Invisalign®

What is Invisalign?

Magnolia Family Dental offers Invisalign, an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic trays, or “aligners,” to move your teeth into place. 

Invisalign effectively treats the same alignment issues as traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign causes far less discomfort than braces, and the aligners are hardly noticeable. Your dentist may recommend Invisalign to you or your teen to fix:

• Overcrowding
• Gaps
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite

With Invisalign, you enjoy not only a straighter, better-looking smile but better dental health overall. Alignment issues are more than cosmetic — they can lead to tooth decay, chronic pain, and gum disease when left untreated. It’s easier to take care of straight teeth, including brushing and flossing.

What happens during Invisalign treatment?

Before you start Invisalign, your dentist performs an exam and assessment to determine if it’s right for you. 

Using 3D technology, they can even show you the results you can expect. Invisalign is a great option for most adults and older teens who want to fix their alignment issues, but you may also benefit from other restorative or cosmetic procedures.

Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of aligners custom-made to fit your teeth. You wear each set for 1-2 weeks, for 20-22 hours a day. Gradually, the aligners straighten your teeth and shift them into the proper place.

Invisalign is far more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal braces. You take out the aligners to eat, drink, floss, and brush your teeth, the same way you would normally. 

Although you may feel some pressure when you adjust to each new set of aligners, the discomfort is far milder than with standard braces, and Invisalign doesn’t cut or irritate the inside of your mouth.

You regularly follow up at Magnolia Family Dental during Invisalign treatment. Your dentist makes sure your treatment is on the right track, answers any questions and concerns, and gives you the next few sets of aligners.

How long does Invisalign take to get results?

Many patients prefer Invisalign to traditional braces because the treatment doesn’t take as long and requires fewer office visits. You can expect Invisalign treatment to take about a year. 

Because Invisalign can correct complex alignment issues, some treatment lasts as long as 18 months. If you have mild alignment issues, you may only need about nine months of treatment. Office visits are scheduled about every six weeks during your treatment.

After you’re done with Invisalign, your dentist provides a retainer. This is necessary to keep your teeth in their newly corrected positions. You need to wear the retainer daily for the first few months, then at night for a few months, and gradually less beyond that.

To find out if Invisalign is right for you or your teen, schedule an appointment at Magnolia Family Dental online or over the phone.