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. Invisalign is a great choice for mild to moderate alignment issues, offering a comfortable alternative to metal braces.
What Can Invisalign Do?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that corrects misalignment. We mostly offer this procedure to patients over 16 with 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 treat an array of concerns, including:
- Tooth crowding
- Spaces between teeth
- Narrow tooth arches
- Underbite or overbite
- Cross-bite
Why Choose Invisalign?
Another advantage of choosing Invisalign is the comfort it provides. The aligners are a smooth, comfortable plastic material that won’t irritate your cheeks or gums. This means you can wear your aligners all day and night without experiencing any discomfort.
In addition, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can easily take them out to eat, brush, and floss. This makes maintaining good oral hygiene much easier than with traditional braces.
Invisalign also offers more convenience than traditional braces. With Invisalign, you won’t have to visit the dentist as frequently for adjustments. Every two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners, which gently guide your teeth into their perfect position. This means fewer trips to the dentist and less time spent in the dental chair.
Furthermore, Invisalign treatment typically takes less time than traditional braces. You can expect to see your final results in about 12 to 18 months, though this varies based on your specific situation. This means you can have a straighter smile in less time than traditional braces.
Invisalign is also a more hygienic option than traditional braces. Metal braces can easily trap food, which can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. You can easily remove Invisalign aligners for cleaning, allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
In addition to these practical benefits, Invisalign offers aesthetic advantages as well. Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet, letting you straighten your teeth without the look of traditional braces. This is especially helpful for adults who want to improve their smile subtly.
Choosing Invisalign also means choosing a treatment option backed by years of research and innovation. Dr. Alexander personalizes each Invisalign treatment. We use advanced 3D imaging to create custom aligners for precise, effective results. This technology allows for more accurate tooth movement and better results than traditional braces.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
The first step 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 daily for 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 between a year and 18 months.
However, your treatment time can depend on the severity of your crooked teeth issues. Treatment works best if you follow all the instructions in your custom treatment plan.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
First and foremost, wearing your Invisalign aligners for the recommended amount of time each day is crucial. Typically, you should wear them for about 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. For the best results, consistent wear is key. Wearing your aligners as directed helps keep your treatment on track and on time.
When eating and drinking with Invisalign, it is important to remove your aligners before consuming anything other than water. Always remove your aligners to eat or drink anything besides water. Food can stain them and get trapped, leading to cavities, and drinks like coffee or soda can discolor them.
Proper oral hygiene is also essential when caring for Invisalign aligners. Remember to brush your teeth after meals before putting your aligners back in. This stops food from getting trapped.
Also, give your aligners a quick brush and rinse with lukewarm water to keep them clear and fresh. Avoid using hot water to clean your aligners, which can cause them to warp or lose shape.
In addition to oral hygiene, storing your Invisalign aligners properly when not in use is important. Always store your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them to prevent damage or loss. Avoid leaving your aligners out in the open or a hot environment, as this can cause them to warp or become discolored.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is one of the most popular ways to straighten crooked teeth. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
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 the cost of treatment once we evaluate your smile.
Do Invisalign aligners hurt?
You will feel sore 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. Invisalign is a more comfortable choice. Without wires and with a smooth, custom fit, the aligners won’t irritate your gums like traditional braces can.
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 your 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? Please contact our office today if you have any questions about clear aligners or correcting your misalignment. Addressing your misalignment reduces the risk of several 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.