As a trained Invisalign® Port Coquitlam treatment clinic, we’re excited to share the benefits of this dental procedure with you! Invisalign® allows you to straighten your teeth without dealing with wires that run along brackets. Although wires and brackets (traditional braces) are better for complex cases, you will find that Invisalign® works well to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Just like traditional braces, Invisalign® slowly straightens your teeth. However, the protocol is slightly different. Your Invisalign® treatment begins with a consultation with our Invisalign® trained dentist. Once you begin using the nearly invisible aligners, you will love how low maintenance they are. For example, you only remove your aligners to clean your teeth and eat. In the past, patients with misaligned teeth would use metal braces for a year to straighten teeth, close gaps, and fix imperfections. Now, you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing! Perfect your smile, love how you look and boost your confidence with Invisalign®! Invisalign® can be a part of your total Smile Makeover.
Why You Should Consider Invisalign®
Whether you’re suffering from headaches, tooth loss, or crooked teeth, Invisalign® could be your ideal solution. With its invisible design, Invisalign® will help restore your smile and improve your self-image and confidence. Instead of using uncomfortable and noticeable metal braces, you can use the Invisalign® series of progressive liners. The progressive liners will adjust your teeth over time without interfering with your diet or lifestyle.
The Invisalign® system allows you to see what your smile will look like before the process starts. That means you can eliminate guesswork or anxiety and set realistic expectations for your future smile.
Key Benefits of Invisalign®
- No one knows you’re wearing them
- Straighter teeth in less time
- Boosted confidence
- Easy to clean
- More comfortable than braces
What Is Invisalign®, and How Does It Work?
Invisalign® is an alternative to the clunky, traditional metal braces that were the old standard. Instead of a mouth full of metal, Invisalign® uses a series of nearly invisible aligners made of thermoplastic material. The aligners are custom-made for each patient and designed to move your teeth exactly where you want them over time.
Throughout the treatment, you will receive new aligners that slightly adjust your tooth position. Using the controlled force, the aligners move only the targeted teeth, allowing your teeth to move into place gradually. The dentist will map out the treatment plan before the treatment process has begun, making the end goal clear for both the patient and the dentist.
What Is The Treatment Process?
Since the aligners are custom-made for each patient, the treatment process is different. Depending on the severity of the case, the amount of time required will differ. The average patient’s treatment process is about one year, but ultimately, your specific treatment plan will be determined by your dentist.
Initially, you will need to come for a consultation to make sure Invisalign® is right for you. Once that is determined, your plan will be mapped out, and the aligners will be created. Some individuals require added tooth-coloured attachments to help the aligner sit on the teeth better. The average time between aligners is about two weeks but varies from patient to patient. You will need to check in with the doctor every four to six weeks to ensure the process is going well.
How Will It Affect My Life?
One of the major purposes of Invisalign® is that it will not interfere with your life. Since Invisalign® is virtually invisible, no one will be able to tell that you are wearing the aligners during your treatment. The aligners themselves are removable and can be taken out for eating and drinking, though they need to be worn 20 to 22 hours daily to ensure you will progress in the allotted time frame. Furthermore, the movement of your teeth with Invisalign® is not painful like metal braces. While it may be uncomfortable for a few days with each new aligner, you will not be in any pain.
How Do I Take Care Of My Aligners?
Since you will wear the aligners most of the time, you will need to take them out and clean them each time you brush your teeth. This will help prevent bacteria from building up inside the trays themselves. Using your normal toothpaste and toothbrush will work well and ensure that you will not accidentally stain or discolour the aligners.
You can also care for them by removing them when you eat or drink anything that could stain them, such as coffee and tea. Chewing while wearing your aligners will damage or distort them, compromising the aligner’s fit and your treatment progress.
What Happens After Treatment?
Once you have completed your Invisalign® treatment, you will be given a retainer. The retainer is designed to hold the recently moved teeth in place, ensuring they do not move back to where they were before. Since everyone is different, the retainer plan can vary from person to person, but you will need to wear your retainer to help your jaw harden up and hold the teeth in place.
Ideally, you will wear your retainer indefinitely, keeping all that hard work exactly where it should be. There is no major removal process at the end of the treatment. If you needed a button to help your trays sit right, that would be removed, but otherwise, the end of treatment is simply taking the aligner tray out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invisalign® removable?
Yes, Invisalign® can be removed at any time!
Is Invisalign® more expensive than braces?
Invisalign® costs are comparable to the costs associated with braces.
How long is the treatment period for Invisalign®?
Most patients see results anywhere between 3-12 months.
Will my insurance cover the cost of Invisalign®?
Invisalign® will most likely not be covered by your service provider. However, you may want to contact them to find out more.
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