INVISALIGN®
You can straighten your smile without brackets or wires! Valeriano Orthodontics is pleased to be a Provider of the Invisalign® clear aligner system. Invisalign®, an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment, utilizes a combination of digital images and computer software to create a series of custom-made aligners that gradually guide your teeth into their proper alignment. The aligners are virtually invisible and are removable, which appeals to patients looking for a more discreet way to get the smile they have always wanted.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign® Treatment?
At your complimentary consultation at Valeriano Orthodontics, we will examine your teeth and mouth, take pictures of your smile as well as an x-ray. After your consultation, Dr. Valeriano will be able to determine if Invisalign® treatment is right for your unique orthodontic needs. Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign®; however, Dr. Valeriano has years of experience treating patients using Invisalign therapy.
What to Expect
Once it is determined that your case can be treated using Invisalign®, we will schedule an appointment to begin the process. At your first appointment, we will create a 3D model of your teeth and soft structures in your mouth using the iTero Digital Scanner. The scan is uploaded in real-time to the computer. Dr. Valeriano will plot the course of your Invisalign treatment and send the 3D digital model to Invisalign to fabricate your aligners. Once your aligners are in, you can begin wearing them immediately. Each set of aligners is usually worn for two weeks, and then you can move on to the next set of aligners in your treatment plan. You will receive several aligner sets at each office visit so that you can progress through treatment without having to come back to the office. We will schedule appointments every 6-8 weeks to check up on you and ensure that your Invisalign is working.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Patients everywhere are reaping the benefits of this clear straightening system. Perhaps the greatest benefit of Invisalign® is the removability. Being able to remove your aligners allows you to maintain your normal diet and brush and floss your teeth to preserve your excellent oral hygiene. Great oral hygiene habits during orthodontic treatment directly correlate to better results. Other benefits of treatment include:
- No wire adjustments and fewer orthodontic appointments.
- Increased comfort. From pretreatment digital scans to everyday wear, the aligners are made of clear, smooth plastic and are more comfortable. Invisalign® boasts reduced gum and mouth irritation.
- Treatment time may be shorter. The average duration of treatment with the clear aligner system is about 12 – 15 months, which is significantly less than traditional braces. Treatment time does depend on the compliance of the patient.
How Invisalign® Works
At Valeriano Orthodontics, we offer a complimentary consultation to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign® treatment. Gaining popularity amongst teen and adult patients, the clear aligner system is a modern and effective way to straighten your smile. For optimal results, patients will need to wear the clear aligners 22 hours a day. Each week or two, the next set of aligners will be worn in the series to direct your teeth into their perfect position.
Invisalign® can effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Minor crowding
- Excess space in teeth
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
In certain cases, this may not be the best option for orthodontic treatment. After your initial consultation, we will be able to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign® treatment.
Taking Care of Your Invisalign®
Perhaps, one of the greatest advantages of using Invisalign® to straighten your smile is the ability to remove the aligners to eat and clean and floss your teeth every day. Valeriano Orthodontics offers a few tips on the best care for your aligners during treatment. Following these tips will help keep your teeth healthy and your aligners in tip-top shape.
After you wake up each morning, the first step of the day should be to clean your teeth and aligners. Since you sleep in your aligners at night, bacteria and plaque will build up around the teeth and inside the aligners. Cleaning them thoroughly each morning will help keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment with Invisalign.
It is vital to the fit and function of your aligners to clean your teeth after you eat. Residual food particles can prevent the Invisalign from fitting properly over your teeth. If the secure fit of the aligner is compromised due to excess food on teeth, it will work less effectively. Brushing your teeth after each meal is a great way to ensure that your aligners will fit properly. If you cannot brush your teeth, rinsing your mouth with water can help eliminate excess food trapped between teeth.
You may use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean away any hardened saliva or plaque buildup that forms inside the aligners. You can also soak retainers in soapy water or a mixture of vinegar and water or peroxide and water to help dissolve any dried saliva. Remember to rinse aligners thoroughly before placing them back on your teeth.
Toothpaste usually contains a fine abrasive material that is safe for teeth but not for aligners. The abrasive material can mar the finish of the aligner and prevent it from appearing translucent. It is best practice to avoid using toothpaste to clean aligners.
You will receive a case with your Invisalign® treatment and it is good practice to always place your aligners in the case when you eat or clean your teeth. Placing your aligners in a case will help you keep track of them and prevent them from being damaged or lost.
Very warm or hot water can warp the aligner material and keep them from fitting properly on your teeth. It is best to rinse aligners under cool water before placing them back on your teeth.
If you have any questions about how to care for your Invisalign®, or if you have accidentally lost or damaged an aligner, feel free to call our office at (704)364-6544. We are here to help and ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.
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