Invisalign®
The Clear Alternative to Conventional Dental Braces
For those with crooked teeth who are longing to get the smile they’ve always wanted but want to avoid the look of traditional braces, the innovative Invisalign® system has proven to be a popular option at the Center for Dental Excellence East Lake. With an ever-increasing demand for inconspicuous teeth straightening, we see the Invisalign® system continuing to grow in popularity.
Compared with conventional non-removable metal braces, Invisalign® gives youngsters – and adults – more freedom to get on with their lives than ever before, and this high level of convenience makes these removable aligners very desirable. Easy to put in and take out, they are clear plastic (BPA- Free) and virtually invisible, with smooth edges to reduce irritation of the gums and cheeks.
Compared to conventional glue on metal braces, the easy to remove Invisalign® trays give easier access to your teeth for brushing and flossing. This tends to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum tissue inflammation known as gingivitis. Additionally, the odds of having any type of sensitivity to the plastic are very minimal.
A further benefit of the Invisalign® system is the ability to remove them whenever you want. That being said, they do need to be worn ideally a minimum of 22 hours a day, but during special occasions they can be removed for longer periods of time and still produce a fantastic result.
The Invisalign® system gently moves your teeth through a series of carefully regulated and timed movements, so only certain teeth move, little by little, with each aligner. And, each aligner is pre – programed with these movements optimized to provide the best outcome possible.
Digitally Scanning for Invisalign® Treatment
The Center for Dental Excellence East Lake uses high-precision state-of-the-art 3D intra-oral scanning (ITERO). These digital representations of your teeth are used to plan out precise tooth movements and produce your aligners. Each aligner is typically worn for two weeks, before moving on to the next one. And each aligner progressively moves your teeth closer toward the ultimate goal, which is typically achieved in about the same amount of time it would take with traditional braces.
The 3D images are produced in a painless, non-invasive procedure using an iTero Element Scanner, specifically designed to work with the Invisalign® system, all the while incorporating simulation technology that enables us to get an excellent view of the mouth while also allowing the patient to see the outcome of their treatment before it is even started!
Solving a Host of Teeth Misalignment Problems
In the hands of an experienced Invisalign® provider like Dr. Christ at the Center for Dental Excellence East Lake, Invisalign® is highly effective in addressing many problems caused by teeth misalignment, including:
Open Bite
An open bite exists when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch each other. This can be seen most often with front teeth making it difficult to bite into sandwiches or pizza. However, if it occurs with the back teeth it makes it difficult to chew food and may cause uneven or accelerated wear on the teeth that do touch.
Spaced Teeth
Teeth that are space out tend to be easy to clean, but often produce a smile that is not as visually appealing. It also can leave the gum tissue between the teeth exposed to minor trauma that can be irritating and mildly detrimental to this tissue.
Deep Overbite
This is seen when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. A little overlap is ideal, but excessive overlap can cause issues that range from premature tooth wear and enamel loss, to irritation of the roof of the mouth and even TMJ discomfort.
Underbite
Is commonly seen when the lower jaw grows too far forward, or the upper jaw doesn’t grow forward enough. This kind of bite also makes it challenging to bite into food and can put excess pressure on teeth that are not designed to carry that much of a load.
Crossbites
Can be seen with either the front teeth or the back teeth. In severe cases individuals will shift their lower jaw when swallowing to compensate for the lack of alignment. This shifting during swallowing, an activity that takes place 1500 to 2000 times a day will produce an asymmetry of the lower jaw, in effect making it longer on one side and shorter on the other. Fixing these crossbites helps the foundation of the bite, the jaws become better aligned for a long term healthy and stable bite.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth seem to be the most common alignment issue dentists treat. This particular problem can cause uneven tooth wear, increased gum tissue inflammation, irregular alignment of the teeth and jaws and increased buildup of plaque and tartar.
Let Your Smile Shine Through
Whatever your orthodontic need is, the Invisalign® system may be a great option for you, one that can gradually transform your bite into the healthy radiant smile you have always wanted to have.
This helps build self-confidence and allows the patient to be much happier about their appearance and know that they have made an investment in their oral health that will pay off for years to come.
Combined with highly-advanced Scanners, the Invisalign® system is changing the way that teeth are straightened, with many advantages for the patient over traditional fixed braces.
As an experienced provider of Invisalign®, our doctors will guide you through the whole process of your Invisalign® scan and customized treatment plan and explain exactly how we will give you a healthy winning smile.