When you have crooked or crowded teeth, you have comfortable and discreet options for straightening them. While you can easily be fitted with traditional metallic braces, you may prefer something less noticeable and easier to wear. If this is the case, Invisalign® treatment from our talented Fort Lauderdale cosmetic dentist provides a great alternative.
Invisalign® refers to a set of clear, plastic aligners that you wear to shift your teeth into their proper position. If you’re curious about the treatment, continue reading to learn all about it.
Invisalign® Upgrades From Metal Braces
Invisalign® represents a significant advancement over traditional metal braces in both aesthetics and convenience. The most notable upgrades from traditional orthodontics include:
- Nearly invisible appearance, making them especially appealing for adults and teens who prefer a less noticeable solution
- Invisalign® aligners are smooth and custom-fitted, reducing the risk of irritation to the cheeks, lips, and gums
- Aligners are removable, allowing patients to take out their aligners when eating or brushing
- No dietary restrictions, giving patients the ability to eat their favorite foods during treatment
- Fewer in-office visits since there are no wires to tighten; instead, patients simply switch to the next set of aligners as directed
Additionally, Invisalign® often incorporates advanced digital technology that allows patients to preview their expected results before treatment even begins. This level of customization and predictability is a key advantage, giving patients greater confidence in the process. Overall, Invisalign® offers a more flexible, comfortable, and lifestyle-friendly orthodontic experience compared to traditional braces.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
- Virtually invisible thermoplastic aligners are fabricated to guide your teeth into a straighter positioning, which are worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
- Aligners should be worn at all times, except when eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth.
- A new set of aligners is worn every few weeks according to the details of your treatment plan.
- It usually takes 9 to 12 months to achieve the final result.
Invisalign® works by using a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. The process begins with a detailed digital scan or impression of the patient’s teeth, which is used to create a precise 3D treatment plan. Whereas other practices rely on messy dental molds to secure measurements of your bite, Dr. Tadros is well-versed in digital dentistry and offers digital impressions to gain precise scans of your teeth and gums during a more comfortable and convenient treatment process.
Your treatment plan maps out the exact movements of each tooth from start to finish. Based on this blueprint, a series of aligners is fabricated, each designed to make small, controlled adjustments. Patients typically wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before progressing to the next in the series, allowing for steady, incremental tooth movement.
The aligners must be worn for approximately 20–22 hours per day to be effective, only being removed for eating, drinking (anything other than water), brushing, and flossing. As you advance through the aligners, your teeth gradually shift into alignment according to the pre-planned sequence. In some cases, small tooth-colored attachments may be placed on certain teeth to help guide more complex movements. Regular check-ins with Dr. Tadros and our team ensure that treatment is progressing as expected and allow for any necessary adjustments along the way.
Initial Appointment
You will have an initial appointment with Dr. Tadros or another member of our dental team so they can examine your mouth and discuss your wishes related to your cosmetic dentistry treatment. We will advise you on whether Invisalign® is an appropriate treatment for you. Some patients are not well-suited for this process, but most qualify. However, if you aren’t a good candidate, you will be advised on alternative options.
Molding
Next, an impression will be taken of your teeth. It may happen during your first appointment or at a later visit depending on various factors. There will also be digital scans and x-rays taken to create a model of your mouth and teeth. This allows your Invisalign® aligners to be created at a lab.
Fitting Your First Tray
Once your aligner trays have been created, you will be asked to come in for your fitting and pickup. Dr. Tadros may also add small attachments to your teeth to keep the aligner trays in place. The attachments are tiny, clear, and temporary. You will also receive a detailed plan for your aftercare before you leave.
Follow-Up Appointments
After your first few weeks with your Invisalign® trays, you will be asked to return for another appointment. Our team will check your teeth and their movements, as well as examine the fit of your trays. You will wear a new set of aligners as your teeth continue shifting. Fortunately, unlike metal braces, you don’t have to return to the dental office each time you switch to a new aligner. However, there may be a need for a new digital scan if your treatment isn’t going as planned.
Straighter Teeth
Over time, your teeth will become straighter. Your results depend on the specific problem and severity of your misalignment, but their positioning will significantly improve.
Common Invisalign® FAQs
If you’re like most people, you’ll have questions about Invisalign®. These are some of the most common:
Does it hurt?
While Invisalign® may be uncomfortable when you’re wearing your first trays, it doesn’t hurt.
How do I clean my teeth with it?
Invisalign® can be removed while brushing your teeth, flossing, and eating, so there’s no problem. You will remove them for those activities and wear them for around 22 hours per day.
How long does the treatment take?
Everyone is unique, which means the length of treatment varies with each person. Adolescents tend to have faster results as they’re still growing. On average, most treatments take 12 to 18 months to complete. A post-treatment retainer worn at night is often recommended to keep your teeth straight.
Are Invisalign® aligners visible?
When you’re close to someone, they can see your Invisalign® aligners. However, from a distance, they’re essentially invisible.
Can I kiss with Invisalign® aligners?
Invisalign® doesn’t get in the way of kissing. You may initially notice them when you kiss your significant other, but it’ll become second-nature quickly.
Can I play sports?
Invisalign® doesn’t protect your teeth from contact sports, so if you need a mouth guard, you should remove them to use it during your game.
If you are in the Fort Lauderdale area and want to try Invisalign®, contact Beauty and the Teeth for a consultation. We serve patients throughout Lauderdale By the Sea, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Coral Ridge, and nearby communities.
