The benefits of straight teeth go far beyond just having a beautiful smile. Straight teeth are easier to clean, allow you to bite and chew more effectively, and contribute to the overall health of your gums and jaw. Given the choice, we’d all love to have perfect teeth, but how many of us are willing to endure years of metal braces to achieve it? Well, with Invisalign, you don’t have to.
How does it work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. We start treatment by first taking impressions, photos, and X-rays of your teeth. We then send these to Align Technology, where they use 3-D imaging to create a plastic aligner for every stage of your treatment. You’ll change your aligner approximately every two weeks until the desired effects are achieved.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
The most obvious benefit of Invisalign is that it’s virtually invisible, so you won’t have to suffer with a “metal mouth.” The
aligners are also removable, although you should keep them in at least 20 hours a day and only remove them to eat. Lastly, the Invisalign method is comfortable, unlike all the metal wires and brackets in traditional braces that can cause soreness and mouth irritation.
How long does it take?
Straigtening teeth with Invisalign takes about a year on average, depending on how complex your treatment is. After that, you’ll wear a retainer made from a similar material at night.
Am I a good candidate?
Most people who are a candidate for traditional braces can be effectively treated with Invisalign. However, children whose mouths are still developing and those with extreme bite abnormalities may not be good candidates. If you’re wondering if Invisalign is right for you, Dr. Van Wicklen can answer your orthodontic questions and create a treatment plan to suit your needs.
Schedule an appointment with Dr.Steven Van Wicklen today at (512) 488-3131 and you can be on your way to achieving your dream smile. Dr. Van Wicklen serves patients in Austin, Vinson, Williamson, Sunset Valley, and surrounding areas.
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