Invisalign Dentist

One suggestion you will hear from many Invisalign patients is that if you’re looking for braces for you or your teen, it’s time you find a dentist that specializes in braces and especially in Invisalign. Of course, Invisalign is no miracle trick and takes time, causes some pain as it moves teeth, and is more expensive than conventional braces. But the results and comfort of Invisalign have helped over 2 million patients find a beautiful smile without the sacrifices and discomfort of traditional orthodontic treatment.

 

What To Expect

No, not every dentist is a certified Invisalign dentist. To be able to prescribe Invisalign, dental professionals must take a special instructional course where they are taught how the molding, software, and fittings are conducted. Once an dentist has completed this course work, he or she is fully equipped to help you or your teen with these orthodontic needs.

 

The Invisalign process begins with a mold being taken of the teeth. This mold is then scanned by a 3D imager and is loaded into the software where you can watch your dentist map out the customized treatment plan. Not only will your Invisalign dentist know what your teeth are going to end up like; you can know, too! This adds a level of involvement that helps many people feel more confident about the choices involved with the Invisalign process.

 

According to your custom-made treatment plan the dentist will order your Invisalign trays. These trays are nearly invisible and will fit snugly on your teeth, providing focused pressure to guide your teeth to the desired position. These trays can be easily removed at any time for eating or special occasions. The dentist will also send you home with a few additional sets of Invisalign trays for you to switch out every two weeks, constantly adjusting the pressure of the orthodontic treatment. You will only have to visit the dentist every six weeks or so, making it much more convenient than regular braces.

Common Concerns About Invisalign

When asking their doctor about Invisalign treatment, many patients have concerns including eating, speaking, pain, and convenience.

 

When it comes to eating, unlike traditional braces, an Invisalign patient can eat basically anything they want, other than gum. Invisalign is specifically meant to be removed before eating. As long as the patient cleans their teeth before putting the trays back on, they can eat anything they like. This means popcorn, candy, and hard foods are all fair game, which makes Invisalign pretty well liked among teens.

 

Speaking is occasionally inhibited at first; most patients will notice a slight lisp. But with time you can get used to it, and talking will be pretty much normal. As far as pain is concerned, the trays exert pressure upon the teeth, causing them to move. This requires that the bone soften and the roots of the teeth reposition themselves. There is a great amount of tension in the muscles of the head and neck, so any orthodontic procedure will cause some sensation of pain. Most patients advise that you switch out the trays right before bed and allow most of the initial pain to pass while you sleep. Notably, almost all patients declare that over-the-counter medications are enough to handle the worst of pains.

 

Concerning convenience, Invisalign is a great luxury for many people. The ability to remove the trays whenever desired and to eat whatever you want rank high on the positive’s list. Of course, every case is different. The most severe cases can take much longer with Invisalign, since the strength of plastic trays is nothing compared to the strength of metal braces. And the cost of Invisalign is notably more than conventional braces, often nearing $8,000. Putting these negatives aside, most adults and teens are very pleased with their orthodontic care through Invisalign.