Invisalign®
Serving patients of all ages, Tate Family Dentistry provides an array of oral healthcare services, including orthodontic treatment, from one convenient practice. To help members of our community improve their health and appearance, our practice offers Invisalign clear braces. Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable way to correct orthodontic issues that affect the placement of one’s teeth. This orthodontic treatment option is ideal for teenagers and adults.
The Importance of a Straight Smile
While straight teeth certainly boosts one’s self-esteem and confidence, there are health benefits to having straight, healthily aligned teeth. When teeth are spaced properly, they are far easier to clean. Overlapped and crooked teeth are difficult to floss and brush – especially in hard-to-reach crevices between teeth and at the back of the mouth. By making teeth easier to clean, patients can greatly reduce their risk for periodontal disease and dental caries.
Moreover, properly aligned teeth are less likely to become worn down because they are positioned for optimal oral function that evenly distributes the pressure and force associated with biting and chewing food.
How Invisalign Works
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is made from very different materials and approaches the movement of teeth to healthier positions in a unique way. Patients who receive Invisalign treatment will wear a series of aligners over time. Each set of custom aligners is tighter than the previously worn set. Invisalign can close in the gaps of a smile and correct crooked or overlapped teeth by applying consistent pressure to teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign
Aligners are retainer-like appliances that are removable and made from slightly pliable plastic. Clear in appearance, Invisalign is inconspicuous and often goes undetected around others. On top of offering a discreet alternative to metal and wire braces, Invisalign aligners are removed during meals and when one is brushing or flossing. This makes eating and cleaning teeth much easier. The plastic construction of Invisalign is also comfortable and will not scrape against or irritate the linings of cheeks and lips and other soft oral structures.
Many patients with orthodontic issues can benefit from Invisalign treatment. The best way to determine if this treatment option is right for your needs is to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. At your appointment, our team will evaluate the health of your teeth and their alignment to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your unique situation.
Call Tate Family Dentistry to reserve an appointment.
Common Questions
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal and wire braces. This orthodontic system utilizes the same underlying principles of conventional braces to move teeth to healthier positions but with different materials. Instead of metal brackets and archwires, which are fixed in the mouth, Invisalign consists of soft and clear plastic aligners. Like braces, Invisalign works by applying pressure to teeth consistently and gently. This pressure will gradually shift teeth over time to straighter positions. Invisalign can correct spacing issues such as gaps and crooked or overlapped teeth. By improving the spacing and positioning of teeth, Invisalign can also assist with correcting the occlusion (bite).
Invisalign is ideal for patients who are teenagers and adults – especially those desiring a comfortable and discreet alternative to conventional orthodontia. The only way to be certain if Invisalign is the right orthodontic treatment for you is to schedule a consultation with our dentist. At your consultation, we will perform a comprehensive examination to evaluate the placement of your teeth to develop a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
Orthodontic treatment is not always covered by dental insurers for adults, however, there are insurance plans that provide some coverage specifically for orthodontics. We recommend speaking with your coverage provider about your benefits. You may also request estimates from our staff after your consultation.
The major difference between Invisalign and traditional braces are the materials used to straighten teeth. Braces feature fixed appliances that are bonded to teeth and connected by archwires to gradually apply pressure. Invisalign involves the use of plastic, custom fitted retainer-like appliances that fit snuggly over teeth to generate gentle force. Every two weeks, a patient will wear a tighter set of aligners and over time, teeth will become straighter. Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign is removable. This allows patients to eat and conduct oral hygiene without difficulty or obstruction.
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on a patient’s specific needs along with the duration of treatment. The longer a patient needs to wear Invisalign, the higher their costs will be. We recommend speaking with our financial coordinator regarding questions about cost.