Invisalign Clear Aligners Falmouth

How Invisalign Works

Using a series of clear aligners that are custom-made based on the progression of your smile throughout treatment, Invisalign is a more subtle and flexible alternative to traditional metal braces. These aligners are worn 20-22 hours each day to ensure teeth move accordingly. After 1-2 weeks, you will be required to change out your existing trays for a new set so that your pearly whites will continue to shift. As you maintain your follow-up appointments with Dr. Hill, she will make changes if necessary until you reach your smile goals.

Who Can Invisalign Help?

Fortunately, Invisalign isn’t just for patients who are struggling with overcrowding and spacing issues; it can also help those who are experiencing low self-esteem, trouble chewing properly, and difficulty enunciating clearly due to common bite problems, like overbites. So, if you are interested in pursuing a healthier and more confident smile with clear aligners, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at our office! In the meantime, you can read on to learn more on the topic of who Invisalign can help.

Crowded Teeth

If your teeth overlap considerably, you might be curious if Invisalign can fix crowded teeth. The short answer is “yes!” If we determine that you’re a good candidate for this discreet orthodontic treatment, then we will have a custom series of aligners made to gently and gradually move your teeth into their ideal places. Oftentimes, the entire process can be completed in just 12-18 months!

Gaps Between Teeth

While some patients are interested in Invisalign because there isn’t enough room in their mouth, others come to our office because there is too much room. Once we complete a comprehensive oral exam and assess the severity of the gaps, we can determine if clear aligners are right for you. If they are, then the process of straightening your teeth won’t involve any metal at all.

Overbite

When you bite down, do your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones considerably? If that’s the case, then you may have an overbite. Unfortunately, this bite problem can lead to several issues if left untreated, including difficulty enunciating clearly. That’s why we advise against taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, come to our office so we can explore your treatment options, like Invisalign.

Underbite

If you’re struggling with low self-esteem or chronic jaw pain because you have an underbite, then you’ll be happy to hear that metal braces may not be your only option. In fact, we’ve helped countless patients achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile with clear aligners. So, the journey to your best smile may be more discreet and convenient than you originally thought.

Crossbite

What if only a few of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones when you bite down? If that’s the case, then you likely have a crossbite, not an underbite. The good news is that Invisalign is usually still an option for patients with mild to moderate cases. Even if additional orthodontic accessories are needed, like rubber bands, you don’t have to worry – they are still more discreet than metal braces.

Open Bite

As you may have guessed from the name, an open bite is when there is a space between the upper and lower teeth that prevents them from meeting evenly. It can develop for several reasons, including prolonged thumb-sucking as a child. Luckily, there are several solutions, including Invisalign. If you’re a candidate, then a custom series of aligners will be made to move your teeth and bite into alignment.

Benefits of Invisalign

For years, patients who wanted a straighter smile had one choice: traditional braces. While the metal brackets and wires are certainly effective, they aren’t the most discreet, comfortable, or convenient. Fortunately, Invisalign is all of those things and more! If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of clear aligners, then read on.

Basically Invisible Aligners

Let’s start with one of the most common reasons patients choose Invisalign: there aren’t any metal components. Instead, teeth are gently and gradually moved into their ideal positions with clear, barely noticeable aligners. So, if you choose this smile-perfecting treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to keep it secret!

No Dietary Restrictions

Another benefit of Invisalign: there aren’t any dietary restrictions! Since the aligners are removable, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods. All we ask is that you eat well-balanced meals (while limiting your intake of added sugar) so your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. This is important because even a small cavity can lead to significant treatment plan delays.

Hassle-Free Dental Care

Oftentimes, patients with traditional braces need pre-threaded floss, interproximal toothbrushes, and other special products to clean around the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about anything getting stuck in your braces or adopting a cumbersome oral hygiene regimen. Just remove your aligners, place them in their designated case, and continue with your usual dental care routine!

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

Although there are several factors that play a role in how long your treatment timeline is, it usually takes longer to achieve the desired results with traditional braces (around 2-3 years). Invisalign, on the other hand, has an average treatment time of only 12-18 months. So, if you start now, there’s a good chance that you’ll be done with the teeth-straightening process by this time next year!

Improved Comfort

Another perk of having metal-free braces is that they are considerably more comfortable. In fact, many patients who have straightened their teeth with Invisalign report that they didn’t experience any soft tissue irritation! Plus, if one of your aligners does have a rough edge, you can always cover it with some dental wax to protect your gums, your tongue, your lips, or the insides of your cheeks.

Less Time in the Treatment Chair

Since Invisalign allows you to progress through portions of your treatment plan at home, you’ll spend considerably less time at our office. Not only that, but the progress visits are often 30 minutes or less. So, if you have a demanding semester ahead, a big project at work, or something fun, like a summer vacation, you won’t have to worry about your orthodontic treatment getting in the way.