A bright, straight smile can significantly boost your confidence and overall well-being. In today’s orthodontic world, Invisalign has emerged as a popular choice for achieving that perfect smile. But is it the right option for you?
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is one solution that can create a great smile without letting everyone know you’re wearing braces. Invisalign® uses clear plastic retainers/aligners to shift teeth. No brackets or wires.
When first released in 1997, Invisalign® was limited to correcting relatively minor problems of alignment, often in people who had already worn traditional braces.
Since then, Align Technology has improved Invisalign’s® methods and materials. It can now treat many more issues: gapped teeth, over- and under-bites, and crowded teeth.
Many more people now have the choice of using Invisalign® over traditional braces.
What Can Invisalign® Do for Your Teeth?
Invisalign can address a variety of dental issues. Here are some common problems it can help with:
- Crowded Teeth: If you don’t have enough room in your jaw for all your teeth to fit normally, Invisalign can help by gradually shifting your teeth to create the necessary space.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Gaps between teeth can occur naturally or because of missing teeth. Invisalign can close these gaps, giving you a more uniform smile.
- Bite Issues: Whether you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, Invisalign can help correct your bite by properly aligning your teeth.
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are crooked or not properly aligned, Invisalign can help straighten them out, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing and functional smile.
Is Invisalign® Right for You?
When you start researching Invisalign, you will find a lot of options. Determining whether Invisalign is the right choice for you involves several factors:
- Severity of Dental Issues: Invisalign is effective for treating mild to moderate dental issues. However, for more complex cases, such as severe malocclusions or significant tooth movement, traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments may be more suitable.
- Age Considerations: Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults. However, it may not be suitable for younger children as their teeth and jaws are still developing. Additionally, compliance with wearing the aligners as prescribed is crucial for success, which may be challenging for younger patients.
- Commitment to Treatment: Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to be effective. If you are not committed to wearing the aligners consistently, the treatment may not yield the desired results. It requires self-discipline and responsibility.
- Lifestyle and Habits: Since the aligners are removable, they can fit into most lifestyles easily. However, if you smoke or frequently drink beverages that could stain the aligners, you might need to adjust these habits to maintain the aligners’ clarity and cleanliness.
Start with a free initial consultation with an orthodontist in Raleigh who will take x-rays and identify any limiting conditions. They will advise you about the best options for your new smile.
Does Invisalign® Work?
Invisalign® can address many dental conditions, there are some issues that are not suited for this method. More complex issues like malocclusion (the teeth not meeting together right), very crooked teeth, and other jaw-related issues, still require brackets, wires and rubber bands. Only an in-person examination can identify these conditions. An orthodontist will help you determine if Invisalign® is right for you. The first question is: Can the aligners do what is needed to give you the smile you want?
Invisalign is a proven orthodontic treatment with a high success rate. However, the effectiveness of Invisalign largely depends on:
- Compliance: Wearing the aligners as directed is crucial. The more consistently you wear them, the more effective the treatment will be.
- Complexity of the Case: While Invisalign can treat a wide range of dental issues, the complexity of your specific case will impact the overall effectiveness.
- Regular Check-ups: Keeping up with scheduled dental visits ensures that your treatment is progressing as planned and allows for any necessary adjustments.
Living with Invisalign®
- Are you someone who will wear the appliance 20-22 hours a day, every day?
- Will you be willing to do a careful cleaning of your teeth and the aligners every time you take them out?
- Are you likely to wrap your aligners in a paper napkin in a restaurant and forget them?
- Do you have the motivation to follow through with the duration of the treatment?
If you know you are likely to forget to wear Invisalign®, you might be happier with a bracket-and-wire system that works whether you remember it or not.
Selecting an Orthodontist for Invisalign®
Here are some things to consider when you begin to seek out orthodontic treatment:
- Select a practice that makes you feel welcome and happy. Remember that you could be working with your doctor for a significant amount of time.
- Ask about their disinfection procedures to make sure they are taking care of your safety.
- Choose an orthodontist that is conveniently located.
- Research their reviews and expertise.
Drs. Walton and Maready understand that you are making a significant investment in your oral health and will not rush you into making a decision before you are ready.
Long after your treatment you will remember the relationship with your doctor and the staff far longer than you will remember the appliances used.
Walton & Maready are Invisalign® Platinum Providers
When you select an orthodontist to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, you want to know they have extensive experience. Walton & Maready has achieved Invisalign® Platinum provider status in recognition of completing 60 Invisalign® cases in the past year alone. The Platinum level shows that Drs. Walton and Maready have helped many patients, with many different presenting problems, achieve good results. This is experience you can trust.
It is the orthodontist’s skill and expertise that helps you achieve the smile you want.
Walton & Maready Orthodontics are Welcoming New Patients
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