Maintaining optimal oral health is important for the health of your whole body, and addressing dental conditions such as crooked or crowded teeth is an important step. Invisalign provides an option for patients who are looking for alternatives to braces. These convenient dental appliances can minimize the restrictions that you might have with alternative options while providing the same benefits.
At Brodie Bowman Orthodontics, we can resolve many dental conditions with Invisalign. If you want to learn more about whether this type of appliance may be able to help straighten and correct your teeth and your bite, you can set up a consultation at our office in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are a unique way of addressing crooked teeth and other concerns. These devices are made from a thermoplastic material that is called SmartTrack®. This FDA-approved plastic is clear, allowing for more discreet treatment. At the same time, these aligners are also strong and can provide comfortable correction. They are molded to perfectly fit your teeth and are virtually invisible when inserted. This makes them a popular option for adults who don’t want visible corrective devices.
How Does Invisalign Work?
We use 3D imaging technology to custom-make Invisalign aligners specifically for your teeth and mouth. The devices are designed to put gentle pressure on certain areas of your teeth, moving them into the correct position over time. At regular intervals, you will switch to a new pair of aligners that are slightly closer to the ideal smile that you are working towards.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Invisalign is just one of several options that you have for straightening your teeth. Many of our patients want to know how Invisalign and braces compare. Both are designed to provide the same benefits in the long term. However, Invisalign is removable while braces are permanently fixed during the course of treatment.
The removability of aligners allows for patients to continue enjoying hard and sticky foods without worrying about damaging their orthodontic devices. However, this can make it more difficult for some patients to comply with the treatment plan.
Aligners are also much more discreet than braces. Most people won’t be able to tell that you are wearing them unless they look closely. Since orthodontic equipment can be abrasive, Invisalign may be more comfortable for those who are sensitive to wires and brackets. While braces may be the right choice for some, Invisalign offers a perfect solution for those who want another solution.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are designed without ingredients such as latex, BPA, or gluten that some of our patients may be sensitive to. Because of this, most people are good candidates for this treatment. We may recommend this treatment for teens or adults who have mild to moderate dental conditions.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Crowded Teeth
When there is not enough space on the jaw for your teeth to comfortably fit, you can end up with teeth that are bunching together and twisting to try to fill the space. Crowded teeth make it much more difficult to properly care for your smile. Difficulty in flossing and brushing can lead to decay and other oral health problems. Invisalign can help to resolve crowded teeth.
Teeth Spacing Issues
Gaps and other teeth spacing issues can affect the aesthetics of your teeth as well as your oral health. Invisalign can help to fill in these spaces over time to give you a more straight and balanced smile.
Overbite and Under Bite
For patients with mild to moderate overbite or under bite, Invisalign can be used to correct the problem. Resolving these issues can help to improve the appearance of your teeth and fix your bite.
Misaligned or Rotated Teeth
If you have teeth that are not in the right position or have rotated out of alignment, Invisalign devices will gradually and gently move these teeth into a more optimal position.
Additional Questions About Invisalign
Is Invisalign Just for Adults?
While many adults choose the invisible correction of Invisalign, this treatment can also be used with teens. As with many other corrective devices, we will need to wait for all of their permanent teeth to come in before beginning the process.
How Frequently Will I Need to Schedule Appointments?
While you will be changing your Invisalign devices every two weeks, you will only need to come in for appointments every six to eight weeks. During your appointments, we will be able to check the results that you are seeing with Invisalign and make any adjustments as needed.
Can I Remove Aligners for Special Occasions?
Yes, you can remove Invisalign aligners during special occasions. However, it is important to comply as closely as possible with the treatment plan laid out by your orthodontist. These aligners must be worn consistently to provide benefits.
What Special Oral Hygiene Practices Will I Need to Follow?
There are far fewer restrictions with Invisalign. However, it is still important to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations for maintaining oral health. Be sure to continue brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Clean your aligners according to the given instructions, and do not eat or drink while wearing your aligners. Any time you are not wearing your device, keep them in a protective case.
Fixing Your Smile With Invisalign
Invisalign treatments can provide convenient results for many of our patients with crooked or crowded teeth. If you are looking for options to help correct your smile, we would love to help at Brodie Bowman Orthodontics. Fill out an online form or call (850) 659-7599 for more information about Invisalign services in Fort Walton Beach, FL.