Many of our patients visit our office looking for help with straightening their smiles. Our team often recommends Invisalign to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, we believe that a fully informed patient is a healthier patient. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about Invisalign or other cosmetic dentistry options at your next appointment. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of clear, plastic aligners that gradually apply pressure to your teeth and encourage them to shift into a straighter position. Each aligner is worn approximately two weeks before being switched out for another one. The aligners are removable, unlike traditional braces which require the firm securing of metallic brackets and wires to your teeth surfaces. Patients often enjoy Invisalign treatment because it is a discreet orthodontic solution compared to traditional braces.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
One of the main benefits of Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are clear and allow you to maintain your natural smile aesthetics while undergoing treatment. Additionally, because the aligners are removable, patients do not have to make any major changes to their diets or oral hygiene routines. With traditional braces, patients are often encouraged to avoid excessively chewy or crunchy foods to avoid damage to the brackets and wires. However, with Invisalign, patients simply remove the aligners to eat, drink, or brush their teeth and then reapply the aligners afterward. Additionally, if you have a special occasion, you can remove your aligners for that as well. As long as you wear your aligners on average of 20-22 hours a day, your treatment plan will not be affected.
Why should I straighten my teeth?
Straightening your teeth has more than just cosmetic benefits. The alignment of your bite pattern affects the overall health of your smile. When you have misaligned or crooked teeth, your dental structures have to work much harder than they usually do to perform daily tasks like chewing or speaking. This extra strain can lead to dental damage or jaw pain over time. Straightening your smile a worthy investment for your longterm dental health.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment can address orthodontic concerns like overbites, underbites, cross bites, gaps between the teeth, and overcrowded teeth. However, to determine if this treatment option is right for you, you will need to schedule an appointment for an Invisalign consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Stein or Dr. Weiss will evaluate your smile to ensure that Invisalign will meet your needs. Additionally, you will need to be in good enough dental health to undergo orthodontic treatment. We look forward to seeing you for treatment.