Most adults who are interested in straightening their teeth but don’t want metal braces can benefit from Invisalign. Invisalign can provide a more beautiful smile, even for patients with more severe orthodontic needs, and dentists like Dr. Tadros can now offer this effective treatment. Whether your teeth are crooked, misaligned, or gapped, Invisalign can give you the smile you’ve always wanted without the discomfort of traditional metal braces.
WHAT IS INVISALIGN®?
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth and improve bite issues. The flexible, removable trays provide enhanced comfort while correcting dental concerns such as unevenly spaced, crowded, or gapped teeth as well as overbite, underbite, and crossbite mispositioning. Invisalign treatment can give adults and teens a more discreet option for achieving a more uniform, balanced, beautiful smile.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN®?
A majority of patients are good candidates for Invisalign. Invisalign is typically best for adults, but it can be an effective treatment for teens or older children who can handle the responsibility of wearing their aligners for at least 20 hours per day. Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you should not smoke, as this can stain or damage your clear aligners. Some patients who have severe issues such as improper alignment may require other orthodontic care to resolve the issue. Our experienced dentist in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Diana Tadros, will examine your teeth and recommend whether Invisalign is right for you.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN®?
There are several benefits of Invisalign. First, the treatment is a very effective way to achieve straighter, properly-aligned teeth. The clear aligners are virtually invisible, making them preferable for patients who want to avoid the look of metal braces throughout treatment. Because the aligners are removable, it is also easier to brush and floss, and you will have no restrictions on which foods you can eat throughout the treatment. Invisalign is also much more comfortable than metal braces with no sharp wires or rough metal brackets, and the aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth.
INVISALIGN® VS. BRACES
Invisalign and traditional braces both offer excellent benefits for the right candidates, however, one treatment might be more suitable than the other for certain orthodontic concerns and lifestyle habits. Primary distinctions between the two treatments include:
Invisalign®
- Uses a series of aligner trays made of clear, flexible plastic
- Teeth progressively move to new positions by switching to a new set of aligners
- Ideal for mild to moderate orthodontic issues
- Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, and daily oral hygiene routines
- Transparent material is less noticeable on the teeth
- Generally, requires less office visits for maintenance
Traditional Braces
- System of brackets and wires cemented to the surface of the tooth
- Fixed appliances that remain in place throughout treatment
- May be preferred for more severe or complex orthodontic concerns
- Can cause tissue irritation from poking wires if not adjusted properly
- Patients must come to the office frequently for wire tightening
- Might be more cost effective
During a consultation, Dr. Tadros can help determine which option is best for you based on your unique needs and aesthetic goals.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN MY INVISALIGN® TREATMENT?
Your Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation, when Dr. Tadros will determine whether the treatment is recommended for you. Then, impressions are made so that your Invisalign aligners can be custom made. Small fasteners are also bonded to the teeth so that your aligners can be secured in place each time you wear them.
Throughout the treatment, you will then wear a series of aligners for at least 20 hours a day. These aligners are designed to subtly shift the teeth over time, which may cause some slight discomfort. Throughout the course of your treatment, you will have appointments with Dr. Tadros to check in on your progress.
Invisalign treatment typically lasts between 12 and 18 months. Many patients begin to see their results within the first few weeks of treatment, and these continue to improve over time. After your Invisalign treatment is complete, you will be given a retainer to wear periodically to make sure your teeth remain in their new, proper alignment. Dr. Tadros will give you specific instructions throughout the Invisalign process regarding when to wear your aligners and how to care for them.
HOW LONG DOES INVISALIGN® TREATMENT TAKE?
The total treatment time for Invisalign varies based on the specific concerns and goals of the patient. With that said, most patients require 12 to 18 months to complete their treatment, especially when they are committed to wearing their aligners for the recommended time per day (20 to 22 hours). When consistently worn, the effects of the Invisalign system can often be seen within a few months, with continued improvement over the course of treatment.
If remembering to wear the aligners is a concern or a faster result is desired, alternative options such as porcelain dental veneers may be worth considering—especially if teeth have significant staining and discoloration or noticeable chips or cracks in addition to misalignment. Dr. Tadros will discuss all of the available options and suggest treatments that best suit your preferred outcome.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY INVISALIGN® ALIGNERS?
Maintaining and cleaning your Invisalign trays is a simple but important process for preventing staining and keeping the aligners in good condition. It is recommended to brush each tray using a soft-bristled toothbrush and all-purpose toothpaste or antibacterial soap, and then thoroughly rinse them with warm (not hot) water. Repeat this process each time they are removed to eat or drink, prior to placing back in your mouth, and before sleeping.
Following this routine, along with regularly brushing and flossing of your teeth, will help to reduce the risk of developing bacteria build-up and gum disease. Additionally, it can help prevent staining of your aligners and teeth from highly-pigmented foods and beverages.
HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE MY INVISALIGN® PROVIDER?
Dentists like Dr. Tadros complete advanced training in order to provide Invisalign treatment. With a high number of successful Invisalign cases, Dr. Tadros is now recognized as an Invisalign Preferred Provider, making her an excellent choice for your Invisalign treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
SCHEDULE YOUR INVISALIGN® APPOINTMENT
To schedule a comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Tadros, call Beauty and the Teeth Dental in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at (954) 519-7465. If you prefer, you can also contact us online or book an appointment directly. Dr. Tadros also services patients from Lauderdale by the Sea, Oakland Park, and Pompano Beach.
ADDITIONAL INVISALIGN® FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Can you eat with Invisalign on?
During Invisalign treatment, you will remove your aligners when you eat or drink. This keeps the aligners clean and makes it easier to eat without limiting the foods you can choose.
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Do you wear Invisalign when you sleep?
You should wear your Invisalign aligners while you sleep. Aligners should be worn at least 22 hours per day.
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Can you brush your Invisalign with toothpaste?
You can clean your Invisalign aligners with a gentle formula of all-purpose toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Does Invisalign cause headaches?
Headaches are a common side effect when you first start with Invisalign treatment. They may also occur when you switch to a new aligner during the course of your treatment. Most headaches as a result of Invisalign are minor.
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Does Invisalign whiten teeth?
You can whiten your teeth while undergoing Invisalign treatment, but the aligners themselves do not whiten teeth.
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Does Invisalign work on older people?
Invisalign is suitable for both teens and adults.
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What are the advantages of Invisalign?
Some advantages of Invisalign include reduced discomfort, simpler hygiene, discreet appearance, and effective straightening of the teeth for improved oral health.
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Which is better braces or Invisalign?
When choosing between braces and Invisalign, there are many factors to consider including the severity of your misalignment. Invisalign has many advantages over braces including easier brushing and flossing, invisible aligners instead of noticeable brackets and wires, and reduced discomfort. A dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you are suited to Invisalign treatment during a consultation appointment.
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Does Invisalign increase risk cavities?
Invisalign treatment should not increase your risk of cavities. In fact, keeping up with your oral hygiene routine with Invisalign is simple, as you can take your aligners out to brush or floss. Dr. Tadros will give you instructions regarding caring for your aligners to prevent cavities or other complications.
