The invisible (discreet) way to align (straighten) teeth for your most confident look
Straight, evenly spaced teeth not only contribute to a confident, attractively balanced smile, but they also contribute to your overall oral health. When teeth are crowded or crooked, they can be hard to clean. Food particles may be left behind. When this happens, harmful bacteria and plaque flourish and cause decay and gum disease. Fortunately, Piedra Dental Group in Cooper City, Florida, has a solution to restore or achieve attractively spaced and healthy teeth that isn’t a pain to wear or care for: Invisalign®.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® treats orthodontic problems. Orthodontics refers to issues with tooth spacing and bite problems (such as overbite or underbite). One way to think about Invisalign® is to break down the word—the “invis” refers to invisible, while “align” refers to aligners. Invisible aligners are custom-fit appliances that slip in and out of your mouth. They place consistent pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into their healthy, proper positions.
How do aligners compare to conventional braces?
First, the aligners themselves are designed to fade into the smile. Since the materials used to make them are clear, the aligners will not be visible when you smile or open your mouth. Second, the aligners may be removed before you eat meals or snacks or clean your teeth. This feature supports healthy nutrition and good oral hygiene throughout treatment. Third, the aligners are smooth and flexible – they won’t poke at the insides of your mouth. This makes them easy to wear, and the adjustment period is also a breeze.
Now, compare these characteristics to braces. Traditional braces are made from dark-colored metals. They do not blend in with your smile. They are also made from brackets and wires that can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist. For treatment to progress, braces must also be adjusted by a doctor throughout the process. Wires can also break, and these systems also require special cleaning techniques and products. Since they can’t be removed, some hard or crunchy foods may be off-limits.
How are the aligners made?
Invisalign® aligners are made using advanced software. This technology eliminates human error. Your aligners are designed precisely to fit your mouth. They conform well to support effective treatment but do not fit too snugly. Comfort is supported, too.
Can I take the aligners out when sleeping?
No. You should only remove the aligners before:
- Eating
- Brushing and flossing your teeth
- Cleaning your aligners to keep stains and bacteria at bay
The aligners are so discreet that you will likely forget you are even wearing them! During periodic check-ins at our office, you will be provided with more than one set of aligners. It is important to wear each aligner correctly. They are labeled with a “U” and “L” for upper and lower, and they are also numbered so you can wear them in the proper order.
How long does it take to straighten my teeth with Invisalign®?
With proper wear and care (patient compliance), you can straighten your teeth in a fraction of the time it would take to achieve your confident, healthy smile with conventional braces. During your consultation at Piedra Dental Group, we can discuss factors that influence your treatment time, including the type of spacing or bite issue we need to correct and the severity of the problem. Also, during your consultation, we can show you how your new smile will look after Invisalign®, thanks to the “magic” of virtual modeling/simulation technologies.
To get started today, contact our team in Cooper City, FL at (954) 329-0673.
