Now there is a way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of bulky metal wires and brackets. Invisalign® clear aligners are a discreet way to realign crooked teeth. These removable aligners are comfortable, discreet, and easy to use. Dr. Robert Gauthier offers Invisalign in Northborough, MA, for patients who do not want to wear traditional metal braces.
Invisalign clear braces are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that is ideal for teen and adult patients. It can effectively address mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Invisalign can treat a range of cosmetic problems and spacing issues and help improve the patient’s oral health. You can use clear aligners to treat underbite, overbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign offers patients many more benefits than metal braces. The removable, clear aligners improve oral hygiene and allow patients to enjoy a varied and healthy diet without restriction. Invisalign aligners are less invasive treatment options that produce quality and lasting results.
The benefits of Invisalign include:
- Discreet Appearance: Because Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, they are barely noticeable. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth without drawing attention. Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults.
- Removable Convenience: Patients can remove their aligners to brush and floss, which makes it easier to keep their teeth clean. You can also enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your braces. Unlike traditional metal braces, removable aligners make it easier to clean your teeth. This can prevent issues like stains or tooth decay.
- Efficient Results: With consistent use, Invisalign can help you get straighter teeth in about one year. They are often faster and more effective than other options. We often recommend Invisalign for patients with mildly crooked teeth.
- Increased Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic. You won’t have to deal with sharp metal brackets or wires that can scrape your mouth or irritate your gums and soft tissue. We custom-make the aligners for each patient.
Invisalign Treatment
Dr. Gauthier uses state-of-the-art 3D digital scans and CAD/CAM technology to design custom treatment plans. These plans help align crooked teeth and address malocclusion issues.
We use an ultra-thin and durable clear plastic called SmartTrack® to fabricate the aligners. They fit firmly against your teeth and avoid irritation of your lips, tongue, and gums.
We will begin treatment planning by taking 3-D images of your teeth, mouth, and jaw with digital scanning technology. Dr. Gauthier will use these images to map out a custom treatment plan to gently move your teeth into alignment.
We will send these images to the Invisalign lab, where a trained technician will create your clear aligners. Each aligner is carefully and custom-designed to gradually and comfortably shift teeth further into proper alignment. We will contact you when your first set is ready and give you specific directions on how to wear and care for them.
Treatment times for Invisalign will vary based on the advancement of orthodontic concerns and your cosmetic goals. Treatment typically lasts up to 12 months. You will need to switch to your next set of aligners about once every one to two weeks.
How To Care For Your Smile After Invisalign
To maintain your results after Invisalign, you must first take good care of your oral health. Brush and floss your teeth every day. Continue to visit our dentist twice a year for a regular dental checkup.
These are basic oral care steps that you should already take. However, they are essential because they will prevent serious dental problems that may affect your results.
The second thing you must do is wear a retainer. A retainer will help prevent your teeth from slowly shifting back into their original position. When your teeth are moved to a new position, they will try to shift back to where they were before.
We will custom-create a retainer for you by taking dental impressions of your teeth. You will wear your custom retainer at night while you sleep. You will have to do this for the rest of your life to maintain a straight smile. Wearing a retainer every night will prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position.
Invisalign FAQs
To learn more about Invisalign treatment, please read through our frequently asked questions section. If you have more questions or concerns about this discreet orthodontic treatment, please feel free to call our dental office.
How do I take care of my Invisalign® aligners?
Your clear aligners will require special care. You must brush them every night with a soft bristle toothbrush to keep them clean and bacteria-free. Rinse them several times a day. You can also soak the aligners with Invisalign crystals.
Do not drink hot beverages with the aligners in your mouth because it can cause them to warp and change shape. You will need to remove them when you eat and drink.
Never eat or drink anything other than water while you wear them. This will keep them from staining and ensure they remain in good condition.
Does Invisalign treatment hurt?
Most patients feel little discomfort. Aligners are a clear, durable plastic. They reduce soft tissue irritation and protect gums and soft tissue from cuts, often associated with metal braces.
What can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign?
You do not need to follow strict dietary restrictions during Invisalign treatment because the aligners are removable! Make sure to remove your Invisalign aligners before you eat.
Then, rinse your mouth before you put the aligner back on. Follow the instructions provided by our dentist, and you should have no issues.
What will I have to do once I complete my Invisalign treatment?
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, you must take steps to maintain your results. You need to keep up with your oral health and wear a retainer. Many believe that the process is complete forever once their teeth move into the proper position.
However, that is not true. Once you complete your treatment, a retainer will help you maintain your results to keep your straight smile.
How long do I have to wear my Invisalign aligners a day?
You will have to wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day. You can only take them out to brush and floss your teeth, drink non-clear fluids, and eat. To reduce the amount of times you remove them, we suggest that you brush your teeth after each meal.
How long will my Invisalign treatment last?
The length of your Invisalign treatment depends on how severe your condition is. Your cosmetic goals and how well you follow the treatment plan also play a role. Most patients see the results they want in less than a year. After your consultation, Dr. Gauthier will provide an estimated timeline for your treatment.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign treatment?
Good candidates for Invisalign are patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. It benefits patients with tooth gaps, crowded teeth, or mild overbites. They should also be responsible individuals and have good oral hygiene. Invisalign is best for older teens and adults with fully developed jaws.
However, not all patients are candidates for Invisalign. We will not recommend treatment for patients with more complicated alignment issues that need more adjustments. Schedule an appointment with our dentist to see if Invisalign is the right solution for you.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Sometimes, Invisalign can be faster than braces. However, it depends on your specific dental needs. Invisalign uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth gradually. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires.
For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign might take less time than braces—sometimes as little as 12 to 18 months. Most patients who get braces have complex treatment, which takes more time.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign in Northborough, MA
Contact Apex Dental today. Call (508) 506-1691 to book your consultation with Invisalign provider Dr. Gauthier. You can also request an appointment online.
If you have more questions or concerns about this treatment, please call our dental office. We’re here to help.