Invisalign – Hutchinson, KS
Personalized Invisible Orthodontic Treatment
Have you always wanted a perfectly straight smile like the movie stars, but were too put off by the idea of wearing clunky metal braces? If so, you’re not alone. That’s why more and more adults and teens alike are choosing to straighten their smiles with a personalized invisible orthodontic treatment called Invisalign. In addition to being awkward and noticeable, traditional braces come with a litany of dietary restrictions, frequent and lengthy office visits, and difficulties with oral hygiene. Invisalign in Hutchinson alleviates all of those problems. To learn more about this treatment and whether it’s right for you, just call our office.
How Invisalign Works
Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic trays, called aligners, that are worn over the teeth. These aligners gradually exert a gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into the desired position. In most cases, this process takes 12-18 months, compared to the 24-36 months it typically takes with traditional braces.
Each set of aligners is designed to straighten a tiny portion of your smile at a time. You’ll wear each set for about 22 hours a day before switching to the next set after a couple of weeks. Basically, you should only remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. For this reason, you won’t have to restrict your diet like you would with metal braces.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can be used to treat many of the most common orthodontic issues, such as:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Underbite, overbite, or crossbite
- Crooked teeth
Although misaligned teeth might be seen as only a cosmetic issue, they can actually jeopardize your oral health. Teeth that are crowded can overlap each other, making them more difficult to clean. As a result, plaque can accumulate more easily and contribute to health issues like cavities and gum disease. Additionally, food particles can get trapped in uneven gaps between teeth and attract bacteria and plaque. Invisalign can solve most of these problems by pushing the teeth into the proper alignment.
Benefits of Invisalign
Thanks to advancements in modern dental technology, millions of Americans are able to straighten their smiles with Invisalign every year. Should you choose to undergo this treatment, these are some of the advantages over traditional braces that you can look forward to:
- Aesthetic superiority. Even tooth-colored or clear braces are slightly visible when you talk or smile. Unless someone is standing very close to you or knows what to look for, no one should notice you’re wearing the aligners at all.
- Safety and comfort. Metal wires and brackets can irritate your gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. Invisalign’s smooth plastic aligners are designed with your comfort in mind, and should cause zero irritation.
- Speed. Most patients finish their Invisalign treatment in a fraction of the time that it takes with traditional braces, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of a straight smile much sooner. In addition, you’ll spend less time in the dental chair. Although you’ll have to see your dentist in Hutchinson every few weeks, these visits will be brief; we’ll quickly evaluate your progress and hand you the next few sets of aligners.
Cost of Invisalign
No two smiles are exactly the same. In the same vein, neither are any two costs of Invisalign treatment. The price you’ll pay for your new smile will vary greatly depending on your individual needs. Some factors that affect cost include the severity of your alignment issues, your age, and whether you spend enough time wearing your aligners. Of course, the best way to find out how much your Invisalign treatment will cost is to schedule a consultation with us!
Invisalign FAQs
Are you curious about Invisalign? You’re in the right place! Dr. Ringler encourages you to contact his office if you have any specific concerns. Until then, we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign to make the information you need available! Read on to satisfy your curiosity!
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The length of your treatment will vary based on a variety of factors, including how severe your misalignment is as well as your commitment to treatment instructions. Usually, Invisalign will take between 8 to 18 months. Even on the longer side, you can complete your Invisalign treatment at least 4 months quicker than traditional braces. Be sure to wear your aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day as instructed so you can stay on track with your treatment plan.
How Do I Clean My Aligners?
Keeping your Invisalign clean is an essential part of maintaining your clear aligners while also preventing stains and issues with your smile. Invisalign has its own cleaning system, however you can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild hand soap, and room temperature water. Never use hot water to clean your aligners because it can permanently warp the plastic. Ideally, try to brush and floss after you’ve eaten and before putting your aligners back in to avoid trapping food and bacteria on your teeth.
Can I Eat and Drink with Invisalign?
One of the reasons why Invisalign is so popular is that you don’t have to alter your diet for treatment. Instead, Invisalign is completely removeable, allowing you to eat whatever you want. That said, make sure you take out your clear aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Leaving your aligners in is the quickest and easiest way to stain them, ruining their discreet appearance. Also, food debris can get caught in your Invisalign, creating higher risks of decay and infection.
What Should I Do if I Lose or Break an Aligner?
If you lose or break an aligner, contact us right away! We will advise you with next steps based on your specific case and provide you with a replacement as soon as possible. We may recommend that you wear the previous aligner in the series to maintain your results while we get you a new one. In order to avoid this, do your best to keep your Invisalign case on you at all times so you have a safe place to put your aligners when they’re not being worn.
What Happens After Invisalign is Complete?
Once your Invisalign treatment is over, the hard part is done! However, your work isn’t over just yet! In order to maintain your results, we will provide you with a retainer. This oral appliance is usually worn day and night, however if used as instructed, you can eventually just wear your retainer at night. Eventually, it may not even be necessary but it’s a vital part of the process because it solidifies the new position of your smile.
What does Invisalign look like?
Invisalign in Hutchinson is a preferred alternative to brackets and wires because it is virtually invisible when wearing the aligners. They are made of clear plastic for a transparent appearance. Although you can see them when they are in your hand, once you pop them into your mouth, they are very difficult to detect. Your aligners can stay discreet with the right care, like brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap or dishwashing liquid. It is best to remove your aligners when eating or drinking to prevent stains and discoloration.
Does Invisalign hurt?
It can take a few days to adjust to wearing your aligners, but patients report they are more comfortable than metal braces. Digital technology is used to craft your aligners to fit your teeth like a glove, so they won’t irritate your gum tissue. Since there aren’t any brackets or wires, there won’t be anything rubbing on the inside of your lips or cheeks. It’s normal for your teeth to feel a little sore when getting your aligners, but that shows your treatment is working. You may also have some soreness when switching to the next aligner in your series. You can manage your discomfort using an OTC pain reliever and eating softer foods. After a few days, any soreness will improve, and you may forget you are wearing your aligners.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
Contrary to what you might have heard, Invisalign and metal braces are similar in cost. There isn’t a flat rate for clear aligners because every situation differs, like the complexity of your case. Nowadays, many dental insurances offer coverage for Invisalign. After meeting your deductible, you have access to an allowance to offset the cost if your dental plan includes orthodontics. We know dental insurance is confusing, but you don’t have to navigate your policy alone. We will help you maximize any applicable benefits to lower the amount you will pay. You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. We will help you find the solutions you need to keep a straight, healthy smile within your budget.
Who is a candidate for Invisalign?
If you are interested in an alternative to metal braces, Invisalign may be right for you. However, you will still require a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Hutchinson. Clear aligners are suitable for teens and adults with healthy teeth and gums. Although Invisalign can fix a variety of bite and alignment concerns, there are limitations. Therefore, your dentist will examine your mouth to ensure aligners can fix your concerns. Some patients may require preparatory treatments, like gum disease therapy. Invisalign is recommended for patients with good oral hygiene habits who can commit to their treatment plan, like wearing their aligners for at least 22 hours per day. You must also switch to the next aligner on time and maintain your regular appointments to monitor your treatment progression.
See your new Invisalign® smile in seconds
Scan the QR code to see your smile transformation
– Get your phone
– Open your camera
– Point it at the QR code
– Snap your selfie
– See your new smile!
