With clear, custom-fit aligners, Invisalign is designed to make achieving your dream smile as seamless as possible. But what exactly is Invisalign, and how does it work? These clear, removable aligners are revolutionizing orthodontic care, offering comfort and flexibility for teens and adults. They’re made of an FDA approved thermoplastic that is personalized to fit a patient’s teeth exactly, and they apply constant pressure to move the teeth into a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing position.
Invisalign has altered the way we approach orthodontic care, offering patients a comfortable and nearly invisible solution for straightening their teeth. With decades of combined experience, the doctors at White Pine Family Dental have helped countless individuals in Reno achieve their dream smiles using this advanced and incredible technology. From correcting minor misalignments to addressing more complex dental concerns, Invisalign can provide a customized path toward a healthier, more confident smile.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that works similarly to the traditional metal braces we’ve all seen. However, Invisalign is made of a transparent, durable thermoplastic that fits over a patient’s teeth. We achieve a perfect fit for Invisalign by creating a digital scan of your oral cavity using the iTero scanner that takes thousands of pictures per second to ensure an accurate digital replication of your teeth.
Invisalign uses multiple trays, all of which are different and made specifically for one patient. As you progress through your trays, changing them every two weeks or as directed by your provider, your teeth will shift toward the desired outcome. The thermoplastic puts nearly constant pressure on the teeth to usher them into a better position, meaning patients will need to wear their trays a minimum of 22 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your trays should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and routine hygiene.
Because Invisalign is transparent and thin, it is much less obvious to others that you’re getting orthodontic care. This means Invisalign may be a good choice for those who are concerned about the visual appearance of braces, whether in social interactions or in pictures.
Do You Need to Wear a Retainer After Finishing Invisalign?
Yes, orthodontic patients who go through Invisalign will need to wear a retainer following their treatment. Retainers are worn only at night. Their purpose is to maintain the new position of the teeth, protect the teeth from clenching and grinding and to slightly open the bite helping the closing muscles of the mouth elongate and relax.
However, if you do not wear your retainer as directed by your dentist, you may need to undergo treatment for longer than initially estimated. That means the more frequently you forget to wear your retainer, the longer you’ll need to wear them for at least 22 hours daily. Even then your treatment will be compromised because the elasticity of the plastic breaks down and does not exert the same force on the teeth.
Invisalign also makes its own retainer, similar in appearance to the original trays. Invisalign’s retainer is called Vivera, so you don’t necessarily need to worry about any embarrassment or disappointment related to others seeing your dental appliances.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Typically Last?
Most patients wear Invisalign for 9 to 18 months. Those with minor misalignment or simple cosmetic concerns will likely only wear their trays for 6 to 12 months. More severe cases may take longer than 18 months.
Additionally, you will likely need to wear Invisalign for longer than your provider initially predicts if you forget to wear your trays or don’t wear them for the recommended 22 hours daily. We strongly encourage you to listen to your dentist’s recommendations to mitigate the need to wear your trays for longer than necessary.
Does Invisalign Come With Dietary Restrictions Like Traditional Braces?
Because Invisalign is removed when you eat and drink, you likely won’t have to change your diet to accommodate the treatment. Traditional braces typically require some restriction because they cannot be removed, and very hard, crunchy, and sticky foods could easily break the appliance.
But removing your Invisalign does away with the possibility of damage, meaning you can enjoy all your favorite foods! If you have any questions about whether or not other lifestyle modifications are necessary, we encourage you to speak with your dentist. At White Pine Family Dental we are happy to answer your questions and provide recommendations.
Why Choose White Pine Family Dental for Invisalign?
At White Pine Family Dental, we understand the importance of a confident smile and the life-changing impact of comfortable, effective orthodontic care. This is why Dr. Kenneth Prince has undergone intensive education with the #1 invisalign provider in the world to ensure your successful outcome in the shortest amount of time possible. With decades of experience and a personalized approach, we have helped countless patients in Reno achieve their dream smiles using Invisalign. Our commitment to your comfort and satisfaction ensures that you’ll feel supported throughout every step of your treatment journey.
Whether you’re looking to correct minor misalignments or address more complex dental concerns, Invisalign can provide a flexible, discreet solution tailored to your needs. We’re here to guide you from consultation to completion, ensuring your smile reflects your best self. To learn more, call us at (775) 825-6655 or visit our contact form.