Invisalign Orthodontics

The first step is a free consultation with one of our Invisalign Certified Doctors. This will provide you with the opportunity to discover how Invisalign can provide you with the smile you desire. We will discuss your needs, treatment expectations, the Invisalign process, retainers and costs.

We will always recommend a comprehensive examination by one of our doctors and a cleaning by our hygienists prior to any orthodontic treatment to ensure that your teeth, gums and supporting bone are healthy enough for this treatment. If you require dental treatment, such as restorations to treat decay, it is also advisable to complete this treatment before your Invisalign aligners are inserted.

Impressions of your teeth will be converted into a computerized 3-dimensional model and you will have the opportunity to see your teeth on our computer monitors in our office. Your personalized 3-D video is an animation of the way your teeth will move from their current position to the final desired position. This video will also provide the estimated treatment time.

Once you have approved of the treatment plan, Invisalign will fabricate a series of clear, plastic aligners that correspond to the stages of tooth movement as seen in the 3-D movie. If you've ever seen clear tooth-whitening trays, that should give you a good idea of what the aligners look like.

Invisalign only works while you're wearing the aligners. It's recommended that you wear your aligners full-time, day and night, except to eat, brush, and floss your teeth. You wear each stage of aligners for approximately two-to-three weeks before switching to the next set in the series. Week by week, your teeth are straightened millimeter by millimeter.

Like traditional braces, the length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case. A typical Invisalign case takes about a year from start to finish. You’ll see your doctor every month or two to see how you’re progressing. Every few visits, you’ll be given additional aligners to continue your treatment. Commonly, the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but treatment time and the number of aligners will vary from case to case.

Invisalign can be used to treat the vast majority of common problems for adults and teens. Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help.

It is successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, under-bites and even cross-bites.

Retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment. If you do not wear them your teeth will relapse to their original position.

Retainers are for life.

There are two retainer types:

1. Removable retainers (Vivera by Invisalign) - These retainers are clear, plastic and removable. They look very similar to the Invisalign aligner and are custom fit to your teeth. With every order of Vivera you will receive four pairs of retainers (i.e. one pair is for the top and bottom teeth). Each pair typically lasts 12-18 months. When your last pair is worn down, simply call our office to purchase a new set and we will place the order for you as it will be delivered to our office.

2. Fixed retainers – This is a custom-fit stainless steel wire that is bonded permanently in place to the back of the front teeth. Since this retainer only maintains the position of front teeth you may require it in addition to a removable retainer.

Healthier Gums & Bone

Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked or spaced too far apart. Properly aligned teeth can help gums “fit” tighter around them, which leads to improved health of the supporting gums and bone. Research has shown that mouth infections and inflammation caused by periodontal disease is linked to diabetes, stroke, respiratory infections, pre-term and low birth-weight babies.

Easier Cleanings

With maintenance of good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay and periodontal disease can be significantly reduced when teeth are properly aligned.

Typically, an insurance policy that covers traditional braces also covers Invisalign to the same extent.