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.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign Treatment?
- Invisalign clear aligners are removable, which means that patients can easily take them out whenever they need to. This means that you can brush and floss like normal at home, and there are no inconvenient dietary restrictions to worry about either.
- Like the name implies, Invisalign aligners are extremely subtle when placed over your smile. This means that most people you meet in a day will simply see YOU and not your orthodontic treatment.
- If you have an important event coming up or a photo opportunity where you’d like to look your absolute best, it’s perfectly fine to remove the Invisalign aligner for an hour or so – just remember to put it back in afterwards!
- While every case of Invisalign treatment is unique, patients can expect to be finished with their treatment plan in roughly 8-18 months on average. When compared to traditional braces, which can often require upwards of two years, this is a significant improvement.
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.