Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional metal braces that use discreet, clear aligners to straighten teeth. This cosmetic dental treatment can address crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and orthodontic problems. Dr. Kelly Halle-Brown offers Invisalign® aligners in Quakertown, PA.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a modern alternative to traditional braces, providing several benefits that go beyond simply straightening teeth.
One of the most noticeable benefits of Invisalign is its discreet appearance. The clear aligners fit snugly over the teeth and are virtually invisible, allowing patients to undergo treatment without the metal brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. This makes Invisalign especially appealing to adults and teens who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to the process.
Comfort is another major advantage. Traditional braces can irritate the cheeks and gums due to metal components, while Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic. Because the aligners are custom-made for each patient, they fit comfortably and cause less friction inside the mouth.
Invisalign also offers greater convenience. The aligners are removable, allowing patients to eat their favorite foods without restrictions. With traditional braces, hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can damage the brackets or wires, but Invisalign users simply take out the aligners during meals.
This removability also makes oral hygiene easier. Patients can brush and floss normally without navigating around metal brackets. As a result, Invisalign can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease during treatment.
The treatment process is often more predictable and requires fewer office visits. Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan and show patients their expected results before they even begin. While traditional braces require periodic wire adjustments, Invisalign patients typically visit the dentist every six to eight weeks for progress checks and to receive new sets of aligners.
Invisalign can also offer faster treatment times in some cases. While the duration depends on the complexity of the case, many patients complete Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months, which can be shorter than the average time for traditional braces.
Another benefit is that Invisalign aligners place controlled, gradual pressure on teeth, reducing the amount of discomfort often experienced after adjustments with traditional braces. This gentler approach can make the process more pleasant overall.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
You have to care for your aligners correctly to ensure that they work properly. First, rinse them out with lukewarm water every time you take them out of your mouth. This helps wash away food, saliva, and bacteria, preventing buildup. Never use hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
At least once a day, clean your aligners with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap. Don’t use toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch the aligners. Scratches make them more visible on your teeth and can provide a home for bacteria to build up. This also prevents bacteria buildup and keeps your aligners smelling fresh.
At least once a week, use an aligner cleaner to soak your aligners. They usually only take a few minutes and eliminate any bacterial buildup or odor that your daily cleanings can’t remove. These soaks sterilize them.
Whenever you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in a ventilated carrying case. There are many instances of people taking their aligners out to eat and wrapping them in a napkin, only to accidentally throw them away at the end of the meal. When you use the case, you keep the aligners safe and always know where they are.
Your case needs to be ventilated so that the aligners can breathe. Bacteria love nothing more than a warm, wet environment. A case without ventilation provides this breeding ground. Make sure you’re cleaning the case regularly, too. Putting clean aligners into a dirty case just eliminates all of the work you just did.
Lastly, don’t store the aligners anywhere in direct heat. This includes sunlight or leaving them near a heat source. Don’t use hot water when you’re cleaning or soaking them, either. Heat warps the plastic, rendering the aligners ineffective. They need to be in a precise alignment to ensure progress.
Invisalign Treatment in Quakertown, PA
During your initial visit, we will determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. This treatment is often a good choice for adult patients and others interested in a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment. In addition to being discreet, Invisalign aligners are very comfortable because they are custom-made from smooth, thin plastic.
Each set of aligners is designed to make small changes to the teeth’s alignment. As you switch sets of aligners about every two weeks, your teeth will gradually and gently move to their proper positions. You will also visit our office regularly during treatment to make certain that your smile is progressing as planned. The aligners are also removable, which allows you to easily remove them as needed to eat, brush, and floss.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is one of the most popular forms of teeth straightening treatment. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long do you wear Invisalign aligners?
We recommend that patients wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Wearing the aligners for this amount of time, even during sleep, will keep patients on track to completing treatment promptly. Patients can remove their aligners to brush, floss, eat, and drink beverages other than water.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients complete their treatment in 12 to 18 months, but some may need more or less time. Your dentist will provide a more accurate timeline during your initial consultation based on your needs.
Are Invisalign aligners comfortable to wear?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are generally comfortable to wear. They are made from smooth plastic, making them less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks than traditional metal braces. While you may experience some pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, this discomfort typically subsides quickly.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign aligners on?
You should remove your Invisalign aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents damage to the aligners and ensures you can maintain good oral hygiene. After eating or drinking, brush your teeth before returning your aligners.
Can I switch to a new aligner if I’m not ready?
You should only switch to a new aligner when your orthodontist has instructed you to. Each set of aligners is designed to move your teeth in a specific way, and changing them too early can disrupt your treatment plan. If you feel like you’re not ready to switch, discuss your concerns with your dentist.
Can anyone use Invisalign?
Invisalign is suitable for many patients but may not be the best option for everyone. It is most effective for individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crowding, spacing, or bite problems. A consultation with your dentist will help determine whether Invisalign is the right choice for your dental needs.
Straighten Your Smile Today
We welcome you to call or visit us today to learn more about Invisalign clear aligners. You can also contact Upper Bucks Dental Arts at (215) 876-0543 or request a dental consultation with Dr. Halle-Brown online.
Please let us know if you have questions about Invisalign before or during your treatment. We’re here to ensure that Invisalign is your smile’s most effective orthodontic treatment.