Invisalign® in St. Clair Shores

How Can Invisalign in St. Clair Shores Improve My Smile?

The Invisalign system uses a series of custom-fitted aligners that fit comfortably over the teeth to gradually correct alignment, spacing, and other orthodontic issues. You wear the aligners up to 22 hours a day and only remove them when you are eating, brushing, or flossing. You switch to the next pair of aligners in the series roughly every two weeks. Since the aligners are practically invisible, they are ideal for teens and adult patients who may not want everyone to know about their orthodontic treatment.

Does Invisalign Cost More Than Other Orthodontic Treatments?

We strive to make Invisalign as affordable as possible for our patients. We will provide you with an outline of your Invisalign cost once our dentist has assessed the complexity of your dental issues. Certain dental plans offer Invisalign insurance that may cover a large portion of your Invisalign cost. For patients who qualify, we also offer payment options and financing options to help offset any out-of-pocket expenses.

How Long Will My Invisalign Treatment Take?

Treatment time varies from patient to patient based on the severity of the dental issues as well as their compliance with the treatment regimen. In general, the treatment time for teens is more variable than that of adults. Treatment time for adult patients averages around one year, but it can range anywhere from 10 months to two years. Once you have finished with your series of aligners, your dentist may recommend that you wear Invisalign retainers to ensure that your teeth remain in their new position.

What Is the Training Process for Invisalign Dentists?

All dentists offering Invisalign are required to undergo specialized training in using the system to treat orthodontic issues. Our dentists have extensive experience with the Invisalign system and can help you achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time possible. Call today to schedule an appointment.

What Types of Issues Can Be Treated with Invisalign vs. Braces?

The Invisalign system works best for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If your teeth need extensive realignment, your dentist may recommend using traditional braces. Invisalign is also most appropriate for teens and adults. Young children whose mouths are still developing typically respond better to traditional braces. Not only do they tend to have more complex orthodontic issues, but they also are less likely to comply with their treatment regimen, resulting in a longer treatment time and increased cost. During your initial appointment, our dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam to determine if Invisalign is the appropriate orthodontic treatment for you.

What Are the Advantages of Invisalign Treatment?

There are a number of reasons why patients choose Invisalign over braces:

• The trays are removable. This means that there are no dietary restrictions. It also makes it easier to brush and floss, which reduces your risk for cavities and gum disease.
• You only have to see the dentist every four to six weeks, so you spend less time rearranging your busy schedule.
• The aligners are comfortable. You never have to worry about brackets and wires irritating the inside of your mouth.

Do Invisalign Aligners Require Special Care?

Aligners require very few lifestyle changes and are easy to maintain. In general, there are no food or beverage restrictions; however, you should avoid chewing gum and tobacco products while wearing your aligners. Chewing gum can stick to the aligner, and tobacco can stain the plastic. It is also important to clean your aligners on a regular basis. You can either use the manufacturer’s cleaning system, which is available at our office, or simply brush and rinse them using cool or lukewarm water. You shouldn’t clean your aligners using hot water since this could warp the device. You should also call us right away if your aligner should become damaged in any way. A damaged tray will not provide the necessary pressure to move your teeth and can end up prolonging your treatment time.

How Do I Arrange a Consultation for Invisalign in St. Clair Shores?

Orthodontic treatment can help improve the appearance and health of your smile regardless of your age. For more information about the benefits of Invisalign vs. braces, call today to schedule a consultation with one of our Invisalign dentists.