What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a treatment for straightening your teeth and properly aligning your bite. Unlike traditional braces, which use obtrusive metal wires and brackets, Invisalign guides your teeth into alignment using a series of invisible aligners made from smooth and comfortable plastic.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
The first step in straightening your teeth with Invisalign is to get an impression taken of your mouth. At Newport Center Smile Design, Dr. Barker uses the iTero Element® digital scanner, saving you from messy and uncomfortable molds.
He uses that impression to make a virtual model of your smile, then utilizes 3-D computer imaging technology to design your treatment plan. You can view your treatment plan before you start and see how your smile will look when you’re finished.
Dr. Barker sends your treatment plan to a lab that fabricates your aligners. As soon as they come back from the lab, you start wearing them to begin the process of straightening your teeth.
How does the treatment work?
All you have to do to straighten your smile with Invisalign is wear your aligners every day. You need to wear them for at least 22 hours each day, taking them out only when you brush, floss, eat, or drink.
You move on to the next set of aligners in your series every two weeks. As you progress through your series, your teeth will progressively become more aligned.
Most people need between 18 and 30 sets of aligners in their series, for an average treatment time of 9-15 months. Once you finish the treatment, your smile will be straighter, healthier, and more attractive.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
There are many benefits to straightening your smile with Invisalign. Your aligners are made from smooth plastic, so they won’t irritate the inside of your mouth like traditional metal braces. They’re also virtually invisible when you’re wearing them, giving you more discretion during your treatment.
Because your aligners are removable, you don’t need to worry about learning special techniques to brush or floss your teeth during treatment, and you won’t have to change your diet to avoid hard or sticky foods.
You also don’t need to visit the dentist’s office as frequently as you would need to with traditional metal braces. Because there’s no need to tighten wires or make adjustments, you only need to come in for a visit every month or so.
Schedule an appointment by calling Newport Center Smile Design or booking online and start your Invisalign treatment today.