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 are able to fix complex dental problems such as misaligned teeth or an uneven bite. Visit our Mount Pleasant, MI dentist office for all of your cosmetic dentistry needs.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
When people come into our office requesting Invisalign, it’s usually because of the 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 also can 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. It can be difficult to get a toothbrush and dental floss into these hard-to-reach areas. Our specialized tools at the dentist 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 it’s 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 so that they 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. Invisalign treatment can also be completed in less time than treatment with traditional metal braces. Adhesives that are 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 the teeth. Patients will be able to floss and normally brush 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 that are worn for up to two weeks at a time. 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 your custom clear aligners and to show you what your teeth will look like after treatment.
You will receive several sets of clear aligners, which will be worn for about two weeks each. These aligners gradually reposition the teeth. Treatment can take from 3 to 9 months, depending on the patient and their dental needs.
Invisalign FAQs
Will the aligners be comfortable?
Instead of using metal orthodontics that causes gum and cheek irritation, we use a series of aligners. Made from plastic, the aligners fit comfortably to minimize discomfort. As a result, many find the treatment more enjoyable than metal orthodontics.
How often will I need to wear them?
You must wear them daily for between 20 and 23 hours to see optimal results. About every two weeks, you will upgrade to a new set. 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. With braces, you have to avoid hard or sticky foods, as they can become stuck in your braces or possibly damage them. But since your aligners can be removed before you eat, you don’t need to change your eating. We would 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, then 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 you have your aligners in your mouth. Many can stain the clear plastic of the aligners. Their whole purpose is 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. If you have more severe bite problems, you may need orthodontic appliances or other interventions. 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.