Invisalign: How it can help you

We get a fair amount of questions about Invisalign and I wanted to talk about clear aligner therapy and how it can improve the health of your mouth. Invisalign is the most common brand of clear aligner therapy and in my opinion, the best performing system on the market.

What is Clear Aligner Therapy

Aligners are plastic trays that fit over your teeth and move them into a straighter and more proper position. Over the past few years, they have become a popular alternative to metal braces. Each set of aligners is worn for 1-2 weeks and moves your teeth a little bit until the final result is achieved.

How Do Clear Aligner Work

As we learned from one of my favorite movies and Maine treasure "The Shawshank Redemption" all it takes is pressure and time. When an aligner tray is inserted, it's actually a slightly different shape than where your teeth are currently positioned. The pressure the tray exerts on your teeth is what causes teeth to move. However, this pressure needs time to work. If the pressure isn't applied to teeth for at least 22 hours a day, the teeth won't move. You wear Invisalign all the time but can take them off to eat and brush.

Why should I Straighten my Teeth

1. Most importantly and often overlooked, properly aligned teeth are healthier and last longer than teeth that are crooked. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean via brushing and flossing. When they do get cavities, they are easier to fix because the decayed areas are easier to access. Straight teeth are less likely to break because they work together to support your chewing. When teeth are misaligned, they don't work with the opposing teeth the way they should. This creates stress points that can lead to excessive wear or tooth fracture.

2. Straight teeth look better. This is often the first thing that comes to people's mind and is really the icing on the cake when it comes to the benefits of aligner therapy. A broad straight smile makes people more confident and more likely to laugh and smile freely.

Why Choose Invisalign with a Preferred Provider Dentist vs. Mail Order Aligners?

This is the most common question we get. Why spend the extra time and money to see a dentist to get this done when you can order aligner through the mail? A few main reasons:

1. Dentists can place attachments and polish between teeth to make them move faster and more predictably. Attachments are specially shaped nubs that are made of white filling material that are bonded to the outside of your front teeth. These nubs allow for the trays to get a tighter grip on the teeth and move them more efficiently. Mail order aligners can only slip on and off teeth. Also, when your teeth are very crowded, they won't have the room to move past each other (think of very tight teeth that are hard to floss). A dentist can use special tools to create space between the teeth to allow them to move and turn into the proper alignment.

2. Dentists can evaluate your mouth to ensure you're a good candidate to have your teeth straightened. You could have underlying issues such as gum disease or cavities that can become much worse if you prematurely try to straighten your teeth. A dentist can take x-rays and do an exam to ensure aligners will work for you.

3. A dentist can supervise your case to ensure you get the best result. If you're making this sizable and ideally (make sure to wear your retainers!) one-time investment in your oral health, you want to make sure it's done right. As an Invisalign preferred provider, I have the expertise to oversee your case and make sure everything goes smoothly. If your teeth aren't moving as expected, I can make course corrections to ensure we get back on track at no additional cost to you.

Before and After with Invisalign under the supervision of a dentist

Typically Invisalign at our office will cost about $4000 and dental insurance may cover a portion of that. We also offer CareCredit and can spread the cost over the course of treatment (typically 4-6 months). If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation to see if aligners are right for you, give us a call 207-924-7061 or send us a message.