Invisalign, which is a series of clear plastic, custom made trays to align teeth, is an excellent alternative for patients who are looking to address orthodontic issues in a more “invisible” manner. It can address a wide array of issues, including gaps between teeth, bite issues, and crowding. To learn whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign clear aligners in Ripon, WI, call our orthodontic office today to schedule a consultation.
Invisalign utilizes several sets of custom-crafted clear, plastic trays to place slight force onto your teeth in order to gradually and gently shift them into their ideal positions. Every six to eight weeks, you’ll visit our orthodontic office for a progress check that typically only takes between 10 and 20 minutes. We’ll make sure that you’re continuing to make progress through your treatment, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with your next series of trays.
Invisalign aligners have several unique benefits to offer that set them apart from traditional braces, including the following:
Invisalign TEEN clear aligners are a great treatment option for busy teenagers. The process is the same as regular Invisalign, however this special option can have the added perk of “indicator dots”. These dots are great for children who are learning responsibility, because the dots gradually change color to signify it is time to move on to wearing the next aligner. In addition, because the trays are removable, teens are able to remove the aligners to play instruments or participate in sports!
Invisalign is a revolutionary alternative to traditional metal braces that you may be more familiar with. This discreet, convenient, and simple orthodontic treatment is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to achieve a straighter smile! However, it’s natural to have some questions that need answers before you’re ready to commit to a treatment plan. We completely understand, which is why we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about Invisalign below so you can learn more about them! If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, or if you’re ready to schedule your consultation, give us a call!
If you’ve had metal braces before or have heard rumors that they’re very uncomfortable, then you’ll be relieved to hear that Invisalign is much more comfortable by comparison. With no sharp or poking wires and brackets, these smooth plastic aligners won’t irritate your soft tissues. However, as your teeth are gently shifted into place, it’s natural to experience some minor discomfort. You should be able to manage any soreness you feel with ice packs, cold foods and drinks, and over-the-counter pain relievers until it fades away on its own.
Every Invisalign treatment is unique, but the average treatment timeline is 12-18 months. Of course, this will depend on many different factors. For instance, more severe orthodontic issues will take more time to correct. How well you follow your treatment plan will also determine how long it will take to reach the results you want. If you don’t wear your aligners often enough, or if you lose or break them frequently, you may set yourself behind schedule. However, if you follow our instructions and visit us for periodic checkups, you’ll have the smile of your dreams in no time!
If you misplace an aligner, retrace your steps and try to find it. Remember, they’re clear and difficult to spot, so check countertops, couches, and tables very closely. If you can’t find your aligners after a day or two, give us a call so we can either order you a replacement aligner or determine if you can move on to the next set early.
If you break or warp and aligner, don’t wear it! Doing so could shift your teeth into the wrong positions and cause far more harm than good. Instead, call us right away. Like with a lost aligner, we will evaluate your unique situation and the progress of your treatment to determine if a new aligner should be made or if you can move on to the next aligner.
Your Invisalign results have the potential to last a lifetime, but only if you take the proper steps to maintain them. Like with any orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer upon completing Invisalign. This little device will hold your teeth in place as your jaw finishes healing, and will continue to keep them straight as your mouth naturally changes shape over time. While you will likely need to wear your aligner every night at first, we will likely instruct you to wear it three to four times a week after a while.
