How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign system works by using a series of clear aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. In general, each aligner is worn for about two weeks before graduating to the next aligner. Each aligner is specifically customized in the series to ensure the teeth gently shift into their new positions at the right time.
Smile Appeal is proud to be a Propel® orthodontics provider, a system designed to accelerate treatment times to help patients achieve their desired smile faster. Propel works with both braces and aligners to provide effective treatment with fewer visits. If you’re interested in straightening your smile contact us to schedule a consultation. Dr. Youngker will create a customized treatment plan to give you the smile you deserve in as little time as possible.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
There is a good chance that if you are a candidate for traditional braces, you could be a candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign treats a variety of orthodontic conditions such as:
- Extra spaces between the teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Desire to simply want a straighter smile
Invisalign provides an alternative way to straighten your teeth while being virtually invisible! Instead of stainless steel brackets and metal wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth and improve the bite.
Smile Appeal Orthodontics is the premier orthodontic provider utilizing Invisalign align technology in North Oklahoma City and South Oklahoma City. Our dedication to expert and compassionate care means we create a customized treatment plan to get you to your best smile!
What to Expect During the Invisalign Treatment
Your Invisalign treatment will begin with a comprehensive exam at our office. Your entire treatment plan will be virtually mapped out during this consultation. To design a personalized treatment plan, we use the latest 3D imaging technology to make a digital impression of your teeth and jaws.
This allows us to plan every adjustment and create a series of customized aligners that you will wear throughout every step of the process and ensure proper positioning.
A typical Invisalign patient goes through about 18–30 aligners over a period of 9–15 months, but because each patient and treatment plan is unique, treatment times vary.
You will be scheduled for follow-up appointments every few weeks to ensure proper progress throughout treatment and to pick up your next set of aligners. Most patients will change their aligners every 2 weeks. Each time you change your aligners you can expect your mouth and teeth to feel a bit sore as your teeth adjust to their new position.
Remember it is vital to your treatment progress that you wear your aligners for the recommended time of 22 hours per day. You should only take them out to brush your teeth or eat. If you have any questions or concerns about your Invisalign treatment please contact us. We are here to help you through every step of the process.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are very popular because they are effective for straightening teeth without the look of metal braces. Invisalign is virtually invisible and completely removable so patients can continue to eat, drink, brush, and floss normally. Additional benefits of Invisalign include:
- No metal brackets or wires that could irritate the mouth
- Your appointments during treatment won’t involve adjustments like with traditional braces, so you will be in and out of the chair quickly
- Invisalign aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces
- You don’t have to wait until your treatment is complete to see your progress
Many Smile Appeal Orthodontics patients will find that they are Invisalign candidates, but keep in mind that while this solution is effective for many orthodontic conditions, traditional metal braces have a slightly broader range of treatment abilities and may work a bit faster for certain conditions. However, the range of conditions that Invisalign can treat is advancing!
Braves vs Invisalign, Which Is a Better Option for Me?
Smile Appeal Orthodontics is happy to offer a wide variety of orthodontic options for you and your family. Two of the most popular options for braces at our welcoming practice are traditional metal braces and Invisalign. Invisalign and traditional metal braces are both incredibly good at their job.
The main difference between them depends entirely on you. If you do not wear your aligners as directed, you will not have success with them. This is one reason why Invisalign may not be the best option for our younger patients. There are a few additional differences to consider when choosing the best option.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a popular choice for parents of young kids and teens because they are non-removable and therefore easy to take care of and impossible to lose! Most people are candidates for traditional braces, and they can treat more complex cases, and often work a little faster at closing gaps and straightening teeth, than Invisalign.
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets with arch wires to straighten the teeth gently over time; because of this, maintaining oral hygiene with normal brushing and flossing can be challenging.
Invisalign
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are very popular because they are effective for straightening teeth without the look of metal braces. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and completely removable so that patients can remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss normally.
Many Smile Appeal Orthodontics patients will find that they are candidates Invisalign, but keep in mind that while this solution is effective for many orthodontic conditions, traditional metal braces have a slightly broader range of treatment abilities and may work a bit faster for certain conditions. However, the range of conditions that Invisalign can treat is advancing!
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Oklahoma City, OK?
If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, we encourage you to see us at Smile Appeal Orthodontics in North and South Oklahoma City, OK. Dr. Youngker will complete an examination and design a customized treatment plan. During this appointment, our team will be happy to go over the cost of the treatment with you in detail.
Since Invisalign treatment is customized to your condition and needs, multiple factors affect the cost. Dr. Youngker, along with the rest of the team at Smile Appeal Orthodontics believe in quality orthodontic care and make every effort to provide flexible financial options. Visit our financing page to learn more about payment plans and different financial options.
Invisalign FAQs
Will people notice I’m wearing Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are practically invisible. People may not even notice you’re wearing them at all. You can remove them while eating, drinking, and taking care of your teeth, so you’re free to enjoy your life while you also straighten your smile.
Are the aligners comfortable?
Invisalign clear aligners are physically very comfortable to wear. Without any metal hardware attached to your teeth, you won’t be cut or poked by anything in your mouth. The retainers are smooth and won’t irritate your mouth.
How do you take care of your Invisalign clear aligners?
To make sure you’re taking care of your Invisalign, properly rinse your aligners under lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not too hot as this can cause them to become damaged. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush gently clean your retainers, making sure to clean the inside and outside.
What should I do if an aligner breaks?
Contact our office immediately if one of your Invisalign retainers breaks or becomes damaged. Dr. Youngker may be able to fix a damaged tray or will replace a broken one. He may recommend that you go back to your previous retainer until the new one can be replaced.
Invisalign Treatment in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Invisalign helps patients of all conditions to achieve their best smile. If you are interested in the treatment process for yourself or your child, contact our office to schedule a consultation today. We have two offices located in North Oklahoma City and South Oklahoma City for your convenience. We look forward to meeting you.
