esearch shows that most people would love to have perfectly straight teeth- but this ideal is something that very few people have. Almost everyone has a slight misalignment. While many people can live with theirs, many others are severe enough to cause issues.
Before the year 2000, the primary treatment option was traditional metal braces, which were uncomfortable and unsightly. In the late 1990s, the FDA approved a new treatment: Invisalign. This is one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options at Perfect White Smile in Beverly Hills.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. This is a system of clear, retainer-like aligners designed to put even pressure across the entire arch. This pressure gradually pushes them into alignment.
They are designed to be removed while eating and while brushing/flossing teeth but should be worn for a minimum of 20 hours a day. The average treatment time is about 12 to 18 months.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces, including:
Aesthetics
Aligners are transparent, which means they are virtually invisible.
Comfort
Aligners are made from smooth plastic, which makes them more comfortable than traditional metal braces. You may still have some minor discomfort from the pressure being put on your teeth.
Removability
Aligners are designed to be removed while eating and while brushing/flossing teeth. This means that you have little to no food restrictions- and your risk of developing tooth decay and/or gum disease is reduced.
Oral hygiene
Since you can remove the aligners, there are no special oral hygiene considerations. You can continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual.
Diet flexibility
Since the aligners are removable, you don’t have to be concerned with diet restrictions- but you must make sure to clean your mouth of food debris before putting aligners back in.
Reduced treatment time
The average treatment time for Invisalign aligners is about 12 to 18 months. If you have a very mild misalignment, you may see full results within about 6 months. On the other hand, if you have a more severe misalignment or you are not compliant with wearing the aligners, you may need up to 24 months.
What Kinds Of Dental Issues Does Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign is designed to resolve a variety of mild to moderate dental misalignments, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding
How It Works to Straighten Teeth
There are several steps in the Invisalign process:
Consultation and Planning
The very first step to any treatment at Perfect White Smile in Beverly Hills is a consultation appointment. During this visit, the dentist will evaluate your smile to determine the type and severity of your misalignment. We will take some digital images of your smile.
Your dental history and Oral hygiene habits will also be discussed, as well as your willingness to follow through with wearing the aligners. This information will be used to create your custom treatment plan.
Aligner Production
The digital images and other information will be sent to a lab for the fabrication of your custom aligners. This usually takes a couple of weeks.
Wearing Invisalign Aligners
When we receive your aligners, we will schedule your appointment to pick them up. We will help you with the first one to ensure that they fit properly. You will then be sent home with your aligners and instructions to wear them for at least 20 hours a day and change them every 1 to 3 weeks based on your treatment plan.
Tracking Progress
Traditional braces require visits to the dentist every few weeks for adjustment. However, with Invisalign, you only need to check in about every 6 weeks so that we can monitor your progress. If things are not progressing as expected, we can make some adjustments to your plan.
Aftercare
Once you have reached the end of your treatment, we will evaluate your smile. If you are satisfied with your results, you will be given a retainer to wear. This will keep your teeth in their new position.
You will need to wear the retainer on the same schedule you did your aligners at first. We will gradually reduce the time you need to wear it until you only wear it while sleeping.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation at Perfect White Smile In Beverly Hills
If you live in or near Beverly Hills and have some concerns about the alignment of your teeth, schedule your consultation with the team at Perfect White Smile. Dr. Frey has been in the industry for about 34 years and is passionate about helping his patients create a smile they can be proud of.
Invisalign FAQs
If you have questions or concerns about Invisalign treatment at Perfect White Smiles, our staff will be glad to answer them. Below are a few of the most common questions that we hear from our patients.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
The average treatment time for traditional braces ranges from around 12 to 24 months, possibly up to 36 months for more severe cases. The average treatment time for Invisalign aligners ranges from around 12 to 18 months. Research has shown that very mild cases can be resolved in as little as 6 months with Invisalign, while more severe cases can take up to 24 months. Therefore, treatment time is comparable, if not a little faster than traditional braces.
Do you sleep with Invisalign?
While the aligners should be removed while eating and when brushing/flossing your teeth, they must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This means that you should wear them while sleeping.
Can you wear Invisalign while eating?
One of the major benefits of Invisalign aligners is that they are removable and should be removed before eating. Certain foods can damage and/or stain the aligners, rendering them ineffective.
Can I clean Invisalign with toothpaste?
You should not use toothpaste to clean your Invisalign aligners, because it could contain abrasives that will scratch them. You should use a clear, fragrance-free antibacterial soap and a toothbrush with soft bristles.
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