Invisalign

Invisalign

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Your orthodontist at Elevate Smiles offers Invisalign in Tampa, FL and surrounding areas to new and existing patients. If you’re in need of orthodontic treatment, you should contact Elevate Smiles today.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate dental alignment issues. The treatment consists of the patient wearing a series of clear aligners that gently and consistently move teeth into correct alignment. Each new aligner fits the new position of the teeth and applies gentle pressure to bring teeth into the desired position in the mouth.

Benefits of Invisalign

Patients choose Invisalign for a variety of positive benefits.

These include:

• Safely removable for up to three hours in each 24-hour period
• Clear aligners offer a low-profile orthodontic treatment
• Ideal for those in the public eye and for professional adults
• Less intrusive than traditional braces
• Removable for special occasions like photos, meetings, etc.

The Science of Invisalign

Invisalign brand aligners are superior to other aligners for a variety of reasons. First, it’s great to know that Invisalign® aligners are made from BPA-free plastic. The plastic material is also of a high molecular weight and medical-grade, making them safe for oral use. When you are fitted for Invisalign, your orthodontist uses 3D imaging. This results in an extremely precise image of your teeth and arch. These images are then sent to the dental lab, where the lab technicians use the data to craft the custom-made aligner that fits perfectly with your oral anatomy. This is why Invisalign aligners stand apart from competitors in terms of comfort, durability and effectiveness.

How Invisalign Works

The science of Invisalign enables the aligners to be so effective. But the process actually begins with your initial consultation with your Tampa, FL orthodontist. Your orthodontist is the key to successful orthodontic treatment, no matter which alignment solution you choose!

The Orthodontic Consultation

To begin, the orthodontist meticulously reviews the patient’s dental records. Typically, a person is referred by their dentist to the orthodontist. The dental X-rays are also examined by the orthodontist in order to determine the exact alignment issues that need to be corrected. After this, the orthodontist will confirm whether or not Invisalign is a viable orthodontic option. If it is, then the next stage will commence, either at this appointment or at the next.

The Treatment Plan

Next, the orthodontist will devise a custom treatment plan. In order to do this, a series of images will be captured of the teeth and jaw. This may comprise 3D imaging, X-rays or other imaging techniques. Using proprietary software, the orthodontist will create a custom and specific treatment plan with the end goal of correcting the alignment problem. Using the special Invisalign® Outcome Simulator, your orthodontist may even be able to show you what your new smile will look like at the end of treatment!

The First Invisalign Aligner

After the orthodontist sends all the digital imaging and other data to the dental lab, it takes from one to four weeks for the first aligner to arrive. A longer wait period doesn’t mean the aligner was more complex; it’s simply a reflection of how backed up the dental lab was for making Invisalign aligners. When the first aligner arrives back at your orthodontist’s office, the staff will examine the aligner to ensure it meets expectations. If so, they will contact you to let you know that your first Invisalign aligner is ready for you!

When you arrive at your appointment to get your first aligner, you’ll be shown the aligner and have it fitted inside your mouth. It can take a minute to get used to the feeling of wearing the aligner. It won’t be painful, but it can feel a bit unusual to have the appliance in your mouth. Most people become accustomed to the sensation quite quickly. Your orthodontist will give you sufficient time to adjust. Don’t worry! During this visit, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and aligner again while you’re wearing the aligner, to ensure that everything is according to plan.

At home, you may find that there is a little bit of tenderness as your mouth becomes used to wearing the aligner. Your teeth might feel funny, too, since the aligner is gently but consistently moving them into alignment. Again, this adjustment period will wane, and in about a week, you’ll probably feel very comfortable with the aligner. After some time, you may even forget you’re wearing it!

Follow-up Visits

You’ll need to make regular follow-up visits to your orthodontist for your Tampa, FL Invisalign treatment. During each follow-up visit, your orthodontist will evaluate your progress and determine if you’re ready for your next aligner in the series. This means that your teeth have sufficiently shifted and are ready to wear the next aligner. If so, you’ll get a new aligner. If not, you’ll be instructed to continue wearing your current aligner as instructed. Remember, the Invisalign aligner should be worn a minimum of 21 hours in each 24-hour period. If you wear it less, then the results won’t be what your orthodontist is looking for.

What to Expect With Invisalign

If you do decide to get Invisalign aligners, you should know what to expect with this revolutionary orthodontic treatment.

Your First Aligner Will Feel Tight

You may be surprised to find out just how tight your first aligner may feel. Since this is most likely your first (and last!) experience with orthodontics, it can be jarring to feel that pressure on your teeth. But rest assured, this pressure is not only safe, but it’s integral to the treatment. And, you’ll also be surprised at how quickly your body and brain adjust so that the feeling of pressure and tightness goes away.

New Aligners Will Also Feel Tight

As your treatment progresses, you’ll be getting a new aligner every so often. Each time you get a new aligner, you’ll experience that sensation of pressure again. But, each time the feeling of pressure will go away even faster than before!

It Might be Hard to Speak at First

In the beginning, you might have a little bit of difficulty speaking. You might have a little bit of a lisp as your tongue adjusts to the new appliance in your mouth. But this period will pass swiftly, and you’ll be able to speak and sing just as you did before wearing the Invisalign aligner.

Common Myths About Invisalign

Invisalign has been available for several years now. Yet, there are still some common myths about this orthodontic solution. Here are some of the most common myths about Invisalign that simply are not true.

Invisalign® Takes Longer or Less Time Than Traditional Braces

There are many reasons why a patient should choose Invisalign, but trying to shorten the length of treatment time shouldn’t be one of them. One of the most common myths about Invisalign is that it is slower or even faster than other orthodontic treatments. But the truth is that it’s going to take a certain amount of time to shift your teeth into correct alignment, no matter which orthodontic solution you opt for. In fact, treatment with Invisalign typically takes between a year and 18 months, which is comparable to the amount of treatment time with traditional braces.

Invisalign® Is Not as Effective a Treatment as Traditional Braces

Traditional braces work very well to correct even the most severe misalignment issues. And while Invisalign isn’t recommended for severe alignment problems, it’s just as effective as traditional braces for mild to moderate alignment issues. This is because the basic way that Invisalign works is the exact same as the basic way that traditional braces work. So yes, Invisalign is actually just as effective as metal braces.

Invisalign® Isn’t Suitable For Children

In order for orthodontic treatment to be effective and long-lasting, a child must have adequate tooth growth and jaw development. This is why, even if your orthodontist in Tampa, FL can see that a child will be needing orthodontic treatment, they may recommend waiting a while before beginning said treatment. Orthodontic treatment of any kind isn’t suitable if the child’s teeth and jaw are still growing, because this could undo the results of the treatment. The bottom line is that Invisalign is suitable for anyone who would be ready for orthodontic treatment in general.

With Invisalign® Oral Hygiene Isn’t as Urgent

This is a potentially damaging myth, since oral hygiene should always be a priority, no matter what orthodontics are being used. While it is true that oral hygiene is easier with Invisalign®, it’s a myth that a patient can safely ignore the basics of brushing, flossing and rinsing. And it’s worth noting that a patient undergoing Invisalign treatment should still come in for standard dental cleanings at least once every six months. Wearing Invisalign does not preclude the possibility of the buildup of plaque and formation of tartar.

Invisalign Maintenance at Home

When you get Invisalign in Tampa, FL, your orthodontist will send you home with instructions for maintaining them. But in general, if you’re interested in getting Invisalign treatment, here’s what you can expect in terms of home maintenance.

Rinsing

Invisalign® aligners are removable, which is one of the big reasons why people choose them for their orthodontic treatment. Each time you remove your aligner, take advantage of it and rinse it under running water. This works to remove saliva, small food particles and plaque that may be present on the aligner. You also need to rinse your Invisalign aligner extra carefully just before you store it in its case.

Soaking

For extra cleaning, you should soak your aligner for 10-15 minutes each day. Ideally, this should be done in the morning after you’ve worn the aligner through the night. Soaking in an approved solution helps to remove stain-producing substances, odors and bacteria that accumulate during the night. After soaking, you may lightly brush the aligner under running water with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Avoid Eating With Aligners

To maintain your aligner, you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water with the aligner in. Eating and drinking can lead to damage or staining, which you want to avoid.

Use Storage Container

When your aligner isn’t in your mouth, you should always store it in its special storage container to avoid accidental damage. Don’t set it on a napkin, countertop or other surface, as it can easily get damaged or fall to the floor. For this reason, your orthodontist in Tampa, FL recommends that you have several storage containers, and keep them in various places in your home and at work. You should also consider carrying one in your purse or pocket as you go about your daily errands and other activities.

Are you ready to explore Invisalign in Tampa, FL as a solution to your teeth alignment issues? Contact your local orthodontist to learn more about Invisalign® and how it can treat your orthodontic problems.