invisalign clear aligner therapy

What is

Invisalign® Treatment

Invisalign is a series of clear aligners custom-made to fit a patient’s teeth. These aligners move the teeth in a way to create better alignment. They are an alternative for people who do not wish to wear traditional metal braces.

Invisalign clear aligners can straighten teeth gently and gradually without traditional brackets, bars, and bands. Because Invisalign clear aligners are easily removable, patients can eat, brush, and floss as they normally would.

At Dental Choice, we offer specialized treatment options to our patients based on their preferences and dental requirements. To make sure if Invisalign is right for you, or for more information on Invisalign treatment, please contact a location near you or give us a call.

Young smiling woman holding invisalign braces

What are the

Benefits of Invisalign®?

There are several benefits to choosing Invisalign clear aligner therapy to achieve your desired smile, some of the main benefits include:

  • Comfort – With traditional braces, the metal may poke into the sides of your mouth or cause cuts on your gums, and their rigid form provides no give or flexibility. Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, so the texture alone provides added comfort. There is also no risk of gum or mouth cuts when you wear Invisalign aligners.
  • Aesthetics – Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular option for individuals who prefer a more discreet orthodontic treatment. The aligners are made of a clear plastic material, which blends in with the natural color of the teeth, making them hardly noticeable.
  • Convenience – Invisalign clear aligners are removable, which means patients can take them out when eating, brushing, and flossing. This allows patients to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment and also allows them to enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions.
Young smiling woman holding invisalign braces

Why Choose Invisalign® Therapy?

Wearing braces is one of the most effective treatments for straightening teeth, but they can be painful and unappealing to look at.

The choice between wearing Invisalign and conventional metal braces all depends on a patient’s needs and lifestyle.

Some people don’t want others to know they’re wearing braces, and that’s where Invisalign can help. Because Invisalign are clear, people will often not be able to tell you are wearing them at all. Unlike metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is designed to look nearly invisible and provide you with the comfort of a more subtle look so you won’t be self-conscious about this method of teeth correction.

If you’re interested in receiving Invisalign Clear Aligner Therapy or want more information, contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Dental Choice dentist!

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is potentially ideal for anyone who requires orthodontic treatment but does not wish to wear traditional metal braces. Adults, teens, and post-secondary students are excellent candidates for Invisalign, and the Invisalign Teen series was recently introduced specifically to meet teenagers’ orthodontic needs. Typically, the only patients who might not qualify for Invisalign are those with periodontal issues and children who won’t have all their permanent teeth — but even this is changing.

How does Invisalign treatment work?

After impressions or scans are made of the patient’s teeth and bite, Invisalign 3-D digital imaging software is used to create a series of clear retainers. Each retainer in the series is designed to fit comfortably over the patient’s teeth in their current alignment and incrementally move them into their desired position. The last retainer in the series is shaped closely to the desired final alignment. After wearing each aligner for approximately 7 to 14 days, the patient will remove the aligner and replace it with the next one in the series. In this manner, teeth are straightened gradually and gently without traditional metal braces. Treatment with Invisalign can be completed with approximately 18 to 30 aligners — the average therapy lasts six to nine months, but some rare cases can take as long as two years, or as short as three months.

How long do I need to wear Invisalign?

How long you need to wear the aligner depends on how much your teeth need to be rotated or moved. The more mis-aligned your teeth are or the more your bite is off, the longer you will need the treatment. If your teeth are only slightly shifted, it will take less time. Each set of aligners needs to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. This will help to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Aligners are changed every one to two weeks, but this does not mean that you will need to come in for an appointment every two weeks, as aligners can be sent to you directly. With shorter adjustment periods, the aligners can do more in less time than braces, which are adjusted much less often. In fact, Invisalign take about half the time as the average timeframe for wearing traditional braces.

Can Invisalign be removed?

Another important factor is that Invisalign can be easily removed. With metal braces, certain foods are off-limits because they could damage the braces, such as very chewy or brittle foods. When you have Invisalign you can simply remove them to eat what you’d like.

How will I clean my teeth?

You can take Invisalign out to brush or floss your teeth, which will help to ensure your dental health stays on track. Metal braces make it difficult to thoroughly clean your teeth, and without proper cleaning, you may experience cavities or gum disease. Overall, the simple steps of removing Invisalign, eating what you’d like, cleaning your teeth, and then putting the aligners back in allows for flexibility that metal braces cannot match.

How much does Invisalign Aligner Therapy Cost in Alberta?

The cost of Invisalign varies from patient to patient depending on your individual needs. Before we proceed, your dentist at Dental Choice will discuss many of the variables associated with your treatment, including how long you will need to be in Invisalign Clear Aligners as well as the factors that can influence the pricing. The extent of your orthodontic issues and your alignment needs will impact the cost. Other considerations that will be taken into account before giving you a price estimate include:

  • The condition of your teeth
  • The complexity of the case
  • The treatment time frame — some only take three months while others require three years
  • Supplies and attention needed for your case
  • How many aligners will be necessary throughout the treatment

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

In order for Invisalign treatment to be effective, the aligners should be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day. You should only remove them when eating, brushing, and flossing. Failure to wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time may prolong treatment or negatively impact the final result.

How often do I need to visit my Invisalign provider during treatment?

You will need to schedule periodic check-ins with your Invisalign provider to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Typically, you’ll have an appointment every 6-8 weeks. During these appointments, your provider will evaluate your progress and provide you with the next set of aligners in the series.

Can I eat and drink anything while wearing Invisalign aligners?

It is recommended that you remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Hot drinks like tea or coffee can warp the aligners, and food particles can get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

Patients may experience some discomfort or pressure during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners, but this is normal and usually subsides quickly. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate any discomfort.

Schedule A Consultation to See if Invisalign is Right for You!

If you are interested in getting Invisalign treatment to enhance your smile or want more information, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists at Dental Choice today!

 

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