West Lakes Dentistry
We Love to See You Smile
Invisalign® Orthodontics
Invisalign® Clear Braces in Mound and Chaska
For those of us with crooked or misaligned teeth, adult braces can be intimidating. Metal brackets grab people’s attention. Luckily, with Invisalign clear aligners, you will be able to straighten your teeth while maintaining your privacy!
With Invisalign, you will receive all of the benefits of traditional braces without all of the fuss. Invisalign treatment works by using a series of clear trays that are custom-made to fit your unique needs. They’re nearly invisible and you can remove them for up to 2 hours at a time for eating, brushing, and playing sports.
Are you ready for a straighter, brighter smile? Call us today!
Crooked or Crowded Teeth
Our teeth do more than just look good when we smile and laugh, they are essential to the way we speak and how we eat. It can be uncomfortable with teeth that are difficult to properly clean and maintain. Overcrowding can be a great place for bacteria to build, causing cavities and even infections.
It’s not uncommon for crooked or crowded teeth to become sensitive over time. They can even become loose or change color. This is a clear sign that your crooked teeth are putting your oral health at risk for more serious complications. Straighter teeth aren’t just cosmetic, they provide a healthier environment for our overall health and wellness.
Why You Should Choose Clear Braces
If you’ve been holding off on braces, come and chat with one of our experienced professionals about clear aligners! The Invisalign system is a series of custom-made dental trays that slowly move your teeth into proper alignment.
What makes Invisalign orthodontics so popular?
- Discretion: Others won’t be able to tell you’re wearing them!
- Removability: Take them out when you eat or drink up to 2 hours a day.
- Ease of Use: It’s a breeze to maintain and clean your trays.
Each set of dental trays is meant to be worn for about 6 weeks before starting a new set. The average amount of time it takes to complete the treatment is around just 12 months.
Why Come to West Lakes Dentistry?
At West Lakes Dentistry, our patients are our priority. We offer many comfort options to help patients feel comfortable and at home in our Mound and Chaska offices. Schedule an appointment today to see if Invisalign treatment is right for you!
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Braces
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Braces
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners give you the freedom and flexibility of having nearly invisible and fully removable dental trays that slowly straighten your teeth over time. Invisalign is a popular choice among adults because it allows your treatment to go unnoticed while you stick to a custom treatment plan!
This cosmetic treatment is a quick and practically painless way to get straighter teeth while protecting your oral health at the same time. The clear aligners are personalized to your mouth to give you a natural-looking and seamless smile.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Like most dental services, this clear aligner treatment starts with an initial appointment or consultation. The dental team will take images and make molds of your teeth to create the aligners. The dentist can craft a personalized plan to give you a smooth treatment process.
The aligners will be switched out every couple of weeks for optimal results you can track. The clear aligners cover the entire tooth making them more comfortable and faster-acting than regular braces.
Bite Correction
These bite issues can harm your digestion and ability to clean your teeth clean and healthy:
- Crossbite. The upper teeth cross over the lower teeth.
- Open bite. When the back teeth can close but the front can’t or vice versa.
- Crowding. When there isn’t enough space for each tooth to be in alignment.
- Deep bite. When you close your mouth and the front teeth cover the bottom too much.
- Underbite. When the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw.
- Spacing. Gaps between teeth can be from undersized teeth or oversized jaws.
Invisalign Braces vs Traditional Braces
Invisalign clear aligners offer all the benefits of traditional braces without the use of metal. Our dentist can more appropriately advise each patient for their specific needs, but here is a quick comparison of the two methods so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
Invisalign is removable, invisible, and convenient. Traditional braces are better for severe orthodontic cases. They have more power behind the pressure they put on teeth. Invisalign is usually more comfortable than metal braces because they’re more gentle.
Perfect for Both Adults and Teens!
Invisalign is not limited to a single age group. The clear aligners make Invisalign natural-looking and easy for all ages. You can straighten your teeth without embarrassment. The aligners are removable for eating freely.
The Invisalign system is for anyone who has all their adult teeth. On average, people qualify for Invisalign treatment starting at the age of 12 or 13. Both teens and adults can appreciate the discretion of clear aligners with the freedom of easy maintenance and storage. It’s never too late to get the smile of your dreams.
Invisalign Results
If worn according to the dentist’s instructions, the average timeline for Invisalign is about 12–18 months depending on your starting point, desired result, and how often you wear your aligners.
Our teeth are not just for looks so we need to do everything we can to cavities, inflammation, and even TMJ disorder (lockjaw). Invisalign is one way to improve the health of your teeth. Straighter teeth allow our mouths to continue functioning correctly. Invisalign clear aligners can give you the ability to eat without discomfort and speak clearly.
How Long Invisalign Lasts
If you want to maintain the results you worked and paid for, then wear your retainer as much as possible. Wear them as the dentist instructs you, and you’ll be able to keep your beautifully straight smile forever.
While the clear aligner process does not take nearly as long as braces, you still do not want to throw away a superb smile due to not wearing your retainer. Invisalign is intended to be a permanent treatment, but it will only last if you maintain it according to your dentist’s instructions.
Invisalign After Braces
Most of our older patients have already had braces, but their teeth have since shifted so they want to try Invisalign to get their teeth straightened again. Another reason you may want Invisalign after having braces is to fix your bite to lessen inflammation and pain in the jaw bone caused by incorrect chewing patterns.
The good news is you can still get Invisalign after braces to correct issues and give your smile longer-lasting results that will increase your self-confidence. For a faster cosmetic solution, choose Invisalign.
Associated Invisalign Benefits
Invisalign aligners come with so many cosmetic and oral health benefits that you have limitless reasons to get them. If you want your crooked or misaligned teeth to be straighter, then Invisalign is a great option for you.
Not only does Invisalign straighten teeth, but it can also provide comfort not found in other orthodontic treatments. Invisalign is made of flexible plastic that doesn’t irritate the gums, and the aligners can be easily removed for convenience when eating or brushing your teeth. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible.
Why Visit an Invisalign Dentist?
While there is no shortage of invisible aligner companies, you don’t want to trust your smile to just anyone. A trained Invisalign dentist is your best bet at getting the smile you want with no complications.
At West Lakes Dentistry we believe in our patients and their goals. It is our job to assess your current condition and provide the right treatment plan that works for you! With the use of advanced technology like the iTero Intraoral Digital Scanner, our doctors can better understand your needs and create a more personalized treatment plan.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign Results
At the end of your treatment, you should expect to receive straightened teeth and a corrected bite. You’ll be able to chew your food more efficiently, smile with more confidence, and clean your teeth more easily.
Invisalign treatment can be completed in anywhere from 6–18 months. You can expect these results to last for the rest of your life when you take proper care and follow the dentist’s instructions.
Dr. Miner and Colleen and the entire staff have been amazing. Texting with me to make appts because of my busy schedule (Colleen’s the best!) they are truly caring people who won’t let you down. Cheers! – Chris P.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Orthodontics
Invisalign treatment works best for those who need mild to moderate adjustments to their smile.
Just like with traditional braces, you can expect your smile to last a lifetime with proper care and hygiene routines:
- Schedule semi-annual appointments with us for cleanings and check-ups.
- Follow our doctor’s directions and wear your aligners accordingly.
- Remove the aligners when you eat, but wear them for 22 hours a day.
Braces and Invisalign have similar side effects but Invisalign’s side effects are a lot more manageable. Your teeth will be moving, and that can be a little painful, but Invisalign does a much gentler job of it than regular braces. Clear aligners can make the mouth dry, but staying hydrated can help. The benefits of Invisalign outweigh the side effects. You’ll get a gorgeous smile and a boost in self-confidence.
You may be wondering how soon you will get results with Invisalign. Since Invisalign is completely customized to your needs and goals, there is no guaranteed timeline. Some people only need 6 months and others take 18 months. The length of treatment depends on how often you wear your aligners.
You’ll meet with your dentist every 6 weeks or so, so they can give you an update on how much treatment you have left.
When the aligners are worn correctly, your teeth will shift into alignment. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to give you a straighter smile that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You may have to wear a removable retainer to keep your teeth in place.
Keep your smile healthy and happy by visiting us every 6 months. We will clean your teeth, check your overall oral health, and catch any issues.
Invisalign and ClearCorrect are cosmetic treatments designed to fix your alignment and bite. They differ in the average amount of time it takes to straighten your teeth and in the material used.
Invisalign takes roughly 12 months and uses a thicker material, whereas ClearCorrect is thinner but takes about 13 months to finish treatment. They are both great treatments for removable and seamless orthodontic treatment.
Anything approved, crafted, and advised by a dentist is going to be more beneficial to your oral health than something found on the internet. At a dental office, you can guarantee that they have experience in that treatment. Also, if you ever have a problem, you have someone that can answer questions in person and help get you what you need. Dentists make the Invisalign process smoother and safer.
Invisalign clear braces may be covered by your health insurance provider, so be sure to check with them before getting Invisalign. The cost of Invisalign will vary person-to-person. These variables can determine the amount of out-of-pocket costs: the severity of misalignment, insurance coverage, and the patient’s diligence in wearing the aligners.
Talk to your dentist about payment options and costs.
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No matter your age or how long it’s been since you’ve seen a dentist, you deserve a smile that makes you feel confident, secure, and happy. Your smile is our priority, so give us a call today to schedule your Invisalign appointment!