What is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment is clear aligner therapy used  to straighten teeth into the proper position. This helps improve the aesthetic look of your smile and the function of your teeth to ensure their longevity and health. 

Invisalign is made up of a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are worn over your teeth. The aligners are made from a smooth, comfortable material that is virtually invisible when you wear them. They are removable for easy cleaning and there are no food restrictions during treatment. Invisalign is customized for each patient, so the number of aligners and the length of time you will need to wear them will vary depending on your individual case.

Many people choose Invisalign over braces because they are more comfortable, discrete, and there are no food restrictions during treatment.

Why are misaligned teeth a problem?  

Many people wish to straighten their teeth for aesthetic reasons. This makes sense, considering your smile is the first thing people will often notice when they meet you. What people often don’t realize is that straightening your teeth offers added benefits that lead to the proper function and longevity of your teeth. 

Your teeth are supposed to fit together like a lock and key. When they are not in the proper position, it can lead to:

• Periodontal disease.  It’s harder to keep crowded teeth clean,  which causes a buildup of plaque and tartar that harbor harmful bacteria.
• Gum recession and abfraction of the teeth. This means that there are notches on the teeth near the gumline caused by excess pressure from our biting forces. 
• Wear, chipping or fracturing. This is caused by unnatural pressure or excess trauma from our biting forces when teeth are misaligned.
• Jaw joint pain.  If the teeth are not in the proper position, it can cause more stress and pain on your TMJ and jaw muscles. 

Choosing to straighten your teeth not only leads to an improved appearance, but will also improve your oral health as a whole. 

How does Invisalign work? 

The first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist who is trained in Invisalign treatment. During the consultation, they will take X-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create a custom treatment plan. Your custom treatment plan will determine how many sets of trays the treatment will require. 

Once you start wearing the aligners, they will gradually move your teeth into their proper position over time. You will wear each set of trays for 22-23 hours per day and switch to the next set in the series every two weeks.

At the end of treatment, you will receive retainers that are worn at night to prevent your teeth from shifting to their original position. 

Why choose Invisalign over braces?

There are many benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces. One of the biggest advantages is that they are much more discreet. You can wear them with confidence knowing that most people will not even be able to tell that you are in treatment! Another benefit is that they are removable, so you can take them out for special occasions or to eat and drink what you want. Invisalign is also more comfortable than braces, as there are no metal brackets or wires to cause irritation.

Who is Invisalign for? 

Invisalign is a great option for people who do not have severe bite issues that wish to straighten their teeth.  Up to 74% of American adults have malocclusion (misaligned teeth). This can appear in many forms, including: 

• Crowding. This can lead to periodontal disease and  buildup of plaque, tarter and bacteria.
• Spacing. Leading to packed food between the teeth, sore and tender gums, and periodontal disease. 
• Overbite. Causing wear, chipping or fracturing of the front teeth on the upper or lower arch as well as potential jaw joint pain. 
• Cross Bite. Leading to gum recession and abfraction (notches), wear, chipping or fracturing of the teeth, periodontal disease, or potential jaw joint pain. 
• Edge to Edge Bite. Causing wear, chipping or fracturing of the front teeth, or jaw joint pain. 
• Open Bite. Causing gum recession and abfraction (notches), wear, chipping or fracturing on back teeth.

Luckily, these are all issues that Invisalign can treat. If you are considering straightening your teeth and achieving a healthier smile, Invisalign may be the right treatment option for you!

Make an appointment at our office to get started. Our friend staff is committed to helping Reno and Northern Nevada patients get their best smile.