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Invisalign® is an innovative orthodontic technique designed to help patients straighten their teeth in a more discrete way. This treatment can progressively reposition the teeth and correct bite issues by using a system of clear, removable aligners – rather than metal brackets and wires. With Invisalign®, you can straighten your teeth without others knowing you are undergoing treatment.
Invisalign® is another advanced technique embraced by our dentists to help patients achieve successful results with greater comfort during treatment. Our dental team’s commitment to continuing dental education and exceptional credentials and experience are some of the many reasons why patients can place their confidence in Cornerstone Dental. Our skilled dentists and professional dental team are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals with results that meet, and even exceed, your expectations.
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that utilizes clear sets of aligners to progressively move your teeth into a straighter, more desirable position. The aligners are transparent and offer a number of distinct advantages over more traditional orthodontic techniques, including:
A comprehensive oral evaluation to determine if Invisalign® is the best option for your needs will be performed before treatment can begin. Good candidates for Invisalign® typically include:
Once you have been evaluated and Invisalign® has been recommended as an effective treatment option for your needs, a computer-generated image of your teeth will be created. This 3-Dimensional image provides our experienced Invisalign® dentist with a detailed map of your teeth, which will be used to create the customized series of teeth aligners. Once the aligners have been designed, you will wear the first set for about two weeks. Then, you will replace the aligners with the next set in the series. Each set of Invisalign® teeth aligners is slightly modified from the one before it, allowing for a gradual progression of the teeth into a straighter position.
The entire Invisalign® treatment process typically takes about 9 to 15 months to achieve optimal results; however, the exact duration will depend on each patient. Invisalign® is designed to be easily removed for meal and beverage consumption, as well as daily oral hygiene routines. However, patients should wear the aligners consistently during each day to ensure the best results.
With Invisalign® treatment from our experienced cosmetic dentist, you can attain successful orthodontic treatment without the functional and aesthetic drawbacks associated with traditional metal braces.
Invisalign® is one of our most frequently requested procedures at Cornerstone Dental. Our dentists have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with as much information about this teeth-straightening treatment as possible. During the initial consultation, you will be able to ask your dentist any additional questions you might have, allowing you to make a well-informed decision about your orthodontic care.
Many patients will notice a slight change in their speech during the first few days of treatment with Invisalign®. However, the mouth and tongue quickly adjust to the presence of the aligners, and the sound of the patient’s speech typically returns to normal.
Yes, being able to easily remove the clear aligners to eat or clean the teeth is a major advantage to Invisalign®. These aligners can even be removed for a special event such as a graduation or wedding. However, patients should wear their aligners as much as possible – ideally 20-22 hours each day. Otherwise, the effectiveness of the treatment can be compromised and the duration of the treatment prolonged.
Since each Invisalign® treatment is customized to meet the unique needs of the individual, there is no one set price. Factors that can influence the cost of Invisalign® include the severity of misalignment, the number of sets of aligners required for treatment, and the goals of the patient. During the consultation, your doctor can quote you an accurate price for your custom treatment. We also offer a number of financing options to help make the cost of Invisalign® work within your budget.
Invisalign® is considered as effective as traditional orthodontic treatments, and can typically achieve optimal results in a shorter period of time. On average, the duration of treatment for Invisalign® patients ranges from 9-15 months. The severity of misalignment and the individual patient’s goals may affect the total treatment time.
Most days, scrubbing the aligners with a toothbrush and water will quickly and adequately clean the aligners. If the aligners appear to need a deeper clean, use a small amount of antibacterial soap with a toothbrush and rinse thoroughly afterward.
A misaligned bite can be a contributing cause to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). In these cases, Invisalign® may function as a component of the patient’s comprehensive treatment plan.
If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign® can help you meet your needs, please contact Cornerstone Dental for more information, or to schedule an Invisalign® consultation.