The appearance of your smile can have a strong effect on our confidence. And crooked or misaligned teeth can not only make you feel self-conscious, but they can also have a long-lasting effect on your oral health.
Modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions to bringing crooked teeth back into alignment. As a Preferred Provider, Dr. Lordo has been offering Invisalign treatment—a discreet and effective method of making your smile look its best— for nearly five years.
If you have been thinking about options for teeth straightening but haven’t heard of Invisalign before, you may be hesitant about taking the next step. Here’s what you should know about Invisalign, how it works, and whether it’s right for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign has offered an effective alternative to traditional braces for over 15 years. Rather than using uncomfortable metal brackets, wires, and spacers, Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that look similar to teeth-whitening trays.
These trays are made from a thermoplastic material, meaning they become pliable above a certain temperature. Unlike traditional braces, their high level of customization means they can gradually align individual teeth in the order your dentist determines necessary.
How Invisalign Works
Following an initial consultation, Dr. Lordo will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. Molds are made of your teeth, which are used to create your own series of aligners.
These aligners gently shift your teeth into the correct position with controlled force, allowing only certain teeth to move at a time. After about two weeks, the aligners will be switched out for a new set in order to advance the treatment plan.
The overall system usually takes about twelve months on average. Along with switching to the next aligners in the series, Dr. Lordo will check on your progress about every four to six weeks.
Why Invisalign is a Solid Choice
Invisalign comes with a number of advantages over traditional teeth straightening methods, but its main appeal is discretion. The clear aligners are virtually undetectable, which can make a drastic difference for your self-confidence, or your teen’s.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are easily removed for comfort and convenience. Because of this, they can be removed at meal time, and don’t come with the dietary restrictions of traditional braces. Brushing and flossing is much easier as well.
Since Invisalign uses pliable plastic rather than metal pieces, it is also more comfortable on your teeth and gums. And while the system should be left in place for 22-24 hours a day, having the choice to remove them from time to time can make a world of difference.
How Dr. Lordo Can Help
Our office has been a proud Preferred Provider of Invisalign since 2012. Your procedure will begin with a simple consultation with Dr. Lordo, where he will determine if Invisalign is the best treatment to improve your smile.
If you’re a good candidate, a treatment plan unique to your smile will be determined during the consultation. Your individual aligners will be created, and from there it’s a simple matter of making sure they fit properly.
Once the procedure is finished, it’s suggested that some patients continue to wear a retainer, to keep teeth from shifting out of place. Dr. Lordo will advise whether or not this is needed for your own treatment.
Getting your teeth into proper alignment doesn’t have to be painful or embarrassing. Contact our office today to get started with your Invisalign treatment.