Invisalign® Clear Braces – Portage, IN
Straighten Your Teeth Without Metal Brackets
If your teeth are noticeably crooked or have large gaps in between them, the right orthodontic treatment can work wonders. However, many older patients struggle with the thought of wearing traditional braces for months or years on end because of their professional images. Thankfully, our dentists here at Advanced Dental Concepts offer a sophisticated alternative – Invisalign® Clear Braces. You can discover if you’re a viable candidate for Invisalign during an initial consultation, so don’t hesitate to contact us in Portage, IN to get started.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Instead of brackets and wires, patients will wear a series of clear, plastic aligners. Each aligner is designed to represent a different stage of your smile’s gradual improvement, and you will wear them each for a certain period of time (usually a couple of weeks) before switching to the next one in the provided set. You should also plan to attend a checkup with our team every six weeks on average so that we can gauge your overall process and address any concerns as soon as they arise.
Who Invisalign Can Help
Our dentists at Advanced Dental Concepts can realign your bite and address crowding and gaps with the help of Invisalign clear aligners, giving you a confidence-boosting smile and improved oral health. To find out if you are a qualified candidate for Invisalign, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth don’t just make it difficult to show off your smile, but they also make it much harder to clean your teeth and gums. When teeth erupt into spaces that are lacking room, this can cause your teeth to shift, throwing them out of alignment. It also results in teeth sitting far too close together, making it almost impossible to clean between them.
When harmful bacteria and food particles are allowed to remain on the teeth and under the gum line for an extended period, this can result in tooth decay and gum disease, both of which can cause serious damage to your oral health over time.
Not only will your oral health suffer, but your heart and brain can be negatively impacted as well. Progressive gum disease can lead to infection entering the bloodstream, causing a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and even brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Invisalign treatment can help bring your teeth into alignment, making it easier to effectively clean them.
Gaps Between Teeth
While it would be nice to pinpoint exactly why a person’s teeth become gapped, there are actually numerous explanations. From alignment problems to overcrowded teeth, a person’s gap can range from small to oversized and can be caused by:
- Sucking your thumb or using a pacifier as a child
- Gum disease
- Missing teeth
- Small teeth
- A large frenulum
Invisalign clear aligners can help close these spaces in your smile, regardless of their underlying cause, to make your smile appear more aligned and symmetrical.
Overbite
Overbite occurs when your upper teeth protrude over your lower teeth. This will cause your lower teeth to make contact with the roof of your mouth when you close it. Invisalign trays can shift both of your arches to become balanced and aligned, easing tension from the jaw joints and facial muscles.
Underbite
Underbite is the exact opposite of an overbite. An underbite is when your lower teeth are positioned over your upper teeth. Clear aligners are able to provide the same benefits as those with overbite, helping alleviate jaw pain as well as improve chewing and speaking abilities.
Crossbite
Crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This can cause enamel to deteriorate much faster, causing a higher risk of cavities and other dental concerns, as well as lead to TMJ disfunction and symptoms related to it, like lockjaw.
Open Bite
Open bite is when the teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed. This is often the result of thumb- and pacifier-sucking past the age of four years old, as the force of this suction impacts the alignment of the teeth as they grow within the mouth. This can lead to speech impediments as well as jaw discomfort, which can often be remedied with Invisalign aligners.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a modern approach to straightening teeth that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear, removable trays that are ideal for busy teens and adults alike. At Advanced Dental Concepts, we’ve seen countless patients transform their smiles while enjoying the many benefits of this advanced orthodontic treatment. If you’re ready to straighten your smile in style, read more below to explore why Invisalign might be right for you!
Invisible Braces with Visible Results
One of the main perks of Invisalign is its discretion. The clear aligners are almost invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your treatment. Whether you’re at school or on the job, Invisalign helps you stay confident throughout your treatment. We believe orthodontics should enhance your lifestyle, not disrupt it.
Comfort That Conforms to You
Say goodbye to the discomfort of metal wires and brackets! Invisalign trays are smooth and custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. They’re designed with comfort in mind, so you can eat, talk, and go about your day with ease. At our Portage office, we prioritize your comfort, ensuring the best possible fit throughout your treatment.
Quick Follow-Ups
Overbite
During Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to attend in-office visits every 6–8 weeks to keep your treatment going smoothly. However, compared to traditional braces, follow-up appointments are typically quick and easy! At Advanced Dental Concepts, our streamlined process ensures you spend less time in the chair and more time enjoying your day.
A Cleaner, Healthier Smile
Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to brush and floss compared to traditional braces. Better oral hygiene means that you reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease during your treatment, ensuring you stay on track! This, combined with thoroughly cleaning your aligners helps your smile stay healthy while the trays do their job.
A Simple Approach to Straighter Teeth
Invisalign offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional braces. That means fewer interruptions to your everyday routine and less stress overall. Without having to worry about providing special care or limiting the foods you eat, you can enjoy life as normal, even while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Not only can this give you peace of mind about your smile, but it can put more time back into your day. Imagine creating more space in your busy schedule for the things that matter to you!
A Confidence Boost You Can See
Straight teeth can completely transform your smile—and your confidence. Invisalign allows you to feel great about your appearance, even during treatment. Patients often tell us they smile more often and feel more comfortable everywhere they go. At our Portage office, we love seeing how Invisalign changes our patients' lives, and we celebrate with them!
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign in Portage can be the discreet solution you need to get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. Although you’ve heard about their benefits, we know you still have several questions before you’re ready to decide. We take the time to explain the process and address your concerns during your initial consultation. While you wait for your appointment, has are a few answers to some of the top questions we hear.
How many aligners will I need?
Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy answer as to the number of aligners you’ll need without first having a consultation. Since each case is different, the amount you need varies depending on the severity of your bite and alignment issues.
We’ll take X-rays, impressions, and pictures to create a 3D model of your mouth. This allows us to map the movement of your teeth in gradual steps. We then transfer the information to a specific number of aligners to reposition your teeth over time. On average, you’ll wear each aligner for about 1 week before switching to the next.
How long will the treatment take?
The average patient takes about 12 months to finish their series of aligners, but there are several issues that can impact how long your treatment will take. If you have complex alignment and bite concerns, you can expect your treatment to take longer than a person who only needs to make minor modifications. In addition, not complying with your plan can add unnecessary delays, so it’s best to wear your aligners as recommended by your dentist.
Can I only get Invisalign on the top?
The positioning of your teeth should create a harmonious balance between your upper and lower jaw. If you only align your top teeth, it could make them sit improperly on your bottom teeth. Not only can this make it difficult to chew or close your mouth, but it can also cause uneven wear on your enamel and increase your risk of a TMJ disorder. As a result, we recommend you treat both the top and bottom teeth at the same time.
Will I need a retainer?
After you finish your series of aligners, you will need a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back into their previous positions. Initially, your cosmetic dentist in Portage will recommend you always wear your retainer. Eventually, you will only need it at night.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Many people believe Invisalign is too expensive for the average person, but it’s actually about the same price as metal braces. There isn’t a set cost for the treatment because the amount you pay is determined by your individual plan. There are several factors that influence the cost, such as the number of aligners you need. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide you with an exact estimate and discuss your payment options.
We will work with your insurance company to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We accept a variety of payment options to cover any remaining balance, such as using third-party financing with CareCredit.
If you’re ready to learn more about Invisalign or you’re ready to schedule your consultation, contact our office today.