Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a patented tray-based teeth alignment system. An alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign offers the ability to transform your smile with no metal brackets or wires. 

Clear plastic trays fit directly over the surface of your teeth, placing gentle pressure that gradually shifts teeth into optimal alignment. 

Many people choose Invisalign to avoid the aesthetics of traditional metal braces. Invisalign trays are made of a crystal clear plastic and once in place are virtually undetectable. 

Others choose Invisalign to avoid the discomfort of metal braces. Even modern orthodontic options still cause damage to the soft tissues of your lips, tongue, and gums and can be uncomfortable.

What kinds of alignment issues can Invisalign treat?

Invisalign can correct many of the same alignment issues as traditional metal braces. Some examples of treatable cases include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Cross bite
• Open bite
• Gapped teeth
• Mix of permanent and baby teeth
• General misalignment

In some cases, metal braces offer a better solution. During your consultation you’ll learn whether Invisalign is a good fit for your treatment needs and goals. 

What is it like to go through Invisalign treatment?

During your initial visit, Dr. Okoro uses an intraoral scanner to gather digital images of your teeth and bone structure. That information is processed by the Invisalign software to create your customized treatment plan. When your first set of aligners arrive, you’ll come in to learn how to snap them into place over your teeth. 

Expect your aligners to fit snugly for a few days. A degree of soreness is normal, much like having a wire replaced on metal braces. As your teeth begin to shift, the aligners will become more comfortable.

Wear your aligner trays around the clock, removing them only while eating or drinking and when performing dental hygiene routines. You’ll switch to a new set of trays every couple weeks, and come in to see Dr. Okoro to occasionally check your treatment progress. 

Invisalign treatment times are different for everyone. You can reduce your overall treatment time by ensuring you wear your aligners as instructed.

For more information about the Invisalign system and a preview of what your smile could look like after treatment, schedule a consultation online or over the phone today.