Do you want straighter teeth without irritating metal braces? Some patients want to correct their crooked teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. Invisalign is a faster and more comfortable way to straighten crooked teeth. Invisalign offers a unique alternative to metal braces. This discreet treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth gradually. Made of ultra-thin plastic, the clear aligners won’t damage your teeth or gums.
Treatment with Invisalign can also be used in conjunction with other restorative treatments. Our professionals can fix complex dental problems such as misaligned teeth or an uneven bite. Visit our Mount Pleasant, MI dentist office for all your cosmetic dentistry needs.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
When people come into our office requesting Invisalign, it’s usually because of their smile’s aesthetics. They don’t like how their teeth look and aren’t confident in their smile. We believe that your smile should always be something that you’re proud to show off. But crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic issue. They can also cause problems that impact the health of your entire mouth.
Crooked teeth are much harder to clean than straight teeth. They’re jumbled and cramped, coming together at strange angles. Getting a toothbrush and dental floss into these hard-to-reach areas can be difficult. Our specialized tools at the dentist’s office may not even be able to clean crooked teeth properly even if you’re doing everything you’re supposed to when it comes to dental care, plaque, and tartar build up in these areas that aren’t being cleaned. You’re still at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Crooked teeth also cause you to have an uneven bite. Your bite is designed to come together in a certain way. It distributes the pressure across your teeth evenly. But when uneven, certain teeth take on more pressure than others. Those teeth wear down faster and are more prone to crack and chip. While some of your teeth are fine, others may need restorative care to fit in with the rest.
An uneven bite is one of the main causes of TMJ disorders. The teeth aren’t coming together properly, and the jaw joint begins to wear down. TMJ causes your jaw to pop and click when you move it. You may also experience pain throughout the jaw, neck, and head and develop problems opening and closing your mouth. The longer you put off correcting your uneven bite, the worse the effects of TMJ disorders are.
Correct Crooked Teeth with Invisalign
Invisalign offers many modern benefits to patients. Treatment can also be completed in less time than treatment with traditional metal braces. Adhesives used with metal braces may cause staining and make it difficult to brush teeth. The clear Invisalign aligners can be easily removed so that you can eat and brush your teeth normally.
Invisalign may be able to help correct a range of dental concerns, including:
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Gapped teeth
- Spaces between the teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Underbite
- Openbite
Convenience: Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners can be removed to eat and clean teeth. Patients will be able to floss and brush normally because they can remove their aligners.
Comfort: Clear aligners are made from a clear, plastic material that fits comfortably and securely on the teeth. Patients won’t need to visit the dentist to adjust brackets, which can be uncomfortable for some patients.
Aesthetic: Some patients don’t like the aesthetic of traditional metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners provide a discrete solution for patients who want to correct their crooked teeth. Invisible braces can be an ideal treatment for patients of all ages.
Invisalign Treatment in Mount Pleasant, MI
The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable aligners worn for up to two weeks. Depending on the severity of your case, patients can expect to complete treatment anywhere from 6-12 months. Dr. Raymond Ribitch will assess your teeth and gums before treatment to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Dr. Ribitch will take dental impressions and 3-D images of your teeth and jaw. These will be used to create custom clear aligners and show you what your teeth will look like after treatment.
You will receive several sets of clear aligners, which you will wear for about two weeks each. These aligners gradually reposition the teeth. Treatment can take 3 to 9 months, depending on the patient and their dental needs.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are a great way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal braces. Caring for them properly will help ensure your treatment goes smoothly and that your aligners remain invisible.
Clean Your Aligners Daily
It is important to clean your Invisalign aligners every day. You should brush them in the morning and before bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild, clear liquid soap. Avoid using toothpaste because it can be abrasive and cause scratches, making the aligners cloudy. Gently brush your aligners inside and out to remove plaque or food particles.
You can also soak your aligners in a special cleaning solution. Invisalign offers cleaning crystals that dissolve in water, but you can also use denture cleaners. Soak your aligners for about 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, rinse them with lukewarm water.
Rinse Every Time You Remove Them
Each time you remove your aligners, rinse them under running water. This helps wash away saliva and any lingering food particles. Always use lukewarm water because hot water can warp the plastic, ruining the aligner’s fit. A warped aligner won’t work properly and could delay your treatment.
Store Them Properly
When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in their case. Leaving them out in the open can expose them to bacteria, dust, or the risk of being lost. Make it a habit to always keep your case with you so you can safely store your aligners when you eat or drink.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
While wearing your Invisalign aligners, avoid eating or drinking anything that might stain them. Foods like berries, sauces, and drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine can leave stains. Always remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything other than water. After eating or drinking, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth before putting the aligners back in.
Keep Your Teeth Clean
Good oral hygiene is just as important as cleaning your aligners. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily, and don’t forget to floss. Putting aligners over dirty teeth can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Keeping your teeth clean will also help your aligners stay clear and free from buildup.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Never use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean your aligners. These can damage the aligners and leave harmful residues. Stick to clear, mild soap, Invisalign cleaning products, or denture cleaners. If your aligners look stained or yellow, it’s best to ask your dentist for advice on how to clean them properly.
Wear Them as Directed
Part of caring for your Invisalign aligners is wearing them as your dentist directs. To get the best results, you should wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Only remove them when eating, drinking, brushing, or cleaning them. Failing to wear them enough can extend your treatment time.
Invisalign FAQs
Will the aligners be comfortable?
Instead of using metal orthodontics, which causes gum and cheek irritation, we use a series of plastic aligners. The aligners fit comfortably to minimize discomfort, and as a result, many find the treatment more enjoyable than metal orthodontics.
How often will I need to wear them?
To see optimal results, you must wear them daily for between 20 and 23 hours. You will upgrade to a new set about every two weeks. The total treatment time will depend on the extent of your misalignment, but the average is about a year for adults and 18 months for teens.
Should I change how I eat?
You actually don’t need to. You have to avoid hard or sticky foods with braces, as they can become stuck in your braces or damage them. But since your aligners can be removed before you eat, you don’t need to change your eating. We recommend rinsing your mouth with water if you can’t brush your teeth before putting your aligners back on.
Will my orthodontics be noticeable?
Since they are made from clear plastic, they are much less noticeable than metal braces. For this reason, they are preferable to adults and teens. If you have any questions about Invisalign or if you think you would like to try them, please get in touch with our office today.
What can’t I do with my Invisalign aligners in?
Don’t eat or drink anything besides water when your aligners are in your mouth. Many foods can stain the clear plastic of the aligners, which is supposed to remain clear so that they’re practically invisible on your teeth. They become very visible when they’re stained. Food can damage and scratch the aligners, delaying treatment and also causing them to be less than transparent.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Patients are eligible for Invisalign if they’re teens of a certain age or adults. There’s no age cutoff to Invisalign as you get older. Invisalign is meant to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. You may need orthodontic appliances or other interventions if you have more severe bite problems. We’ll have a consultation with you to determine if Invisalign is the best choice for you.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Get a straighter and more balanced smile with Invisalign. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ribitch in his Mount Pleasant, MI office by calling 989-772-1344 today.