Invisible braces are a great option for teens as well as adults who do not want to deal with the hassle, look, and feel of metal braces. Dr. Thomas Prendergast is an Invisalign dentist in Fox Lake, IL. He provides expert-level treatment to safely and comfortably straighten your smile. They are safe, comfortable, convenient, and virtually unnoticeable.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that slowly reposition your teeth. They are custom-made to fit precisely in your mouth. They will result in a straight, healthy smile. There are many advantages to Invisalign:
- They are removable. You can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth easier.
- Patients say they are more comfortable than metal braces.
- They are clear and virtually invisible! No one has to know you are wearing them.
- Patients need fewer dental visits with Invisalign than with metal braces.
- Invisalign is a gentle form of treatment and will not cause damage to the teeth, enamel, or gum tissue.
- They are quick. Most patients finish treatment in 6–12 months.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Studies show clear braces may be better for dental hygiene during treatment than metal braces. You can remove Invisalign aligners, so you can brush and floss your teeth normally, unlike traditional metal braces, which can be difficult to care for and often trap food pieces between the braces and teeth.
In addition, you can remove aligners to enjoy the food and drink you like without them due to them being removable.
Invisalign is often the perfect solution for teen and adult patients who can benefit from orthodontic treatment but do not want the embarrassment of wearing metal braces. However, there are some instances where metal braces are still the best option. Invisalign isn’t ideal for patients with severe orthodontic concerns.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
It’s important that you take good care of your aligners. This will ensure they do their job properly. One of the most important things is to keep them clean. Every time you take them out, rinse them off before you put them back in. You will also need to clean them with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste in the morning and evening when you brush your teeth.
Be sure you’re using the right materials to clean it as well. Certain kinds of toothpaste, soaps, and mouthwashes can be abrasive and cause damage to your aligners. This is why it’s also important to avoid consuming anything but water when you have them in.
When you aren’t wearing your aligners, store them in your case. Get into a good habit of always keeping your case with you. You can easily store them in the case when you’re taking them out to eat or brush, and you won’t be trying to find your aligners to put them back in.
The Process for Invisalign in Fox Lake, IL
The Invisalign process starts with a consult. Here you will discuss your dental concerns and goals. Dr. Prendergast will use diagnostics and an exam to identify the problems that may impact your bite. He determines any cosmetic issues that can be corrected with short-term orthodontics.
Digital impressions are the next step in treatment planning. Using a hand-held device, we scan your teeth and upload images to CAD/CAM software. Dr. Prendergast will use the software to design your unique aligners that will slowly move your teeth over a period of months.
The number of aligners you will receive, and the length of your treatment will depend on the severity of your dental concerns and goals. Most patients complete treatment in about 12-15 months.
Once your aligners are ready, we will teach you how to use them. We will explain when to switch to the next set as well. You will receive a new tray every two weeks to continue changing your teeth position. During treatment, you should keep the aligners in place for 22 hours daily, removing them only for eating and oral hygiene.
We schedule periodic visits to assess your progress, and you can also come in for routine dental exams and cleanings to keep the teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
FAQs for Invisalign
Invisalign is one of the most popular ways to straighten crooked teeth. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Can I eat with Invisalign?
Since the Invisalign trays are removable, you can take them out when you eat or brush your teeth. Unlike metal braces, there are no restricted foods (like popcorn or hard candies) when you wear Invisalign. You take out the trays if you need to floss or wear a mouthguard for sports. Then, put them back in when afterward.
Will Invisalign prevent cavities?
No, but the chance of tooth decay while getting orthodontic treatment is less when using Invisalign. Since trays are removable, you can brush, floss, and have your teeth professionally cleaned more thoroughly.
Will Invisalign alter my appearance?
Perhaps one of the best reasons for choosing Invisalign is the confidence it gives you while straightening your teeth. Traditional braces can be a difficult adjustment for teenagers who are already self-conscious or working adults who may be interacting with clients or involved in public speaking. Invisalign trays are fairly unnoticeable and allow you to continue your everyday activities without affecting your confidence.
How long will it take Invisalign to straighten my teeth?
This depends on the severity of your crooked teeth. Mild to moderate crooked teeth issues take a year or less using Invisalign clear aligners. Others may need to allow for more time to make sure that treatment lasts a lifetime.
Is Invisalign uncomfortable?
It will take a few days to get used to wearing Invisalign. The clear aligner trays are specifically for your mouth, so they should fit comfortably and snuggly. There is no tightening or wire adjustment as with metal braces, so the process is very comfortable.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign treats mild to moderate oral health concerns. If you have more severe orthodontic issues, we may recommend you to a trusted orthodontist for more intensive care. You also have to be decently responsible for Invisalign. You need to wear them for a certain amount of time each day, and you need to be sure that you store them properly and don’t lose them.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign Treatment
Millions have chosen Invisalign to correct their smiles and straighten their crooked teeth. Call Infinity Dental of Fox Lake today or request an appointment to determine if Invisalign suits you.