Quick Facts
- Treatment Duration? 1+ years
- Why? Straighten teeth
- Who? Adults and teens with full second molars
- Continued Care? Retainers
- Effective For? Lifetime with proper maintenance
Invisalign, also called invisible braces, is a gradual tooth straightening process using customized trays or aligners. This treatment is a popular alternative to braces for adults and teens who have full second molars. Due to the practically invisible trays, Invisalign allows wearers to gradually straighten their teeth without the pain and self-conscious feeling of prominent metal braces.
Not all dental conditions are treatable with Invisalign, and your Webster Dental Care dentist will have to conduct an evaluation of your smile before determining whether Invisalign is the right dental treatment for you. Some dental conditions that can be improved with Invisalign are gapped teeth, underbite, over-crowding, overbite, open bite, and crossbite.
The Invisalign Process
If you think you are a candidate for Invisalign, contact Webster Dental Care today. Invisalign is not a short process – Many adults can expect treatment to last approximately one year, and teens may experience treatment lasting two or more years.
The first step to your perfect smile is a consultation with an Invisalign expert who will determine whether you are a good candidate for the treatment after a careful evaluation of your current smile, needs, and goals.
If you decide to move forward with the treatment, your dentist will take x-rays during the consultation to create your custom aligners. Unlike metal braces, your smooth and clear aligners will not cause swelling and irritation of your inner lip. Our dentists encourage our patients to wear their Invisalign aligners for more than 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and complete daily oral hygiene.
For the duration of your treatment plan, the aligners are replaced every two weeks to gradually shift the position of the teeth. Your dentist will use x-rays and careful planning to determine the exact movements of your teeth and ensure your treatment is progressing properly.
Once the Invisalign treatment is complete, patients will receive retainers to maintain their teeth’s position and protect their straight smile.