay, by rinsing your aligners and brushing your teeth each time you remove them.

Once you complete your treatment, your dentist may recommend an Invisalign retainer to maintain your results.

To learn more about Invisalign, call Thrive Dental or schedule an appointment online now.