Invisalign – Glastonbury, CT
Discreetly Straighten Your Smile
In recent years, a straighter smile has shown up on the wish list for many dental patients of all ages. Whether you missed out on getting braces as a teen or you’re looking to correct bite alignment that has shifted over the years, the Invisalign aligner orthodontic system may be just what you’re looking for. Invisalign from our Glastonbury, CT cosmetic dentist can correct even advanced over, under, or crossbite. Dr. John Carroll is an accomplished Invisalign provider, so contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’ll examine your smile and help you determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign orthodontics.
Why Choose Heim & Carroll DMD, LLC for Invisalign?
- Great for Teens & Adults
- Discreetly Correct Orthodontic Issues
- Additional Financing Through CareCredit
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
When you picture orthodontics, you likely imagine a teen with brackets and wires affixed to their teeth. These traditional smile alignment systems work by using the wires to put pressure on brackets that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position. This process can take 12 months to two or more years to complete. Once the visible parts of teeth are in their correct alignment, the parts of the teeth not visible, the roots, are still shifting into this new position. This is why patients typically need to use retainers for one or more years following orthodontic treatment. Invisalign works in a similar way, but utilizes plastic trays to create the gentle pressure necessary to shift teeth rather than brackets and wire.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Like traditional braces, Invisalign works by placing pressure on the surfaces of teeth to create tooth movement. A series of clear, plastic aligners are crafted in an Invisalign lab. Each set of aligners represents the smile one step closer to the desired end result. Patients wear their aligner(s) for about two weeks. Then, they exchange their current set of alignment trays for the next in the series. They will need to visit our dental office every six weeks to two months, so we can ensure their smile is shifting according to plan. These appointments are typically brief, and they give us the opportunity to adjust the treatment plan to ensure patients achieve their desired results.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Advances in the Invisalign technique have made it possible for more patients than ever to achieve their desired tooth straightening results without the hassle of traditional braces. Some patients who should consider the Invisalign alignment tray orthodontic system include:
- Busy teens or adults who don’t have time to dedicate to regular orthodontic visits
- Adults who don’t want to mar their professional image by wearing traditional bracket and wire braces
- Patients who have allergies or sensitives to metal
- Patients who tried to complete traditional orthodontic treatment but found the process too painful
- Patients who want to correct teeth that have shifted out of alignment again after other orthodontic treatments
Benefits of Invisalign
Some of the benefits Invisalign patients can expect include the following:
- Cosmetically flawless smile throughout treatment
- More comfortable than traditional bracket and wire orthodontics
- Less appointments and shorter overall treatment time
- Removable trays mean patients don’t have to change their diet or oral hygiene routines
Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still curious about Invisalign in Glastonbury? Please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office for any specifics. However, we’ve also included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign below to make the information you need easy to get to. Read on to learn more about this discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
One of the advantages of Invisalign is that on average, treatment time is shorter than braces. Patients can typically get straight teeth in between six and 16 months. This all depends on how well you maintain your treatment plan. You must wear your aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day so your Invisalign is as effective as possible. Your expert dentist in Glastonbury will be with you every step of the way to ensure that treatment is on schedule and going smoothly.
How do I clean my aligners?
Without properly cleaning your Invisalign, the clear plastic can stain and get damaged. That’s why it’s important to at least rinse out your mouth and your aligners before and after every meal. Ideally, you should brush and floss once you’re finished with a meal and before putting your aligners back in. To clean the aligners themselves, use Invisalign’s cleaning system or a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild hand soap and room temperature water. Never use hot water because it can permanently warp your aligners.
Can I eat and drink what I want while undergoing Invisalign treatment?
Part of what makes Invisalign so great is that you won’t have to alter your diet—you can still eat and drink all of your favorites. However, you must always take out your aligners before eating. The only item you should consume while wearing your Invisalign is water. Anything else has the potential to stain or break your aligners. Plus, bacteria and food debris can get in between your teeth and aligning trays, increasing your risk of cavities and decay.
What should I do if I break or lose an aligner?
If you break or lose an aligner, contact our dental office right away. The sooner that Drs. Heim and Carroll can give you a replacement, the faster you can get back on track with your treatment. In some cases, we may ask you to wear the previous aligner in your series to maintain your results until we can give you a new one. As a tip, lay down towels on your sink and/or floor when cleaning your aligners, that way if you drop them, there will be some cushion to break the fall.
What happens after I finish my Invisalign treatment?
When you’re done with Invisalign, we will provide you with a retainer to maintain your results. This should be worn as instructed, and you will eventually be able to wear it just a few nights a week. Think of this final step as protecting the time and money you’ve spent to achieve your beautifully straight smile. Our retainers are custom-made and comfortable to wear so getting adjusted to them is simple!
