Did you know that you can straighten your teeth without uncomfortable fixed oral appliances like brackets and wires? There exists an alternative to conventional orthodontia that you have probably heard about. Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces for adults. This inconspicuous and comfortable treatment method can close gaps between teeth, straighten crooked and overlapped teeth and improve one’s occlusion by correcting the spacing and positioning of teeth.

How Invisalign Treatment Works

Invisalign treatment first begins with a consultation with our dentist. After patients and our team decide that Invisalign is the right treatment method, molds (impressions) of the teeth and detailed images will be gathered. All of this data is necessary for customizing aligners (clear, retainer-like appliances) that are worn for about two weeks before they are swapped for a new, tighter set. Aligners become progressively tighter because teeth will need force and pressure applied over them to create tooth movement. Over the course of a few months, patients wearing Invisalign will begin to see results as their teeth become straighter.

Since Invisalign aligners are removed for oral hygiene and meals, patients can clean their teeth and eat without difficulty or obstruction.

What Makes Invisalign Beneficial

Invisalign presents some unique advantages to patients when compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances. First, Invisalign is very discreet. Most people’s aligners are not detectable to others. The fact that they are so discreet is very appealing to those who want to improve their oral health and occlusion without conspicuous oral appliances like brackets and metal wires.

Invisalign is also comfortable. Aligners are constructed from semi-pliable plastic, which will not scrape against or cut into soft oral tissue like the linings of lips or insides of cheeks. Lastly, Invisalign is beneficial because its aligners are removed for twice-daily oral hygiene regimens and meals. With Invisalign, a person can eat their favorite foods without discomfort or difficulty. He or she can also brush and floss without fixed appliances standing in the way.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is advantageous because it can improve one’s health, oral function and appearance. While most people tend to associate orthodontics with improving the appearance of teeth, there are health reasons to straighten your smile, too. First, properly spaced and positioned teeth are less likely to develop tooth wear, caries, and infections. This is because it is incredibly difficult to brush and floss thoroughly if teeth are overlapped and crowded. Aligning teeth to their rightful positions will improve the occlusion and therefore reduce instances where teeth might improperly make contact with one another during oral function. Statistically speaking, those who have properly spaced and aligned teeth have lower risks for developing common oral disease and conditions.

If you are interested in Invisalign, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at Plantation Palms Dental. At your appointment, we will answer all questions and concerns you have and perform an oral examination to determine if this treatment option meets your needs.

Invisalign FAQs

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic system that improves tooth positioning through the use of aligners (clear oral appliances that resemble a retainer). This orthodontic system uses force and pressure the same way that conventional orthodontia does. The difference is the materials used to create tooth movement. Instead of relying on fixed appliances like brackets and wires, Invisalign consists of appliances made of clear plastic. Since aligners are clear and plastic, they make for a very discreet and comfortable treatment option. Ideal for adults, Invisalign can be worn by those who have never worn braces before along with those who have had orthodontic treatment in the past.

Is Invisalign right for me?

Invisalign is traditionally marketed to adults – especially those who value discretion with the way their oral appliances look. This orthodontic system can correct spacing issues between teeth as well as their positioning. Patients with gapped, crooked, and overlapped teeth have seen great improvements in their smiles. In some cases, those with malocclusions can enjoy improvements in their bites. The only way to determine if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, patients will need to fill out questionnaires and forms and have a physical examination. Plantation Palms Dental is a proud provider of Invisalign.

How long do I wear Invisalign?

The duration of one’s treatment will be determined by a person’s specific needs and unique response time to treatment. On average, however, patients who choose Invisalign tend to experience significantly shorter treatment times than those who wear traditional orthodontia. On a daily basis, Invisalign will need to be worn about 22 hours a day. Aligners are only removed for meals and oral hygiene.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans do not offer coverage for adult orthodontic treatment. There are some plans where orthodontic treatment can be partially covered. In most cases, patients receiving Invisalign pay for their treatment out of pocket.