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About Invisalign
Invisalign is one of those orthodontic treatment options that you’ve probably heard a lot about over the years, and with good reason: it brings with it a host of unique benefits that solutions like traditional braces simply cannot match.
With Invisalign, a series of 3D measurements are taken of your teeth that are then used to create very precise aligners that fit perfectly into your mouth. Every few weeks (usually one to two weeks), you swap out one set of aligners for another. With each transition, your teeth are given ample time to slowly move into their desired position — thus correcting any problems you’re experiencing in the most effective and comfortable way possible.
All this, and you’re also talking about a system that works out to be about the same cost as traditional braces in most situations and that goes on for about the same length of time.
who is a good candidate for invisalign?
The fact of the matter is, just about anybody is a good candidate for Invisalign because the system is so robust and versatile by its design.
Invisalign is the perfect option for correcting the types of dental issues that can develop in a person’s mouth at any age, including but not limited to ones like:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Teeth crowding
- Arch issues
- Spacing issues
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you need any other type of non-cosmetic dental work done (like if you have a lot of cavities, for example), those problems will need to be corrected BEFORE Invisalign treatment can begin.
how invisalign works
Invisalign is a preferred treatment option among many of our teen and adults patients not only because they are clear but because they are removable as well! The treatment process is a breeze. Here’s how it works:
1. Schedule a consultation with our office.
Dr. Behl has a tremendous amount of experience with Invisalign. We invite you to come to one of our convenient orthodontic offices in Hampton Roads for a free, no-hassle consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss your case in detail and answer all of your questions about Invisalign, the costs, insurance and any other concerns you may have.
2. We will customize a treatment plan for you.
We will take digital X-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3D image of your bite. From this image, our orthodontists will map out a precise treatment plan to achieve our goals. Using this technology, we will be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move in each stage of treatment. While every case is different, the treatment time for most adults is about a year. For teens, the length of treatment is similar to braces.
3. You will receive customized aligners.
Based on the customized treatment plan we create for you, a series of custom-made, clear aligners will be fabricated. These aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that are comfortable to wear. Simply wear them throughout the day and remove them to eat or brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners your teeth will gently and gradually shift into place.
4. Wear a new aligner set every one to two weeks.
Approximately every one to two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of treatment. To monitor your progress, you will have occasional check-ups with our orthodontists, usually every six to eight weeks. For best results and a speedy outcome, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your treatment. At each stage, you’ll be able to see how much closer you are to achieving a beautiful smile!
Are There Any Diet Restrictions?
Thanks to the fact that Invisalign aligners are totally removable, you likely won’t have to adjust your diet in any way, shape, or form. Just be sure to take your aligners out of your mouth while you’re having a meal and you won’t have anything to worry about.
Of course, you’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth when you’re done before you put those aligners back in your mouth.
Life with invisalign
The vast majority of all people do not find Invisalign aligners uncomfortable at all. This all dates back to the start of the process when precise 3D measurements are taken of your teeth. Those measurements are then used to create trays that are so precise and that fit so well they essentially become like a “second set of skin” for your teeth!
One of the many, many things that people tend to love about Invisalign is that the process of caring for your aligners couldn’t be more straightforward. With traditional braces, you always have to worry about food and other particles getting stuck in between the brackets and wires, which would obviously cause long-term damage.
With Invisalign, all you have to do is take your aligners out of your mouth and clean them like you would your teeth. Then put them back in when you’re done, and you’re ready to go on about your day!
Invisalign For Kids
You may be surprised to hear that Invisalign now offers treatment for kids! Invisalign First, the kids version of Invisalign are designed specifically for younger patients with a mixture of baby and permanent teeth and are perfect for Phase One patients.
Phase One treatment is early interceptive orthodontic treatment for young patients, traditionally done through the use of expanders or metal braces, before all permanent teeth have erupted, which is typically between the ages of six and ten.
Invisalign First clear aligners for children are designed specifically to address a broad range of younger patients’ malocclusions, including shorter clinical crowns, management of erupting teeth and predictable dental arch expansion.
As a new offering within the Invisalign system, Invisalign First treatment includes the same proven orthodontic technology, comfort and convenience for great results. The aligners are removable so your child can brush and floss normally and eat the foods they love without any restrictions. As a bonus for mom and dad, you’ll never have to worry about broken brackets and wires!
benefits of invisalign for kids
Overall, Invisalign brings with it a wide array of different advantages for kids in particular that are certainly worth a closer look.
For starters, kids will always be able to eat the foods that they love because the trays can simply be popped out of their mouth during meals and popped back in again when they’re done.
Likewise, children (and their parents) don’t need to worry about broken braces or wires — as is common with more traditional treatment options.
Finally, Invisalign is easy for children because they can still brush and floss their teeth as they normally would — thus creating a perfect storm in the best possible way.
invisalign First vs invisalign for adults
Generally speaking, the technology at the heart of the Invisalign system for adults isn’t that different from the same technique used to correct various dental issues in kids. You’re still talking about a series of clear plastic trays that are made using very precise 3D measurements of the patient’s teeth. Every week, one set of trays is swapped out for another — thus successfully moving the teeth into their desired position slowly over time.
Because a child’s mouth is obviously still developing, the actual treatment process may be longer. The length of time a child can expect to wear Invisalign will also obviously vary depending on exactly what types of issues they’re trying to correct.
But overall, Invisalign for adults is very similar to Invisalign for kids. Your child may be a perfect candidate for Invisalign if they have some of a few very common teeth-straightening issues while growing up.
Invisalign For Teens
We understand that being a teenager is hard enough without the hassle of metal brackets and wires. That’s why we are certified providers of Invisalign Teen! With Invisalign Teen, you can straighten your smile without all the metal in your mouth.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces using clear plastic aligners. Rather than using a series of metal brackets that are attached to the teeth (that are then attached together via metal wires) as is common with regular braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to accomplish much the same thing in a far easier and more comfortable way.
why teens love invisalign
By far, one of the major benefits of Invisalign for teens, in particular, is that there are virtually no dietary restrictions to speak of — meaning that they can continue to enjoy the foods that they’ve always loved without worry. Just be sure to make sure that your teen takes his or her aligners out of their mouth during a meal, brushes, and flosses afterward, and THEN puts them back in.
Likewise, another one of the reasons that Invisalign has become is the lack of wires or brackets that can break or cause pain at any point. Not only does this typically lead to a far more comfortable treatment, but it virtually guarantees fewer trips to the orthodontist.
Whether you play sports or a musical instrument, metal brackets and wires can potentially make those activities a bit harder. With Invisalign Teen, it’s easy to remove aligners for those activities. Just be sure to pop them back in right after! No matter what treatment you choose, make sure your teen wears a mouth guard if they play contact sports!
Finally, Invisalign can easily be removed for a special event, like graduation, a school prom, or a photo session. Teens won’t have to worry about having their Invisalign treatment immortalized for all-time because they can simply remove them before the event and put them right back in when it’s over.
Invisalign For Adults
It is never too late to achieve the perfect smile you’ve always wanted! In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists reports that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Adults may choose to correct their orthodontic problems not only for cosmetic reasons, but to maintain their health as well.
One of the major reasons why Invisalign has become so popular over the years is because it brings with it a host of unique benefits that traditional braces simply cannot compete with.
For starters, it’s an option that does NOT require any unsightly brackets or braces that are “permanently” affixed to your mouth. In fact, they’re so discreet that most people probably won’t even realize you’re wearing them at all.
Invisalign is very easy to remove for events — like if you’re having family photos taken or attending an important work conference. All you need to do is take them out of your mouth, go through your event as you normally would, and put them back in when you’re done.
Invisalign aligners are far more comfortable than traditional braces because they essentially become a set of “second skin” for your teeth, makes it easy to see why it’s the ideal choice of so many patients around the world.
orthodontics for adults
A lot of people assume that corrective dental measures are something you need to look into while you’re still young. However, your Invisalign treatment will be customized to your specific needs and is more than capable of correcting issues that can develop at any age. And the sooner you get started, the sooner you will have an updated, straightened smile!
Here are some common reasons:
- Crowded teeth, which can cause dental problems such as tooth decay and plaque build-up.
- Jaw pain that can result from irregular bite or alignment.
- Cosmetic reasons; a desire for a beautiful smile.
Invisalign aligners are great for correcting underbites, overbites, crowded teeth, spacing issues and so much more. The aligners typically work out to about the same cost as traditional braces in most cases. With that to consider, there really isn’t a reason NOT to talk to the team about exploring Invisalign as an option.
Invisalign Care
We’re excited to accompany you on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile. This page is your comprehensive guide to caring for your Invisalign aligners, maintaining excellent oral hygiene during treatment, and making the most out of your Invisalign journey. If you ever have any questions about your Invisalign or treatment process, just reach out to us. We’re here to help!
wearing your aligners
When placing your aligner, start with your front teeth and then proceed to fit it over your back teeth. To remove the aligner, gently unhook one side at a time to prevent damage. Remember, if an aligner gets damaged or broken, you should revert to wearing the previous tray and contact our office immediately.
Here are some general guidelines for wearing your aligners:
- Aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day, and are only to be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing your teeth.
- Use the bite stick to set the trays for the first few days of a new tray. This will help “snap” the aligner into place.
- Drink only water with your Invisalign trays in. Eating, drinking colored beverages, or smoking with your aligners in can cause them to discolor.
- Each tray will be worn for seven to ten days based on the treatment plan your orthodontist has prescribed.
- To make the transition to a new set of aligners easier, we recommend changing to new aligners before bed. This allows your teeth to adjust to the new trays during your sleep.
maintaining oral hygiene
During your orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is more important than ever. Always be sure to brush and floss your teeth after every meal and before reinserting your aligners. This will keep your teeth clean and healthy, ensuring the most effective treatment.
It’s also important to gently brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water daily to prevent buildup and ensure they remain as clear as possible. Do not use hot or boiling water when cleaning your aligners, as this can cause them to warp or lose their shape.
managing discomfort
Some soreness and discomfort are to be expected during the realignment process, especially when transitioning to a new set of aligners. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage any discomfort. If you experience persistent or severe pain, please contact our office.