Invisalign

Are your teeth crooked but you’re hesitant to get metal braces? Does the thought of wearing metal in your mouth make you feel uncomfortable? Fortunately, modern dentistry has created a new orthodontic solution to straighten teeth without all the undesirable effects of metal braces: Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear braces developed by Align Technology, Inc. They are manufacturers of high-tech dental solutions including Invisalign, intraoral scanners, and CAD (computer-aided design) systems. They provide dental alignment products that serve as alternatives to regular braces.

Clear braces are very different from traditional braces. They are made of different materials and work to align the teeth in different ways. However, because they are only made of plastic and are worn over a single dental arch, clear braces won’t be able to realign the jaws like metal braces. As such, the uses of clear braces are limited to straightening teeth only.

Benefits of Using Invisalign

Using Invisalign can guarantee:

  1. Faster therapy period. Compared to traditional braces which take 18-30 months of therapy, Invisalign treatments average 6-18 months to achieve the desired results.
  2. Less pain and discomfort. Metal braces can cause cuts and bruises inside the mouth because of the wires and other hard components. Invisalign doesn’t have this kind of problem since they are smooth plastic worn over the teeth. The aligners are very thin, usually around 0.3 to 0.7 mm so they don’t add a lot of bulk to your mouth, so you are able to talk and smile normally.
  3. No metal components. Some patients have allergic reactions to metal components, especially stainless steel which is the typical material for traditional braces. Invisalign is made of thermoplastic which rarely causes allergies.
  4. Better esthetic appeal. Since Invisalign is almost invisible, it does not alter the appearance of your smile, so others will likely be completely unaware that you’re wearing them.
  5. Little lifestyle adjustment. Invisalign is removable, unlike metal braces which are cemented to the teeth. You can remove the aligners whenever you eat, brush, and floss. You don’t need special oral irrigators or interdental brushes to clean between wires and brackets. Invisalign also has its own cleaning system which is easy to use and made specifically to keep the dental trays sterile.

How Do I Get Invisalign?

The first thing you need to do is find a dentist who is a certified Invisalign partner Hatch Family Dentistry  has three exemplary dentists who can help you get Invisalign treatment. You can visit our office for more information or call us at (480) 838-3073.

Initial Examination and Treatment Planning

On your first consultation, we will closely examine the extent of your dental malalignment and take X-ray images to visualize how things fit together beneath the gum line. It is important to identify the cause of malalignment (overbite, underbite, crossbite) in order to also properly determine the ideal treatment.

Not all patients will be good candidates for Invisalign, especially those who have severe alignment problems. Our dentists will explain the diagnosis clearly to help you decide whether to choose traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners.

Once Invisalign has been confirmed as the ideal treatment solution, our dentists will develop a treatment plan to start the correction process. If teeth need to be extracted or adjusted to make way for the aligners, our dentists will discuss it with you.

Mold Preparation

Once the teeth are ready for the aligners, your dentist will take impressions of your dental arches. These will be uploaded to a computer software which will develop and design the ideal set of aligners. The teeth will be adjusted bit by bit using dental trays that are exactly made to push your teeth in certain directions.

Fabrication

When the design is ready, it will be forwarded to the Invisalign manufacturing facility for fabrication. It may take up to two weeks before the final aligners arrive. The aligners come in several sets, usually 1-2 pieces at a time. The first set is designed to move your teeth in the smallest degree, around 0.25-0.3 mm. When the therapy period for the first set is done, the dentist will take another impression of your teeth and send it to the manufacturing lab for another set of aligners.

Fitting and Instructions

On your first fitting, it may feel awkward because the aligners are putting some pressure on your teeth. As you regularly wear them, you will get used to the feeling and become more accustomed to using them. The dentist will make sure that the trays fit properly and don’t cause any undue pain or discomfort.

It is very important to wear the aligners at least 20 hours a day, leaving time for eating and oral hygiene. If the aligners are not worn regularly, the results will take longer to achieve.

Your dentist will give you full instructions on wearing, removing, cleaning, and storing the Invisalign aligners. You have to follow these closely to prevent damage, breakage, or warping of the dental alignment trays.

Regular Follow-ups

During the treatment period, you will need to regularly visit the dental office every two weeks. Each time, a new set of aligners will be fitted to adjust your teeth until the desired result is achieved.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The price of Invisalign varies depending on the following factors:

  • The dentist/orthodontist;
  • The location of the dental practice;
  • The severity of the dental problem;
  • The insurance plan of the patient; and,
  • The payment plan decided on by the patient.

At Hatch Family Dentistry in Tempe, Arizona, we understand our patients’ financial concerns and we work closely with each of them to ensure that they get the best payment plan possible. Just give us a call at (480) 838-3073, and we will discuss the payment options with you. If you have dental insurance, we will assist you in getting the highest possible coverage for your orthodontic treatment.

Get Invisalign from the Best Tempe Family Dental Practice

For almost three decades, Hatch Family Dentistry has treated satisfied patients. With the new dental technologies available, it’s much easier to help patients achieve the straight, beautiful teeth they’ve always wanted. We are certified Invisalign dentists who provide high quality service for all of our patients.

If you would like to know more about Invisalign, please call us at (480) 838-3073 or drop by our office at 7350 S McClintock Dr, #103, Tempe, anytime from Mondays through Fridays, between 7 am and 3:30 pm. Our staff are always ready to help you get the best dental care for your specific dental needs.