Invisalign & Clear Aligners
Invisalign & Clear Aligners
Invisalign®
Invisalign® & Clear Aligners
in Orem, UT at Orem Orthodontics
Get your straighten smile using clear aligners that are hardly noticeable
What is the difference between Invisalign® and traditional Braces?
Invisalign® and traditional braces both straighten teeth effectively. Invisalign® tends to be best suited for those who value an aesthetic and feel free from braces while feeling confident in their ability to consistently wear aligners. Invisalign is a great fit for those who prefer the braces-free aesthetic, travel for extended periods, and frequently move for educational or work reasons. additionally, those who want to continue eating the same foods as normal and maintaining the cleanliness of their teeth without significant changes to their routine enjoy the invisalign process.
The clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible; in fact, many friends may not even notice they are there! The greatest benefit to clear aligners is they are removable! This allows our patients to brush and floss without having to work around braces and wires. In addition, because braces and wires make cleaning teeth more difficult and time consuming, patients with braces sometimes don't keep their teeth as clean, resulting in cavities or white spots on teeth are treatment. With Invisalign and clear aligners, it is the equivalent of being able to temporarily remove your "braces" and eat and drink as you please. In addition, because traditional braces use wires and metal, which usually requires a few weeks to get used to and occasionally can poke or bother gums and cheeks, Invisalign® tends to cause less discomfort of that type. The aligners are made from medical grade smooth plastic formed specifically to your teeth and are quite comfortable.
Invisalign® is often the choice of those who value convenience in the aforementioned areas of life. Embrace a better smile with modification of your lifestyle and fewer changes to how you look and feel.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Invisalign® works similar to braces, but functions slightly different. Rather than tugging on teeth, like braces and wires, invisalign tends to push teeth. Most types of situations can be treated with either braces or invisalign, including teeth that are spaced apart, overly crowded, or a mix of both. However, because of the slightly different physics involved, sometimes one method is better than the other. This is why all proper Invisalign® treatment begins with a consultation with an orthodontic specialist, like dr. Cardall at orem orthodontics, to determine if you are a good candidate and to answer all of your questions. Not all orthodontists work with Invisalign®. In addition, some dentists without the extra 2-3 years of specialist orthodontist training sometimes dabble in Invisalign® as well. At Orem Orthodontics, we STRONGLY recommend that every patient striving to straighten their teeth seeks out the services of an orthodontic specialist who is also trained in Invisalign and clear aligner therapy. With all of these tools available in their belts, you can receive the best possible individualized treatment plan in order to achieve the best possible results.
We’ll start with x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3-dimensional image. Using this, we can map out the exact movements of your teeth and create a virtual image for you of how your teeth will look. Based on your individualized plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are made specifically for you. The aligners are made of BPA-free clear plastic and fit easily over your teeth. They are smooth and should be comfortable to wear. You can remove them to clean your teeth and to eat and drink. About every two weeks you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, progressing you through to your treatment goals. To make sure things are going well, you will have a check-up in the office every six weeks or so to monitor your progress.
How Long Will I Have To Wear Invisalign®?
While each case is unique, depending on the treatment needed, Invisalign® usually takes approximately one year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces. For fastest results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually shift into place. Once you have achieved the beautiful smile you desire, we may recommend retainers to keep your teeth looking good.
What About Special Occasions or Playing Sports?
Since Invisalign® is designed to be removable, it is perfectly fine to take out your aligners for a special night or event. Or if you play a contact sport that requires a mouth guard, you can simply replace your aligners with the mouth guard while you play. If your contact sport does not require a mouth guard, an extra advantage to Invisalign® is that it allows you to continue to wear your aligners without worrying about sharp brackets or wire ends cutting your mouth.
More than One Million Patients Worldwide Have Been Treated with Invisalign®. Call us for an appointment to get the smile you want without having to change a thing!
Clear Aligner Options
Clear aligners are the most versatile and convenient choice among all orthodontic treatments. Made of a clear, flexible material, orthodontic aligners are comfortable, virtually invisible and removable, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who are seeking a more discreet approach to straightening their teeth. Clear aligners treat the same bite and alignment issues that traditional metal braces do, without the brackets and wires.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
A series of custom-made aligner trays is used to gradually shift your teeth into place. Each tray is designed to move just one tooth or one section of teeth at a time. Once the tray’s work is complete (typically every two weeks), we move on to the next.
Pain and Soreness
Because there are no brackets and wires, clear aligners do not cause significant pain or soreness. In some cases, patients feel temporary discomfort (pressure) for the first few days after switching trays. That pressure may be uncomfortable but is actually a good sign that the trays are doing their job!
Caring for Clear Aligners
Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for cleaning, eating and drinking. To clean your aligners, simply brush and rinse them each time you brush your teeth.
Treatment Time
Treatment time typically falls within the range of 9-16 months. Some patients may also benefit from wearing a retainer after treatment is complete to prevent regression. This will all be discussed as part of your overall treatment plan.
For more information on the various invisible braces solutions, please give us a call at our office in Orem, UT.
-Orem Orthodontics
(801) 900-3399
