Invisalign

Invisalign® Custom & Clear Aligners in Exton

Invisalign: Custom & Clear Aligners

Invisalign® is an excellent way to straighten your teeth, and both adults and teens often prefer it over traditional metal braces because it straightens teeth without anyone noticing that you are correcting your smile.

If you’re not already familiar with invisible aligners like Invisalign, they get their name from the fact they’re practically invisible.

Featuring a clear material molded from your teeth, they don’t have any rubber bands, brackets or wires and can be easily removed for brushing and flossing.

Invisalign for a Beautiful Smile

The biggest benefit is obviously straightening your teeth so you can enjoy a naturally beautiful smile. But, these clear aligners have immense benefits when compared to traditional metal braces and other orthodontics.

The Benefits of Invisalign

• Virtually invisible design – Since it’s made from clear plastic, Invisalign is virtually invisible. The vast majority of people won’t even know you’re wearing them. That means you don’t have to worry about being self-conscious in public as you secretly straighten your teeth.
• No inconveniences – With traditional braces, you have to worry about brackets, wires and diet restrictions. Invisalign doesn’t have the same restrictions, as they’re removable and let you eat whatever you want. You also don’t have as many visits to see your orthodontist.
• Maintains oral health – Straight teeth are beautiful, but so are white teeth. With Invisalign, you can brush and floss your teeth like you normally would. This ensures your teeth and gums are healthy without any special cleaning practices.
• They are only worn for 22 hours a day, so you can take them out to eat dinner, go on a date, or make an important presentation at work.
• There is less of a risk that your teeth will become stained vs. wearing metal braces that can be difficult to clean.
• Increase in self-confidence – Straight, beautiful teeth will improve your confidence!

What is the difference between traditional braces and Invisalign?

Mechanics

Braces: Traditional braces are a system of brackets bonded directly to the front of the teeth. The brackets act like handles, holding “arch wires” that move the teeth. The brackets are often connected with a system of bands, spacers, springs, and other mechanical appliances to gradually move and align the teeth.

Invisalign: Invisalign – and other clear aligner therapies – are relatively new orthodontic treatments used to align teeth. They consist of a series of 18 to 30 custom-made, mouth-guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 2 weeks.

Aesthetics

Braces: There are several types of brackets, including stainless steel and tooth-colored ceramic or plastic, which are often selected because they’re less obvious. Occasionally, brackets are cemented to the back of teeth in order to hide them from view. These are called lingual braces.

Invisalign: The nearly-invisible look of Invisalign has made it an extremely popular option. The trays are transparent, and even if you need additional alignment aids – such as attachments, which are “bumps” of dental bonding material – they blend in with the natural color of the tooth. In addition, Invisalign trays do not interfere with eating or speaking, and they’re less likely to irritate soft tissue surrounding the teeth.

Cost

Braces: The cost of braces widely varies based on the type and the materials used. Traditional stainless steel braces usually cost between $4,000 and $7,000, while ceramic braces range between $5,000 and $8,000. Lingual braces typically cost between $8,000 and $10,000.

Invisalign: The average cost of Invisalign is $5,000.

Treatment Time

Braces: The treatment time, of course, varies based on the patient’s individual needs, but average time to achieve the desired results is two years.

Invisalign: If you can wear the trays for 22-24 hours a day, you can expect the desired results to happen in 6-18 months.

Effectiveness

Braces: Braces are functional and work efficiently for fixing both simple and complex tooth issues. Braces can also be expected to work faster at closing gaps and aligning the teeth than Invisalign.

Invisalign: Invisalign is most effective for patients who don’t need extensive orthodontic treatment. Those patients should consider traditional braces.

Ideal Candidate

Braces: Metal braces are a good choice for candidates who need extensive dental alignments or who don’t have the discipline to wear orthodontic trays for 22 hours a day. Traditional braces also work with patients who have back-tooth bite issues, need to rotate canines or premolars, or move teeth vertically.

Metal braces are not a good match for patients who regularly play rough contact sports.

Invisalign: Patients with relatively mild cases of crooked teeth, protruding teeth, gaps, or over/underbite issues are good candidates for Invisalign. In some cases, it can reduce or eliminate nighttime bruxism, or tooth grinding. If you enjoy rough-and-tumble contact sports, Invisalign is a better choice over traditional braces.

Invisalign is not a good match for patients who need extensive orthodontic treatment, who need canines or premolars rotated, have back-tooth bite issues, or who need teeth realigned vertically. In addition, if you think you may lack the discipline to wear your tray 22 hours a day, you should opt for a different type of orthodontic treatment.

How does Invisalign® work?

Invisalign® straightens teeth using a series of aligners that are made to custom fit your teeth. The aligners are made out of a thermoplastic material that is strong and at the same time flexible in order to be comfortable when worn for long periods of time. It’s also virtually invisible.

Invisalign® aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day for two weeks. After that time, they need to be switched out with the next one in the series. Over a period of months, the aligners will slowly move teeth into place, making one minor adjustment at a time that is targeted to specific teeth. This method for straightening teeth is comfortable because they are moved into position at a manageable pace. And once you are done wearing your aligners, your teeth should be perfectly straight.

What is the process to get Invisalign?

A consultation is the first step. In this step, our team will get to know you and examine your teeth and mouth. We will estimate the treatment plan, if extractions are necessary, and what alternatives you may have, how long it may take and a fee estimate.

At that or the next visit, impressions, photographs and x rays are taken of your teeth. This permits accurate measurements of your mouth to be made, and a specific plan to be developed. Once we have evaluated your mouth, records are sent to Invisalign and a computer model of your treatment is made. Your next appointment is to view this model and to modify the plan if necessary.

Once approved, the clear trays that move the teeth are made, and then an appointment is made to teach you how they are used.

Ask Us About Financing Options For Invisalign!

If you are considering Invisalign in Exton, Exton Family Dentist would love to hear from you! We are proud of our commitment to our patients and our ability to produce beautiful, healthy smiles in a caring, patient-oriented environment. Schedule a consultation with our team today by calling 610-280-7222 or filling out this simple form.