What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure that uses a series of clear plastic trays, called aligners, to adjust the position of your teeth. These trays are custom-made for your mouth, based on digital images Columbus, Ohio area Invisalign dentist Dr. Michael Firouzian takes of your teeth.
What is the Invisalign Process Like?
First, Dr. Firouzian will determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Then, in under a minute, we can have a full image of each arch of teeth, thanks to our iTero digital scanner. We use advanced orthodontic planning tools to help design the best Invisalign sequence for you. Dr. Firouzian produces an image of what your teeth should look like after treatment. Invisalign breaks down the movement of your teeth into a series of efficient steps and then manufactures a set of aligners to achieve each step.
Scan the QR below to see what you could look like with Invisalign!
You will wear each aligner for one or two weeks, then transition to the next one. Aligners work using the same principles as traditional braces. Gentle pressure on your teeth encourages your body to remodel bones, moving your teeth. However, Invisalign uses aligners instead of brackets and wires to provide this force. Each aligner moves your teeth a certain amount, and in the end, you will achieve the smile you desire.
Finally, at the end of your treatment, we can print your retainer right here in the office, making it faster, more convenient, and cheaper.
Advantages of Invisalign
The procedure has several advantages over traditional braces, including:
- Aligner trays can be removed for special occasions
- No sharp wires that irritate cheeks and tongue
- You can eat all your favorite foods
- No need to clean wires and brackets
- Aligner trays are transparent and nearly invisible
- Treatment time is comparable to traditional braces
- The cost of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces
Is Invisalign Better Than Traditional Orthodontia?
In some cases, especially with serious structural alignment issues, traditional orthodontia is recommended. However, Invisalign offers a hassle-free option for most alignment needs for mild to moderate tooth alignment. It is especially well suited for adults who do not want to go through the aggravations and highly visible appearance of metal braces.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Every individual is different. The treatment time depends on the severity of the corrections needed and your ability to stick to the schedule. In most cases, there are between 20 and 30 separate trays that you step through to get to your smile goal. This translates to approximately one year of wearing Invisalign clear braces, which is substantially less than traditional orthodontia.
If you’ve previously had orthodontic treatment or need only minor smile corrections, you may qualify for Invisalign Express, which can achieve the results you desire in as little as six weeks!
Do I Have to Wear the Aligners All The Time?
Although Invisalign trays can be removed, you should wear your aligners for at least 20 hours, and 22 hours is best for achieving optimum results.
If you want to reach your goal in the shortest amount of time, you should wear your aligners all day. There are three times when you should remove the aligners:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Brushing and flossing
Although you can remove your aligners for other reasons, make these occasions infrequent and brief. When worn on schedule, you can step to the next tray in your series in one or two weeks.
Will People Notice That I am Wearing Invisalign?
The clear plastic is hardly noticeable when the braces are being worn. All people will see is your typical smile. There are handy carrying cases for storage when you are eating out in public and want to remove your braces discreetly before your meal.
Find Out if Invisalign in Columbus, OH is Right for You
To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, please call (614) 848-5001 or contact us online at the Columbus, Ohio offices of cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Firouzian to schedule a consultation.