Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth but don’t want braces? Invisalign is a comfortable alternative to braces that can easily straighten teeth. This cosmetic dentistry treatment uses clear trays that realign teeth over time. Dr. Michael Sesi provides Invisalign in Clarkston, MI for his patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners do not require frequent adjustments and also do not irritate the gum tissue. In addition, Invisalign aligners provide an efficient way to straighten the smile in six to eighteen months.
What Kind of Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can fix a wide range issues. It may not be suitable for every case including those with severe orthodontic issues. However, it is very effective for patients with common alignment and bite issues:
- Crowded Teeth
- Gapped Teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open Bite
- Slightly Misaligned Teeth
- Orthodontic Relapse
Getting Started with Your Invisalign Treatment
Starting Invisalign treatment is very simple. There are several steps and appointments you will need to attend before receiving your first set of aligners. The basic steps to getting started with Invisalign include:
- Consultation and Assessment: The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sesi, an Invisalign-trained dentist. During your appointment, you will discuss the issues you have with your teeth, smile, and what you expect from the treatment. Dr. Sessi will examine your teeth, jaws, and bite. If he thinks this treatment will meet your needs, we will move forward with treatment.
- Treatment Planning and Simulation: Our dental practice uses the iTero handheld scanner to obtain digital impressions of your teeth. Once we have these images, we can create 3D models of your teeth and use them to create a virtual treatment plan. You can see what your smile will look like at each step in the Invisalign process. We will send your treatment plan to the Invisalign laboratory where they will craft your aligners.
- Initial Fitting: When your aligners are ready, you will return to our office to try on the first set of aligners. Dr. Sesi will have you try them on to check for proper fit and comfort. You will receive specific instructions on how to use your Invisalign aligners and how to care for them. We will also schedule several follow-up appointments to check your progress.
Living with Invisalign in Clarkston, MI
You will need to wear the Invisalign clear aligners for 20-22 hours per day to get proper results. You can remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss your teeth. The only thing you can consume while wearing the aligners is water.
You will need to schedule a series of regular checkups with us. At these appointments, we will ensure your teeth are shifting right and give you the next batch of aligners. Each patint is different but you should expect to switch out your aligners every week or two. With each set of aligners, you will experience some slight pressure. The new aligner is pushing your teeth a little more than before. This is normal and to be expected.
Remember to follow Dr. Sesi’s guidance during treatment and adhere to any special directions. Always attend your regular checkups. We may need to make the necessary adjustments.
The Benefits of Invisalign Compared to Traditional Braces
Wearing Invisalign aligners offers several benefits when you compare them to traditional metal braces. Here are some of the advantages of choosing Invisalign:
- Discreet Treatment: Invisalign aligners are clear and almost invisible. They are discreet for patients who do not want to be seen with traditional braces.
- Removable: You can easily remove the aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This flexibility allows for better oral hygiene compared to fixed metal braces.
- Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic. They will not irritate the soft tissues in your mouth like metal brackets and wires often do.
- No Dietary Restrictions: Since you can remove your aligners, you can eat whatever you want. There are many food restrictions with traditional braces that you have to follow to avoid damaging the braces.
- Shorter Treatment Time (in Some Cases): The treatment time with Invisalign is shorter than metal braces for certain cases. However, this will depend on the complexity of the orthodontic issues.
- Predictable Results: Invisalign uses advanced digital technology that allows us to precisely preview and predict where your teeth will move. You can even see the expected outcome of your treatment.
- Less Bulk in Mouth: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit specifically in your mouth. They will sit flush against your teeth and will not feel bulky unlike metal brackets and wires that will protrude from your teeth.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn more about Invisalign treatment with answers to these popular questions:
Am I a candidate for Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic treatment for teenagers and adults. However, because patients have to clean and care for their aligners, we recommend Invisalign for older patients. Although there are Invisalign aligners for children, it is typically easier for older patients to follow treatment.
We will evaluate your smile to help determine if Invisalign is the right orthodontic option for your needs. We recommend metal braces if you have severe malocclusion or a bad bite. Invisalign is best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment?
We recommend that patients wear a retainer nightly after completing Invisalign. Retainers keep teeth in their straight position and prevent orthodontic relapse. If you have an orthodontic relapse or your teeth have shifted after braces treatment, you can also undergo quick Invisalign treatment to get your smile back on track.
How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
Remove your Invisalign aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating or drinking with the aligners on can damage or stain them. Place your aligners in their case when you do not have them in your mouth so you do not lose them.
You can clean your aligners with a denture or mouthguard cleaner. Additionally, you can gently brush and rinse your aligners with a toothbrush and soap. Do not use hot water when cleaning Invisalign, as this can warp the aligners.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The duration of your Invisalign treatment will depend on the severity of your orthodontic or bite issues. However, a typical treatment will range from 12 to 18 months. It may be shorter or longer depending on what Dr. Sesi says about the complexity of your case. Also, how consistently you wear the aligners will affect your treatment time. During your consultation, your dentist can estimate how long your Invisalign treatment will take.
Can I play sports or musical instruments with Invisalign?
Yes, you can play sports and musical instruments during your Invisalign treatment. For contact sports, we recommend removing the aligners and using a sports mouthguard for protection. When playing a wind instrument, you may need a brief adjustment period. It is very possible to play with your aligner in your mouth. However, if you cannot adjust, Invisalign’s removable nature allows flexibility in your activities.
Will people know I am wearing Invisalign aligners?
The aligners are designed to be nearly invisible. They are made from clear, medical-grade plastic. However, they are not completely undetectable but they are far less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They offer a much more discreet orthodontic treatment that is more appealing to adults and self-conscious teens.
Request a Dental Consultation for Invisalign in Clarkston, MI
Are you looking for a comfortable and quick way to realign crooked teeth? Straighten your smile with Invisalign treatment today. Call our dental office for care today at 248-985-2906. You may also schedule a dental consultation with us on our website.
Do you have questions for our team or want to know if Invisalign is right for you? Let us know at your next dental visit.