The advantages of Invisalign orthodontics
While many patients avoid talking to their dentist about their crooked smile for fear of needing traditional braces, it is now easier than ever to get results without gluing metal brackets and wires to the surfaces of the teeth. Drs. David Bingham and Don Cook of Northwest Dental Center in Boise, Idaho, are pleased to offer alternative options such as Invisalign orthodontics, which uses clear teeth aligners for teeth straightening.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign is a clear, removable orthodontic appliance that uses a series of custom-made aligners to move teeth into the desired position gently. The clear teeth aligners are made of plastic and are virtually invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for adults and teenagers alike.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Many of our patients love the idea of Invisalign, but there are more benefits than just discreet appearance, which is why many patients refer to them as “clear braces for adults.” Some of the other advantages that Invisalign has over traditional braces include:
- No need to have brackets or wires glued to your teeth
- A comfortable fit that can be removed for eating and drinking
- A quick and easy treatment process
- Results that are just as effective as traditional braces
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontics?
Invisalign is an excellent option for patients of all ages who have mild to moderate misalignment issues. In some cases, Invisalign can also be used to correct more complex dental problems. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with Drs. David Bingham or Don Cook to start your evaluation. In some cases, patients with more severe misalignment issues, such as malocclusion, may still need traditional metal braces to get the results they deserve. However, many patients are pleasantly surprised to find out they qualify for Invisalign treatment.
Actual Patients Before and After Results
How do I learn more about Invisalign orthodontics?
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, it’s time to contact Northwest Dental Center of Boise, ID, to discuss this treatment further with our skilled and experienced dental team. Drs. David Bingham and Don Cook are here to help! Call (208) 314-4416 to request a consultation visit at our office, located at 8300 West Northview Street. We are open to new and returning patients and families in the community and surrounding cities, including Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa.
Do I need to wear Invisalign aligners while sleeping?
The Invisalign aligner trays are designed to be worn for at least 20 hours a day, which means that wearing them while sleeping will take care of a good portion of that time frame. Wearing aligners while sleeping helps to achieve faster, better results and allows you four hours during the day to remove the aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. You can talk to Drs. Don R. Cook and David G. Bingham of Northwest Dental Center in Boise, Idaho, about the advantages of wearing trays at night or even during naps!
By wearing Invisalign aligners while sleeping, we can ensure that our teeth are constantly moving in the proper direction without interruptions and allow more time to be “aligner-free” during the daytime. Additionally, wearing aligners while sleeping helps reduce discomfort and pain caused by teeth shifting. This is especially critical in the beginning stages of Invisalign treatment, when the aligners can cause some initial discomfort that needs some adjusting for the patient.
Another benefit of wearing aligners while sleeping is that it reduces the risk of losing or misplacing them. Many patients tend to remove their aligners during sleep and then struggle to find them in the morning if they are not properly stored. Keeping the aligners on eliminates this risk and ensures consistent usage throughout the day.
If, for any reason, you cannot wear your aligners while sleeping, make sure to wear them for at least 20 hours during the day and try to avoid taking them off for extended periods. Consistency is key in achieving successful results with Invisalign treatment and avoiding delays that may cause treatment to take longer than expected.
How often do I switch my aligner trays?
The frequency of switching aligner trays varies for each individual and depends on the specific treatment plan prescribed by your orthodontist. In general, aligners are switched every one to two weeks, but this varies considerably based on the complexity of your case and the recommendations of Drs. Don R. Cook and David G. Bingham of Boise, Idaho.
It is critical that you follow the recommended schedule provided by your dentists at Northwest Dental Center, as it ensures that your teeth are moving according to plan and helps track your progress. Failing to switch aligners at the recommended time can delay or even hinder the desired results. Additionally, be aware that wearing aligners longer than recommended will not speed up the treatment process.
Are Invisalign aligners comfortable to wear?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable and fit snugly over your teeth. They are fabricated with a very smooth, BPA-free plastic that will not irritate the gums or cheeks like metal braces tend to. As you progress through each set of Invisalign aligners, you may feel some initial discomfort as your teeth shift into their new positions. However, this should subside within a day or two and can be improved with OTC pain medications if needed.
If you are experiencing any discomfort with your Invisalign aligners, feel free to call Northwest Dental Center and speak to your dentist about your complications and determine what needs to be done to resolve them.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for Invisalign aligners?
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a first consultation with an experienced dentist like Dr. Don R. Cook or Dr. David G. Bingham at Northwest Dental Center in Boise, Idaho. During this initial appointment, your provider evaluates your teeth and bite to see if Invisalign treatment can be a reality for you.
Most patients who are a good fit for Invisalign aligners have mild to moderate misalignment of the teeth or those with turned or gapped teeth. Our providers work alongside patients to ensure they are a good fit before starting treatment. Otherwise, the desired results may not be achieved using Invisalign or other orthodontic offerings.
What types of orthodontic issues can Invisalign effectively address?
Invisalign aligners can effectively address various orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. However, patients need to note that the severity of these issues may impact the success rate of Invisalign treatment.
Traditional braces may be a better option for more complex cases or severe misalignment. It is best to consult with an experienced provider, such as the team at Northwest Dental Center of Boise, Idaho, to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific case. We can then refer you to a trusted, local orthodontist if you are a better fit for traditional metal bracket-and-wire braces.
How long does Invisalign treatment typically take to complete?
The time needed to achieve the desired results with Invisalign depends on several factors. These include the complexity of your case, how well you follow the recommended treatment plan, and any adjustments made along the way. In general, most patients complete Invisalign treatment within 9-18 months. However, depending on individual needs, some cases may take longer or even shorter periods. For those cases with only minor movements, Invisalign can take as little as two months.
What happens if I don’t wear my aligners as directed?
If you do not comply with your Invisalign treatment as directed by our professionals at Northwest Dental Center in Boise, Idaho, you will likely experience delays and added costs to create new trays to get you back on track. Additionally, the initially quoted timeframe may be extended to allow time to deal with getting the treatment on course again.
We encourage our patients to visit our office regularly to monitor the treatment to ensure it is progressing as expected. We can discuss the consequences of not wearing the Invisalign aligners as directed, often at least 20 hours a day.
Noncompliance may cause you to require additional treatments or be referred to an orthodontist for traditional braces, which are controlled by the orthodontist and eliminate any risks of noncompliance that may be seen with Invisalign removable aligners.
How long does the Invisalign treatment typically take for patients
Are there any specific dietary restrictions or limitations while wearing Invisalign aligners in the Boise area?
What are the potential benefits of choosing Invisalign over traditional braces for residents of Meridian, ID?
Are there any specific oral hygiene practices or routines I should follow while using Invisalign aligners in Boise?
