Let’s face it: As an adult, you likely don’t want to show off a mouth full of metal when you smile. On top of that, metal braces can be uncomfortable. Perhaps that’s why you’ve put off getting braces, even if you want to straighten your teeth or fix a misaligned jaw.
Fortunately, advances in orthodontics have made the teeth straightening process easier than it used to be. This is especially good news because having straight teeth is not just about looks. It can also improve your health.
For example, orthodontic problems may create hidden pockets where food particles collect and plaque builds up, causing cavities and gum disease. Tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, which makes it harder for you to eat nutritious food. Additionally, tooth loss can break down your jawbone over time. Plus, TMJ problems can be downright debilitating.
So, what can you do to avoid all these issues? An effective option is Invisalign, the first and most popular clear aligner brand. Invisalign uses advanced orthodontic technology to straighten smiles in an average of 12 to 16 months.
Orthodontist Bryan Nelson at Trinity Orthodontics is the No. 1 provider of Invisalign in the country and in the top 3% of providers in the world. Since he started his practice at Trinity Orthodontics 25 years ago, he has worked to perfect his method and offers a streamlined and effective experience.
What to expect
When you move forward with Invisalign, the first step will be to take initial impressions to create the first set of aligners. If you’ve had braces before, you may remember your orthodontist creating putty impressions, but the process today is much less messy.
At Trinity Orthodontics, an iTero scanner captures thousands of images of your teeth to create an accurate digital model. You’ll then receive a custom treatment plan, an educated estimate of how long treatment will take, and your first set of custom aligners.
Your aligners will be transparent and removable, making them practically invisible and easy to take out and clean. You’ll want to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day to increase your chances of success at correcting your misalignment. However, you should take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
Using attachments – small, clear dots adhered to certain teeth – allows Invisalign to be even more precise in tooth movement.Over time, the changes to your teeth will happen with gentle, constant force, reducing the discomfort people used to experience during treatment. The pressure some people describe feeling is a normal sign that your treatment is working.
Fewer appointments
Another benefit of the Invisalign method is you won’t need as many in-office visits as other methods, making the treatment plan convenient if, for example, you work full-time or have kids (or both).
You’ll switch out your aligners every week, but the Trinity Orthodontics F.A.S.T. System means your in-person appointments will be limited to only once every 12 weeks. During those appointments, the orthodontist will examine your progress and give you your next set of aligners.
When your treatment is finished, you’ll no longer have to wear aligners constantly, although the orthodontist will recommend wearing them at night to keep your teeth as straight as possible.
To request a consultation and find out if Invisalign is right for you, please contact our team.
