Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
Straight teeth are within your reach with Invisalign clear braces for adults and teens.
Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well. As an adult, you may be looking to improve your smile for business and social reasons, or even for a special occasion like your wedding day. Or perhaps you’re a teen or the parent of a teen looking for an effective yet modern-day solution. Either way, Invisalign can provide a simple way to accomplish this without having to put your life on hold. Take a moment to learn more about the entire Invisalign treatment process and how it can help you.
Getting your teeth straightened isn’t something just for teenagers anymore. Many adults just like you who have felt uncomfortable with their smiles now have straight, healthy teeth. You can, too! If you weren’t able to get your teeth straightened when you were younger, now is the time to find out more about Invisalign– the clear braces alternative to metal braces and wires.
Invisalign Advantages & Benefits
Virtually Invisible
When you’re wearing Invisalign, most people won’t even know you’re going through treatment, because they are virtually invisible! Get straighter teeth with more confidence – a win/win!
Removable & Easy To Clean
Unlike braces Invisalign aligners are removable, so it’s easy to continue brushing and flossing your teeth the way you normally do. You can even remove them for special occasions and pop them back in when you’re ready.
Eat Whatever You Want
Invisalign is flexible enough to let you live your life the way you want, and eat whenever you want. Just remove the aligner trays and pop them back in when you are finished.
Straightens Your Teeth
Perfect for mild cases of crooked teeth and protruding teeth, or much more difficult dental problems involving serious malocclusion, overbite, or underbite.
How Does Invisalign Work
Invisalign works by using a series of retainer-like aligners to gradually move the teeth into the optimal position. In your initial appointment, one of our Invisalign Philadelphia orthodontists will likely take an impression of your teeth, using a special putty that hardens quickly. This putty will then be used to make a mold of your teeth, which is then used to create your aligners. The doctor will create a treatment plan based on the problems you would like to be addressed, as well as what the doctor feels needs to be addressed, in order to improve the health of your mouth.
Each retainer will gradually push your teeth towards the desired location. Like traditional braces, this happens very slowly. Your first retainer, for example, will be molded not to fit the current position of your teeth, but to fit your teeth after their first stage of movement. Because the grooves of the aligner will push against your teeth, they will gradually begin to move, until they fit perfectly into the aligner. That is how you know it is time for the next stage of aligners.
Invisalign Treatment Process
Step 1
A Customized Treatment Plan is Created for You
We will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which will then be used to create a digital 3-D image. From these images we will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment. Using the same technology we will be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move with each stage of treatment.
While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. For teens the length of treatments is comparable to that of braces.
Step 2
Receive Your Custom Invisalign Aligners
Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Step 3
Wear a New Aligner Every Two Weeks
Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. To monitor your progress, you will also have occasional checkups with your doctor, usually only every six weeks or so. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment. At every stage, you will be able to see how much closer you are to having the smile that reflects the real you.
Step 4
Reveal Your New Smile & Keep It Looking Great
Congratulations! This is the time when you celebrate. You have reached the end of treatment and you will be smiling more than ever.
Invisalign FAQs
· What do aligners look like?
Aligners are clear and practically invisible. This is why they are often referred to as “clear braces”. They look similar to a clear tooth-whitening trays. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Invisalign aligners are custom-fit to your mouth for comfort and optimal teeth-straightening results.
· Will the treatment be painful?
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.
· Will wearing the Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
· How long will treatment take?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing.
· How often will I have to wear my aligners?
Invisalign only works while you’re wearing the aligners. It’s recommended that you wear your aligners full-time, day and night, except to eat, brush and floss your teeth.
· Can I just wear the aligners while I sleep?
No. The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective.
· Is Invisalign right for me?
Whether you’re a teen or an adult, no matter what stage you’re at in life, you’ll appreciate how the Invisalign treatment has minimal interference in how you live, but has a significant positive impact on how you look and feel about yourself. From mild cases of crooked teeth and protruding teeth, to much more difficult dental problems involving serious malocclusion, overbite, or underbite, Invisalign effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems. Whether your teeth are widely gapped, overly crowded or somewhere in between, we have an affordable teeth straightening option for you.
· How much does Invisalign cost?
Cost is always a concern, but is determined by a number of factors. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only an Invisalign-trained doctor can determine the cost, based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, and additional factors determined by Dr. Simmons. Also, check your dental insurance plan—Invisalign treatment is covered by many dental insurance policies. And we offer other flexible and affordable monthly payment plans as well.
· Will my insurance cover Invisalign?
Because benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan. However, in general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
· Does Invisalign really work?
Yes. Through the use of the Invisalign patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by Dr. Simmons as he maps out your unique treatment plan.