Do you want beautifully straight teeth but cannot imagine life with braces? Have you already had braces and are looking for an alternative solution? Consider Invisalign! Dr. Mary Walton and Dr. Elizabeth Maready of Walton & Maready Orthodontics can determine if Invisalign is a good option for you during a complimentary consultation.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-fitted, removable plastic aligners that fit over a patient’s teeth like a thin, close-fitting mouth guard. These aligners are engineered to incrementally move a patient’s teeth over time to their desired positions. Some patients refer to these aligners as “invisible braces,” which generally follow these guidelines:
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- Each aligner is typically worn for 1 week, then replaced by the next aligner in the series
- If an aligner is lost or broken, the patient simply moves to the next aligner
- Daily wear time is 20 hours per day
- The total number of aligners in the series depends on the particular orthodontic problems
- Most patients will need temporary tooth-colored bumps or “attachments” placed on the teeth that help the aligners move the teeth properly
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What is Invisalign Made of?
Invisalign aligners are customized trays made from “polyurethane resins,” a special kind of BPA-free plastic. While the material is strong enough to shift teeth over time through focused pressure, they are also comfortable enough to wear without any issue.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The total treatment time required is typically the same length of time as traditional braces. The exact length of time is dependent on the issues that need to be corrected. Often adult treatments progress more quickly than teens. When you’ve wanted orthodontic treatment for a while, you are more willing to wear your aligners as directed, and this is the key to Invisalign.
Most adult treatments last from 12 – 18 months, though you can start seeing results in the first three months.
What to Expect with Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less difficult. The aligners are more comfortable than metal or ceramic braces. However, Invisalign can only correct certain problems. When you have your free consultation with Dr. Walton or Dr. Maready, they will discuss if Invisalign is a treatment option for you.
What is the Process to Get Invisalign?
Using the iTero® 3D scanner, your doctor will create a 3D image of your teeth in just minutes. There is no need for messy models to be made anymore. From this image, the ClinCheck software designs your aligners based on what you and your doctor are trying to accomplish with your smile. The aligners are then custom-made and individually trimmed to make sure they are comfortable.
Once you receive your aligners, you wear them at least 22 hours a day for a couple of weeks and then move on to the next aligner. It’s really that simple. The number of aligners depends upon what corrections are being made. The aligners are designed to put a gentle, constant force on the teeth that need to be adjusted.
At your progress appointments with your doctor, you will be able to follow your smile’s improvement with digital images from the iTero scanner.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Many insurance carriers offer insurance coverage. The staff at Walton & Maready Orthodontics will verify insurance coverage with you prior to Invisalign treatment and advise you of your payment options.
How to Get Invisalign
The first step is contacting Walton & Maready Orthodontics, an Elite Invisalign Provider, in Raleigh, North Carolina. From there, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Walton or Dr. Maready to have a free consultation. If they feel you are a good candidate for treatment with Invisalign, they will begin the process of fitting you for custom aligners.
While Invisalign isn’t the right solution for every orthodontic case, these clear aligners can treat many issues. They offer a great alternative to traditional braces and can fit seamlessly into your lifestyle to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Could Invisalign be right for you? Contact Walton & Maready Orthodontics for Invisalign in Raleigh, North Carolina today!
