A Discreet Alternative to Braces
For many years, traditional metal braces have been a tried and true method for straightening teeth. However, many patients don’t want them due to their unsightly appearance and uncomfortable metal wires. Thankfully, advancements in orthodontics have led to a more discreet and convenient solution — Invisalign clear aligners.
Explore our guide to learn the many advantages of Invisalign treatment, including how you can straighten your teeth up to two times faster than metal braces.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign provides several unique benefits that other orthodontic treatments can’t match, such as:
- Clear Appearance — Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible so no one has to know that you’re wearing them.
- Removable — The aligners are easily removable so you can eat and drink without restrictions, in addition to enjoying sports and other physical activities.
- Fast — Invisalign can straighten your teeth in as little as twelve months, up to two times faster than traditional braces.
- Comfortable — Each set of aligners is customized just for you, so you can rest assured they’ll fit comfortably and you won’t have to worry about metal wires irritating your gums.
Our Invisalign Process
Invisalign treatment at our Auburn, IN dental practice consists of the following steps:
- Consultation — Your journey to a new smile begins when you schedule a consultation with Dr. Heffelfinger. During this visit, he’ll listen to your smile goals and evaluate your teeth to determine if Invisalign is the ideal orthodontic treatment for you.
- Wearing Your Aligners — Invisalign uses a series of customized aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the proper position. You’ll wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day and swap them out for a new set approximately every two weeks until you achieve the stunning smile you desire.
- Enjoy Your New Smile — For most patients, Invisalign treatment takes about 12 to 18 months. You may start to see noticeable results as soon as a few weeks after you begin wearing the aligners. Dr. Heffelfinger will monitor your progress throughout and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign is used to treat a variety of orthodontic issues that can impact your health, as well as your smile. During your consultation, Dr. Heffelfinger will thoroughly examine your teeth and determine if Invisalign will be an effective treatment for you.
Typically, we use Invisalign to correct the following orthodontic issues:
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Open bite
Yes! It is possible to switch from traditional metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners. However, it may not be an option for some patients depending on their individual circumstances. If you’re curious about getting Invisalign, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heffelfinger. He’ll examine your teeth and orthodontic situation to determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Since they’re customized to fit your teeth, Invisalign aligners are far more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. You also won’t have to worry about painful bracket adjustments or metal wires poking your teeth and gums. You may experience some mild discomfort when you start wearing your first set of aligners, but this should fade within a few days as your mouth adjusts to them.
With most insurance providers, you’ll get the same coverage for Invisalign that you would for braces. Typically, this means at least a portion of your treatment will be covered, depending on the terms of your specific plan. If you have any questions about your insurance, our team will be happy to help you maximize your benefits.
Invisalign aligners are much easier to keep clean than metal braces. All you need to do is brush your aligners every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed. To prevent damaging your aligners, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid abrasive cleaning solutions.
It’s also crucial that you remember to take out your aligners before meals and brush your teeth before putting them back in. This will prevent food crumbs and bacteria from getting trapped in your teeth and causing an infection.