Invisalign®

One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smile.  Especially for adults, the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging.  Invisalign^® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal.

Invisalign^® treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners.  In addition to the reduced visual impact, Invisalign^® aligning trays can be temporarily removed for important occasions – meaning that treatment duration is patient-controlled.  A great number of people report complete satisfaction with both the Invisalign® treatment and the stunning results.

Invisalign^® corrects the same dental issues as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign^® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.

Here are some issues that are commonly corrected with Invisalign^®:

• Overcrowding – This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth.  Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
• Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
• Crossbite – This common dental issue occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.  As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
• Overbite – When the upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth, eventually  jaw pain and TMJ issues can occur.
• Underbite – When the bottom teeth are in front of the upper teeth, again, jaw pain and TMJ issues can occur.
• Overjet – When the upper teeth are too far in front of the lower teeth, issues such as speech difficulty, inability to close your lips, and irregular facial appearance can lead to tooth decay, and low self esteem.    

Traditional dental braces, Invisalign^® aligners, and dental veneers are three different ways to perfect the alignment of the teeth.  There are many different considerations to make when considering which treatment will be best, and each of these options works better in certain situations.

Invisalign^® differs from traditional braces in that the aligners are fully removable.  This means that more discipline and commitment is required from the patient.  This is not usually a hassle since the aligners are comfortable and nearly invisible.  

Veneers are thin covers that the dentist permanently affixes to the teeth and are often considered to be "Instant Orthodontics" because the look of straighter teeth can be achieved in 2-3 appointments.  Veneers can also improve the tooth proportions and create a brighter smile.  However, Invisalign^® may be preferable to veneers because  Invisalign^® actually straightens the teeth by moving them into a more ideal position in the mouth.  

If you have questions about Invisalign^®, please ask us!