Have you dreamed of a straighter smile? Fortunately, straightening your teeth can now be done in many cases with clear aligner therapy, with Invisalign. With Invisalign and other clear aligner therapies, you can discover the smile you've always wanted without anyone even realizing it. It's a win-win!
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Why should I choose Invisalign?
Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your smile? Have your teeth shifted since you had braces as a kid, since you forgot to wear your retainers? This problem is a lot more common than you think! Or perhaps, has your dentist or hygienist mentioned that your crowding or alignment is creating gum problems? If any of these sounds like you, you are in great hands! Fortunately, there is a discreet way to straighten your teeth, rather than the traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, the trays are made of a durable plastic material that gently moves your teeth into the desired position.
The best part is that Invisalign is virtually "invisible" due to their clear and thin design. It is also comfortable and removable, allowing you to eat and brush your teeth without any inconvenience. You can keep your normal routine and watch your teeth transform right before your eyes with Invisalign. Seeing a qualified dentist for evaluation is very important, as not all people are candidates for clear aligner therapy, and sometimes may benefit from a different modality of treatment to best meet their needs.
Did you know…
Invisalign aligners are made from a thermoplastic material that's BPA-free. Source: invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
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various clear aligner therapy options
Clear aligner therapies have revolutionized the world of tooth movement, both minor movements as well as more complex situation. We are proud to offer both Invisalign treatment as well as 3M clear aligners, to suit different treatment needs as well as patient preferences. Both of these options provide discreet, effective treatment for straightening your teeth, tailored to your unique dental profile.
high quality digital scans - goodbye "goopy" impressions!
Getting fit and measured for clear aligner therapy has never been easier, thanks to high resolution digital scanning. Most patients will be able to get scanned, rather than to use the impression trays and putty materials we once relied on as a profession. Now, with modern technology, you can say goodbye to goopy impression trays and hello to your best smile yet!
various retainer options
After achieving your perfect smile with Invisalign, maintain it with our range of retainer options. Choose from removable retainers for flexibility, fixed lingual retainers for a discreet, permanent solution, or intracoronal splints for long-term stability. We can guide you on what recommendation will be best in your particular situation.
The Benefits of Invisalign
They’re Removable
Enjoy the flexibility to remove your aligners whenever you need to brush, floss, or indulge in your favorite foods. This is a huge advantage to metal braces, which are notoriously difficult to keep clean.
Exceptional Comfort and Cosmetics
Experience unparalleled comfort with Invisalign's smooth and gentle BPA-free plastic material, ensuring a comfortable fit. It is virtually "invisible" in social and professional settings.
Convenient Option
Invisalign allows you to maintain your regular routine, including your diet, without any significant adjustments needed.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Initial Consultation, Exam, and diagnostic records
Prior to starting your treatment, you will have an opportunity to discuss your desired smile outcomes with Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Barra. They will listen to your goals, and then carefully examine your bite, your smile as it relates to your facial features, as well as your jaw structure, to determine if Invisalign is the appropriate solution for you. In some cases, even if you have Invisalign on your mind, other treatment options may also be available to best meet your goals. This is why the consultation is so important. If you and your dentist plan to proceed, high quality digital scans or impressions will be made, depending on the scenario, as well as high-quality photos and relevant measurements. This consultation is also a great time to ask any questions you may have regarding your smile, Invisalign, or other options you want more information on.
Aligner Fitting & instructions
Once you have been given the green light to proceed with Invisalign, your dentist will work with the appropriate lab to custom design your new smile. This usually involves some back-and-forth to make sure it is perfect for your needs. Once you dentist approves the case, your aligners will be 3D printed and shipped to our office to officially begin your journey to your new smile! You will visit our office to try in the trays and receive tailored instructions on how to use them. In some cases, your dentist may need to place small, tooth-colored attachments to your teeth to aid in keeping the aligners securely in place, and/or may need to do some gentle polishing between a few teeth for a perfect fit. Your treatment is not a one-size-fits-all, and will be custom designed for your unique needs!
Monthly Check-ins
While every treatment timeline is unique, you’ll most likely stop by our office once every four weeks to pick up your next set of aligners. These check-ups are crucial as they ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned, and that your Invisalign trays are fitting correctly. If your trays are not fitting as they should and it is not caught early enough, you may lose unnecessary time in completing your treatment.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
If you don't have severe periodontal, systemic, skeletal, or severe orthodontic issues, Invisalign could be the right solution for your smile. However, if your dentist identifies extensive problems or other risk factors that may compromise success, they may recommend other treatment options that may work better for you instead. To determine the best treatment option for your particular needs, reach out to our team and schedule a consultation today.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Any time teeth are moving, pressure is being applied, so it is normal to experience some tenderness and soreness as your teeth start to shift. The gentle pressure exerted by the aligners prompts your tooth roots to move, leading to minor inflammation and discomfort. This is usually true at the start of treatment for most people. With each new tray you put in, you may feel that familiar feeling of tightness or slight pressure, but it should subside fairly quickly. Some patients have a little bit of initial soreness from the edges of the aligners rubbing on their lips, but this also typically goes away very quickly as you acclimate to the trays. For most people, the process is very comfortable.
How long should I wear my aligners?
Most patients are advised to wear their Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, although this may vary based on your specific treatment requirements. You will likely only need to remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Consistently wearing your aligners ensures optimal treatment progress and faster teeth shifting. The better you commit to full use, the better your outcomes, without a doubt. The success of clear aligner therapy is largely dependent on your compliance.
How should I care for my clear aligners?
Taking care of your clear aligners is easy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to gently clean your trays, removing any food particles or plaque. When you take out your aligners to eat, brush, or floss, store them in their case to protect them from bacteria and damage, and so that you don't lose them, especially when you are out of the house! You can also use denture or retainer cleaners, which are available over the counter at your local pharmacy. Many people also have success with inexpensive ultrasonic cleaners that can be purchased on Amazon, which can conveniently double as a cleaner for your nightguard, or your jewelry! These cleaners are non-abrasive and will not damage your aligners.
What should I do if I crack or lose my aligners?
If you lose your aligners or notice any cracks, damage, or wear and tear, please contact us immediately. Delaying assistance could prolong your treatment and reverse the progress you have made. We will ensure you receive a fresh set of trays as soon as possible, allowing you to continue with your treatment plan.
Can I use my Invisalign trays as a nightguard?
In most cases, we do not recommend using Invisalign trays as a nightguard. The clear plastic trays are designed for gently shifting your teeth, not for truly protecting them. If you struggle with teeth grinding or clenching at night, obtaining a professional, custom fit nightguard that can adequately protect your teeth as well as support your jaw, is usually the best option. If you notice your aligners becoming cracked or worn down after waking up, please inform your doctor promptly, as the forces you are exerting may surpass the capacity of clear aligner therapy.
What are Invisalign attachments?
Invisalign "attachments," also known as buttons, are small, tooth-colored, custom-shaped composite resin material placed on select teeth during active movement. When you insert your aligners, they snap over these buttons, providing an anchor to keep the aligners securely in place, and facilitating gentle movement by the way the aligner presses against the attachment. This allows your dentist to adjust the position of your teeth more precisely and effectively throughout your treatment with clear aligner therapy.
Can you see Invisalign when you’re wearing them?
The term Invisalign comes from the word "invisible." However, Invisalign is made of clear, thin plastic, but not truly invisible when worn. Each tray is custom-made to fit your gum line seamlessly, making them generally hard to detect by the general public, unless they are really looking closely (most people are not). You may be surprised to learn that several people you know are currently going through this process, and you did not even notice. Please keep in mind, however, that if you eat or drink with your aligners in, they may become stained, potentially making them more noticeable.
How are Invisalign trays made?
The process begins with taking high resolution digital scans or impressions of your teeth to create a virtual model of your mouth. These scans or impressions are then sent to a proprietary aligner-only dental lab, where the scans are used to craft your new smile using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology. These tools enable the creation of highly precise aligners tailored specifically to your needs. Once the aligners are completed, they are sent to your dentist to be fitted and delivered to you.
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