We are a Certified Invisalign® Provider. Whether you are considering Invisalign or are already in another type of orthodontic treatment, we invite you to learn about its benefits and how to use this convenient treatment process to get and keep straight teeth and a healthy smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment plan that uses a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually straighten your teeth over the course of treatment. The virtually invisible clear aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for Invisalign, look similar to teeth-whitening trays and are nearly imperceptible to other people. Your Invisalign aligners are custom-made from scans and/or molds of your mouth to ensure a high degree of treatment accuracy as well as comfort.
Why Would I Want Invisalign?
More than 2 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign and the number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.
The Invisalign procedure offers many benefits over traditional braces. First, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible—people may not even notice that you’re wearing them. In addition, Invisalign aligners are removable, making eating and drinking less of a chore than it is with metal wires and brackets. You can also remove them to brush and floss as you normally would.
Finally, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair and less time in pain as your teeth adjust to the sudden change in tension. When using Invisalign as directed, you can also enjoy fewer office visits in general.
Is Invisalign an Option for Everyone?
Anyone with mild to moderate teeth-straightening needs is likely a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. However, in specific cases, Invisalign dentist Dr. Joffre may not recommend Invisalign for treatment because of tooth position, size, shape, or type of correction needed. It will only be recommended after dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease are addressed by Dr. Joffre.
To find out if Invisalign can help you get the smile and self-confidence you want without the need for braces, schedule an appointment today.
How Long Will Invisalign Take?
The time it takes to undergo Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of your case, which can only be determined after a consultation visit; however, the average treatment time is about 12-15 months for adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary.
How Often Must I Wear My Aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective at straightening your teeth when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing. Practicing good dental hygiene throughout an Invisalign treatment is essential, and you will continue coming to our dentist office regularly for routine cleanings.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Compared to other orthodontic or cosmetic dentistry procedures, Invisalign treatments are comparable when addressing a patient’s unique needs. The less correction is needed, the faster and potentially cheaper your Invisalign treatment may be. Regardless, the cost of fabricating custom aligner trays by the Invisalign lab is the main cost of this treatment.
How Often Must I Come In for an Office Visit?
We will schedule regular appointments in the dental office usually about once every four to twelve weeks, depending on your treatment plan. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.
What are “Attachments” and Why Would I Need Them for My Invisalign Treatment?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements your teeth need to make may require “attachments” or “ridges” to help the clear aligners grip the teeth. These bumps, or wells, are where the aligner grips your teeth. The attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite that are affixed to your teeth that contact bumps on your aligners. We will use one or both of these features to attempt to achieve the desired tooth movement.
Invisalign Treatment in Boston, MA
Invisalign’s clear teeth straightening system has helped millions of people worldwide achieve a smile they love. To find out if this convenient and effective orthodontic treatment is right for you, contact the specialists at dotSmiles Orthodontics today. Our friendly staff, led by Dr. Joffre, will examine your teeth and determine whether Invisalign is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you brush your Invisalign with toothpaste?
If you have a very soft-bristled brush and very mild toothpaste, such as a child’s formula toothpaste, you can clean your aligners carefully. We recommend using Invisalign’s cleaning formula to sanitize and clean your aligner trays.
Does Invisalign cause headaches?
Invisalign aligners are designed to move teeth very gradually, and should reduce the toothaches and discomfort that often come with braces adjustments. This typically means it does not cause headaches, although this isn’t a guarantee you won’t have a headache while wearing them.
Does Invisalign weaken your teeth?
No, Invisalign will not harm your teeth as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions regarding dental care and cleaning instructions for your aligner trays to prevent bacterial buildup that can harm teeth.
Is Invisalign a permanent fix?
In theory, yes, the teeth re-alignment you achieve with Invisalign is the same as with a traditional orthodontic plan with braces. However, improper use of your aligners or retainers may affect the results of your personalized Invisalign treatment.
Is Invisalign really invisible?
The clear aligners provided by Invisalign are as transparent as possible. They do create a slight gap between your natural teeth when biting down on the trays, but other than that, as long as you clean them regularly they are very hard to see unless someone is really paying close attention.
