Many people with crooked, crowded teeth and uneven bites feel embarrassed when interacting with others or smiling. For many years, braces provided the much-needed remedy for these orthodontic issues. However, braces’ brackets, wires, and outlook are a turn-off for individuals seeking a discreet treatment. Fortunately, there are other options you could explore, including Invisalign.
Invisalign is a modern way to straighten teeth without metal braces. Instead of brackets and wires, it uses clear aligners. These aligners are custom-made to move your teeth into the correct position gradually. Your dentist can recommend Invisalign to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues. They include underbite, overbite, open bite, teeth crowding, and gapped teeth.
The outcome of an orthodontic procedure can impact the appearance and function of your teeth. Therefore, you must consult with a knowledgeable dentist or orthodontist. At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we offer safe and reliable orthodontic services for our Agoura, CA, clients.
Dental Problems You Can Fix With Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular option for straightening your teeth. It is nearly invisible, comfortable, and easy to use. Some of the dental issues that the orthodontic treatment can treat include:
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth happen when there is not enough space in your mouth for all your teeth to fit. The teeth overlap, twist, or push each other forward. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, which leads to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Your dentist can recommend Invisalign for your overcrowded teeth. Invisalign shifts crowded teeth apart, giving each tooth its own space. This makes brushing and flossing easier and helps your smile look more even.
Gapped Teeth
Gaps between your teeth, also known as spacing issues, can occur for many reasons. Some people are born with gaps, while others get them from habits like thumb-sucking or losing teeth. Gaps may seem harmless and are sometimes normal. However, significant gaps can affect your bite and lead to gum problems. Invisalign can close these gaps by moving the teeth together, improving your oral health and appearance.
Overbite
You have an overbite when your upper front teeth hang over your lower teeth. An overbite could cause worn-down teeth or difficulty speaking. Invisalign aligners apply pressure to move the teeth and jaw into a better position. Over time, it reduces the overbite and makes the bite more balanced.
Underbite
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. It happens when your lower teeth stick out past your upper teeth. An underbite can cause chewing difficulties and strain on the jaw. Invisalign can fix mild to moderate underbites by moving the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward. In some severe cases, your orthodontist can recommend surgery before using the aligners.
Crossbite
You develop a crossbite when the upper and lower teeth do not align correctly. This can lead to chipped teeth, gum issues, or uneven wear. Invisalign can fix a crossbite by moving the misaligned teeth into their proper place. It reduces damage and helps your teeth fit together.
Open Bite
With the open bite, your upper and lower front teeth do not touch when you close your mouth. An open bite makes it difficult to chew or bite into food. It could also affect how you speak. Invisalign brings the top and bottom teeth together so your teeth can meet when you close your mouth. It improves the function and appearance of your teeth.
Step-by-Step Invisalign Procedure
If you are considering Invisalign for teeth straightening, it’s helpful to understand the process. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses custom-made, clear plastic aligners to fit your teeth. The Invisalign procedure involves the following steps:
Initial Consultation
The first step in straightening your teeth with Invisalign is to consult an orthodontist or dentist. During this appointment, the provider will examine your teeth and bite to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Your dentist may order X-rays and take impressions of your teeth. The assessment helps to create an individualized treatment plan. If you have undetected dental issues, your dentist can identify them and recommend a solution before you proceed.
Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan
If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, your dentist will send the images and scans to a lab. Using advanced 3D imaging technology, the dental lab will gradually create aligners to shift your teeth into the desired position. You could receive a virtual preview showing how your teeth will move over time at the end of treatment.
Receiving Your Aligners
Your aligners should be ready within several weeks. Once your aligners are ready, you will return to the dental office to pick them up. Your orthodontist will give you multiple sets of aligners, which you should wear for one to two weeks. Your dentist or orthodontist will also explain how to insert and remove them.
Wearing Your Aligners
You should wear your aligners for maximum effectiveness for 20–22 hours daily. Your orthodontist will recommend only taking the aligners out when eating and drinking. The aligners are nearly invisible, which makes them a popular choice for people who want a discreet option.
You may feel pressure or slight discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new set. The discomfort is a typical sign that your teeth are moving. Each set of aligners builds on the last, gradually shifting your teeth over time.
Regular Check-Ups
Your dental visits do not end when you receive your clear aligners. You must visit your orthodontist every 6–8 weeks. During these visits, your dentist will monitor your progress and provide new aligners. These quick check-ins help ensure that everything is moving according to plan.
Completing Treatment
The average Invisalign treatment lasts between six and eighteen months. However, the duration can vary based on the reason for the treatment and the condition of your teeth. But this varies based on your specific case. After wearing all your aligners, your dentist will assess your teeth to ensure the results match the expected outcome.
Retainers and Aftercare
After Invisalign treatment, you must wear retainers to keep your teeth from shifting back. Your orthodontist will either give you a custom retainer, which you must continue to wear regularly. At first, you may need to wear them all day. With time, you can wear them only at night.
Aftercare Instructions for Invisalign
Finishing your Invisalign treatment is a considerable achievement. However, proper aftercare is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions and protect your investment. After the procedure, your orthodontist can give you the following aftercare instructions:
Wear Your Retainers
After Invisalign, you will need to wear a retainer. The retainer keeps your teeth from shifting back. At first, you may wear it full-time, but you can reduce it to nighttime use only. Skipping your retainer can undo months of progress, even for a few days. Therefore, you must remain consistent and follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely.
Clean Your Retainer Daily
Treat your retainer like your aligners. You should clean it daily to prevent bacteria buildup, bad smells, and stains. Use a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water since hot water can warp the plastic. You can also use special cleaning tablets or solutions recommended by the dentist. Before you put the retainers back on your mount, you must rinse them thoroughly.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Even after straightening your teeth with Invisalign, dental care is key. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean. A healthy mouth helps maintain your Invisalign results.
Watch for Shifting
It is normal for teeth to settle slightly after Invisalign. Noticeable movement after completing your Invisalign treatment is a cause for concern. If your retainer feels tight or does not fit, consult your orthodontist. If you go for a long time with an improper fit, the issue becomes more challenging to correct.
Store Your Retainer Properly
You should always keep your retainer in its case when you are not wearing it. This protects it from damage, pets, and getting lost. Keep your case when traveling or eating, and avoid wrapping the retainer with a napkin.
Avoid Heat and Harsh Chemicals
Retainers are sensitive to heat. Therefore, you should not leave them in a hot car or near a heater. You should never clean them with alcohol, bleach, or toothpaste with whitening agents. These chemicals can damage the material or make the retainer cloudy.
Replace your Retainer as Needed
Retainers can wear down, crack, or lose their shape over time. You will need a new one if you notice changes in your retainer’s fit, comfort, or appearance. Your orthodontist can help you with the replacement for a proper fit and continued function.
Keep a Backup Retainer
You should always have an extra retainer with you. Having a backup can save you from emergencies. If your primary retainer breaks or you lose it, you will not go without protection.
Look Out for Changes in Bite or Speech
If you start noticing changes in how your teeth meet or how you speak, you should notify your dentist at your next appointment. Sometimes these issues can come from not wearing the retainer enough or natural changes in your mouth over time.
Make Regular Dental Visits
Your orthodontist is still your best resource, even after Invisalign. You should keep up with follow-up visits as recommended. These check-ins ensure that your retainers stay on track and perform their function.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has become a popular option for individuals seeking to straighten their teeth. Some benefits of this orthodontic procedure include:
Invisible and Aesthetic
A significant benefit of Invisalign is that it is nearly invisible. The aligners are clear, so most people will not notice that you wear them. This aspect is excellent for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention.
Comfortable to Wear
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic. No wires or brackets can poke your cheeks or gums, unlike metal braces. They fit snugly over your teeth and are custom-made for your mouth. Most people find them much more comfortable than traditional braces. Therefore, you will not be inconvenienced when speaking.
Removable for Eating and Cleaning
You can take the aligners out when you eat or when cleaning them. For this reason, there are no food restrictions after this type of orthodontic treatment. You can eat popcorn, nuts, and even chewy candy without worrying. You can also brush and floss normally, which keeps your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.
Fewer Dental Visits
Invisalign requires fewer checkups than regular braces. Your orthodontist will give you a set of aligners to change at home every one or two weeks. Your dentist or orthodontist may only need to see you every six to eight weeks, which is perfect for individuals with busy schedules.
No Surprises with Digital Planning
Invisalign treatment starts with a digital scan of your mouth. Your dentist will use specialized software to show you how your teeth will move and what your smile will look like at the end. Therefore, you will know what to expect and the possible outcome of the procedure.
Shorter Treatment Time for Some Cases
Invisalign can work faster than traditional braces. Some people see results in as little as six months. However, the overall outcome will depend on the complexity of your case. Invisalign may offer a quicker solution for mild to moderate dental issues.
Great for Teens and Adults
Invisalign is not just for adults. There is a version designed for teens, and it includes features like eruption tabs to allow for growing teeth. Many teens prefer Invisalign because it is less noticeable and easier to manage during school and sports.
Boosts Confidence
Having straighter teeth can make a big difference in how you feel. Because Invisalign is discreet, people often feel better about wearing it. Your new smile can help boost your self-esteem when the treatment is completed.
Alternatives to Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular way to straighten teeth. It is clear, removable, and often more comfortable than braces. However, it is not the only option available. Common alternatives for Invisalign include:
Traditional Braces
Metal braces have been around for decades. Although they are not invisible, they work well for all kinds of dental issues. Your dentist can recommend braces instead of Invisalign for severe crowding and significant bite issues. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires. An orthodontist adjusts the wires every few weeks.
Treatment with braces lasts one to three years, depending on the severity of your dental issues. Braces are not as discreet as Invisalign. However, they are more affordable, and their effectiveness does not rely on your discipline.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal ones but blend better with natural teeth. The brackets are made from a transparent or tooth-colored material, making them less noticeable. Ceramic braces give you the power of traditional braces with a more subtle look. Many adults and teens choose ceramic braces for the best of both worlds.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are like traditional ones but go on the back of your teeth instead of the front. That means no one can see them when you smile. Lingual braces are ideal for people who want discreet treatment but need the strength of braces. However, your mouth may need some time to adjust to these braces. Therefore, they may initially affect your speech and are harder to clean.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is very similar to Invisalign. It uses clear, removable aligners to shift your teeth over time. They also look and feel almost the same. The most significant difference between Invisalign and ClearCorrect is the price. ClearCorrect is cheaper, depending on your dentist and treatment plan. Consider this option if you want an alternative aligner system that works like Invisalign and is more affordable.
At-Home Aligners
At-home aligners like SmileDirectClub are popular for individuals seeking a tooth-straightening option. You will receive a kit, take impressions at home, and receive aligners by mail. At-home aligners are cheaper than Invisalign and do not need any in-office visits. However, they are not suitable for everyone.
They work best for mild to moderate cases. More complex issues still require an orthodontist’s care. Also, not having regular checkups can lead to problems if something goes wrong.
Find Expert Dental Services Near Me
Invisalign offers a modern, comfortable, and nearly invisible way to straighten teeth. When you have crowding, gaps, or bite problems, this treatment can help restore both function and appearance. For people who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment option, Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces.
Your dentist will assess your teeth, take impressions, and make custom aligners. After receiving your aligners, your dentist will give you instructions on using them to achieve the desired results. The treatment offers many benefits, including fewer dental visits, no food restrictions, and faster results.
Choosing the proper orthodontic treatment is a significant decision. Therefore, you should consult an experienced dentist who can guide you. At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we provide personalized care and advanced orthodontic solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us at 818-878-7300 from Agoura, CA, to book your appointment.