Clear Braces and Invisalign

What is Invisalign® Teen?

Invisalign® straightens teeth using a series of clear, plastic aligners. For teeth to move from their current crooked position to where they are supposed to be, pressure must be applied. With braces, this is done using metal brackets with wires threaded between them. With Invisalign®, we apply pressure using a series of clear aligners that place specific amounts of pressure on specific teeth. When worn in a series, they put the right amount of pressure on the teeth to migrate the teeth to the correct position.

The process

To begin, we will need to conduct a consultation and examination. This examination will involve reviewing the patient’s medical history, current state of health, any pre-existing conditions or prescribed medications we need to know about and the position of the patient’s teeth. We will then take a mold of the patient’s teeth and measurements. With all of this information, we will send it to the lab to create the Invisalign® trays.

After creating the trays, we will then meet with the patient to ensure that they fit and that the patient understands all of the steps in the straightening process. It is important that the patient understand a few key factors about wearing Invisalign® on a regular basis.

Wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours per day

While the patient can remove Invisalign® trays when necessary, the patient will want to keep them in as much as possible. The longer the patient does not wear the trays for, the longer the entire process will take. Patients need to remove the aligner trays when eating and to brush the teeth.

Patients can also remove the aligner trays to play in a sports game, give a presentation, go on a date, or while taking a photo. It is important to at least rinse the mouth after eating to keep food from getting caught in the teeth.

Staying on schedule

Since we do not need to adjust Invisalign® aligners at our office as one might need to adjust braces, patients do not need to make as many checkup appointments. In fact, by customizing the aligner trays, we do not need to have the patient come in for regular orthodontic checkups.

The patient will be able to continue through each aligner tray and follow a schedule with no surprises. By following the schedule, the patient’s teeth will continue to move into the proper position without pain.

Does Invisalign® really work for adults?

Yes, Invisalign® was created for adult teeth. While braces are traditionally associated with children, the process of using clear aligners is better suited for adult teeth. This is because Invisalign® works using a series of clear aligners. Before the treatment starts, an impression will be taken of your teeth, along with measurements and pictures. These will then be used to create 3D images and project what your teeth will do when pressure is applied to certain teeth. The entire treatment plan will be created using high-tech computer software and input from our team of professionals. The Invisalign® lab will then make the aligners. Each aligner is designed to move specific teeth and to be worn for two weeks at a time before being switched out for the next one in the series. Since the aligners are created at the beginning of the process, it works best on adult teeth that are fully mature. Some older teens can also benefit from straightening their teeth with Invisalign®.

Does Invisalign® really work for people with a misaligned bite?

Village Green Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use Invisalign® to straighten teeth and to align the bite. It is a misconception that braces are the only way to address an overbite or underbite. While they are traditionally the most effective, aligners can correct a bite, as well. In order to find out if this process will work for yours, we recommend that you visit our Marietta, GA dental office. Call (770) 239-2722 to schedule a consultation so we can examine you, take X-rays, and determine whether or not Invisalign® is right for you. If your bite needs more adjustment than what aligners can offer, braces may be necessary or even oral surgery.

Invisalign® Vs. Clear Braces

Invisalign® is different. This is an orthodontics treatment for teens that want to straighten their teeth without standing out. Most people cannot tell that you are wearing anything because the aligners are clear. You can smile brightly without worrying about your appearance. In fact, as the aligners move your teeth into position, your smile will start to look better. You also do not have to wait until the end of your treatment to notice a difference in your appearance. When considering Invisalign® vs. Metal Braces, decide how you want to look during your orthodontics treatment.

Clear Braces

Patients throughout the Marietta area frequently ask us about clear braces. This is an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces since no one can tell that you are wearing them. When you schedule a consultation, we will examine your teeth and take X-rays in order to determine what the most effective treatment method will be for straightening your teeth. When getting clear braces, your teeth will be moved into the correct position but we also need to look at your jaw. If you have a misaligned jaw, as is common with an overbite, that will need to be corrected as well, or you will not have the perfect smile that you are looking for. At Village Green Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can create customized treatment plans for the needs of each patient. With this in mind, we will provide you with all of the information you need in order to make an informed decision as to whether or not clear braces are for you. If you live in the Marietta area, call to schedule your consultation to ask about Invisalign® for Teens.