Do You Qualify For Invisalign?
Dr. Alexander is an Invisalign® provider in Jacksonville, Florida. Invisalign is a practically invisible cosmetic dentistry treatment alternative to traditional metal braces. We help teens and adults straighten their smiles without metal braces. Invisalign is the first clear aligner system and a leader in clear aligners. This teeth-straightening system uses a series of custom trays to gently move teeth into a straighter position. You can take the aligning trays off anytime you need to brush, eat, drink or rinse. The Invisalign treatment option is perfect for patients who need mild to moderate orthodontic care and do not want to deal with painful metal brackets.
What Can Invisalign Do?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that corrects misalignment. We mostly offer this procedure to patients who are over the age of 16 and have minor to moderate crooked teeth problems. To see if you qualify, we will check your teeth and jaw to assess the cause and severity of your misalignment.
We can then decide if this is the best option for improving your smile’s alignment. Instead of using metal braces, patients wear a series of aligners made from clear plastic. Invisalign can to treat an array of concerns including:
- Tooth crowding
- Spaces between teeth
- Narrow tooth arches
- Underbite or overbite
- Cross-bite
Why Choose Invisalign?
There are many reasons why patients prefer Invisalign clear aligners vs. metal braces. The chief reason is that they are so clear, no one will know you’re wearing braces. The material itself is thin, so it blends in with your teeth. In addition to the look and comfort advantages, Invisalign offers a number of major clinical benefits.
When compared to metal braces, wearing Invisalign offers a number of gains such as:
- A less noticeable look
- More comfy than braces
- Fewer office visits
- You don’t need to avoid certain foods
- Brushing and flossing teeth is stress-free
- Better gum and tooth health during treatment because of better oral hygiene
- No metal allergies due to brackets and wires
- More predictable treatment outcome with Invisalign software
- Custom aligners tailored to fit your teeth just right
- Reduced discomfort and fewer scratches on your gums
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
The first step in the process is to take an impression of your teeth. Dr. Alexander will use the dental impression to create a 3D rendering of what your mouth will look like with straight teeth. Then he will send the images to an Invisalign lab. There, they will create a series of custom-made aligners. These aligners consist of an ultra-thin, clear, hard-soft plastic material. They are snug and won’t damage your tooth enamel and gums. They will fit your teeth and jaw perfectly, so they won’t interfere with your daily routine or bite.
Next, the patient will wear the aligners every day for between 22 to 23 hours. You should only remove them for special reasons, meals, or when brushing and flossing. About once every two weeks you will upgrade to a new set, with the total treatment time being between a year and 18 months. Although, your treatment time can depend on the severity of your crooked teeth issues. Invisalign works best if you follow all instructions in your custom treatment plan.
Invisalign FAQs
Do I need retainers after Invisalign?
You must wear retainers after completing Invisalign treatment to keep your teeth in place. At first, you will need to wear your retainer constantly. Over time, you can begin to wear your retainer only at night. Wearing a retainer prevents orthodontic relapse.
How much is Invisalign?
Invisalign costs can vary from patient to patient. The cost of Invisalign can depend on these factors:
- How many aligners patients require
- The extent of orthodontic problems
- If patients lose or break their aligners
We will give you an estimate of your cost of treatment once we evaluate your smile.
Do Invisalign aligners hurt?
You will feel some soreness as you get accustomed to each new Invisalign aligner. This is because your teeth must gradually move into a straighter position with pressure from the aligners. However, Invisalign aligners are not as painful as alternatives like metal braces because they do not have wires that can irritate the gum tissue. Invisalign aligners are contoured to the teeth and will not irritate surrounding tissues.
Who is a bad candidate for Invisalign?
We may not recommend Invisalign for patients who clench and grind their teeth because they can damage their aligners. Patients with gum disease, cavities, or other signs of infection will also require treatment before Invisalign. Patients with restorations like bridges and dentures may not be the best candidates for Invisalign.
How many times can you remove your Invisalign aligners each day?
You can leave your Invisalign aligners off your teeth for about two hours daily. Remove your aligners only to eat, drink, brush, floss, and clean your aligners.
Is it okay to not wear Invisalign for a day?
Leaving your aligners off your teeth for over a day can impact your tooth movement. Wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day is important. If you do not wear your aligners for one or more days in a row, it can take longer to complete Invisalign treatment.
Your teeth are constantly moving during Invisalign treatment. Wearing the aligners for the correct amount of time each day keeps you on track to completing treatment on time.
Contact Us for a Free Invisalign® Consultation!
Millions of people straighten their teeth with Invisalign every day. Isn’t it time you got the straighter smile you’ve always wanted? If you have any questions about clear aligners or correcting your misalignment, then please contact our office today. By addressing your misalignment you reduce the risk of a number of oral health concerns, ranging from tooth decay to TMJ disorders.
Contact our Jacksonville dental office for more information and to schedule your next visit with Dr. Alexander.