611 N. Broad Street, Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 687-6105 | Appointments
(740) 687-6105 | General Information
Invisalign relies on basic orthodontic principles—applying forces to the teeth to reposition them—to correct the smile’s alignment. However, rather than using standard appliances to move the teeth, Invisalign relies on a series of clear plastic trays to do so. The trays are practically invisible to outside observers.
The trays are custom-designed based on information the dentist gathers during the initial examination. Invisalign uses a progressive series of trays to achieve the desired treatment outcomes, and the patient is responsible for changing the trays on the schedule provided by the dentist.
In addition to its limited effect on aesthetics, Invisalign tends to be more efficient than traditional orthodontic treatment, with treatment completed in as little as 12-18 months.
The Invisalign technology has improved significantly since the system was first introduced, and Invisalign is now appropriate for a wide variety of increasingly complex patient situations, including crowding, malocclusions and spaces between the teeth. Both adults and teenagers can receive treatment with Invisalign.
Although an invisible orthodontic treatment is what initially appeals to most patients, the benefits of Invisalign go beyond your appearance.
The comfort of our patients is always a top priority, and Invisalign delivers in this area. Eliminating the brackets and wires used in conventional orthodontic treatment reduces the risk of injury to the soft tissues of the mouth.
Invisalign is also more convenient for patients. The trays can be removed when it is time to eat or brush and floss your teeth. With no appliances to get in the way, patients can maintain a normal diet and do not need to alter their oral hygiene routine.
If you would like to improve your smile without standard orthodontic appliances, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists to see if Invisalign would be appropriate in your case. We would be happy to give you more details on this treatment method and show you results from previous patients with cases similar to your own.
While traditional braces use brackets and wires to reposition the teeth, Invisalign produces this realignment by applying forces to the teeth via a progressive series of trays made of clear plastic material.
Many patients find Invisalign more convenient than traditional braces in numerous ways. First of all, the Invisalign trays are practically invisible, so patients’ smiles don’t need to be obscured by clunky metal appliances throughout 18 months or more, as is necessary with conventional braces. Additionally, the Invisalign trays can be removed for short periods of time so that you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying that they’ll harm your appliances.
You can also brush and floss your teeth normally, without having to navigate around brackets and wires that prevent you from cleaning the gumline thoroughly. Because there aren’t any sharp edges or wires that can poke at the soft oral tissues, most patients find Invisalign much more comfortable than traditional braces. Invisalign is also more accommodating of a busy schedule, as switching the trays is responsible for the adjustments that would otherwise require office visits to switch out wires, etc.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give a single number that reflects the cost of braces in every case. We encourage you to schedule an evaluation at our office, and we’ll be able to give you a better idea of your anticipated costs at that time.
The length of treatment will depend on the patient’s unique case and the treatment method selected. With the Six Month Smiles treatment method, most patients will achieve the desired results within that timeframe. Invisalign patients will typically see results in 12-18 months, while conventional braces usually require a year and a half or more to produce the desired realignment.
Keep in mind that the patient has some influence over these numbers. If you are more conscientious about following the provider’s directions, you’re more likely to see the treatment be effective in a shorter timeframe. For example, with Invisalign, patients must be diligent about wearing the trays consistently for about 22 hours each day and switch to new trays according to the indicated schedule. If you do not follow the treatment plan closely, it will take longer to move your teeth.