Invisalign Dental Services

Straighten Your Teeth the Easy Way With Invisalign

At Hartwood Dental Associates, we know that a crooked smile can hold you back. Crooked teeth can also increase your risk for other dental problems. Fortunately, you don't have to wear braces to get a straighter smile. You can just use Invisalign.

Invisalign is an innovative alternative to traditional metal braces. The process uses clear plastic aligners that slip on over your teeth to move them into position. The fit is snug with pressure on specific spots to get the right results for your smile. The aligners should be worn all the time unless you're eating or drinking.

After several weeks, your teeth should have moved into their new position. At this point, we'll create a new aligner for the next adjustment. Getting a new aligner is like getting your braces tightened. It's a step-by-step process to slowly move your teeth and fix your smile.

Most of the time, treatment with Invisalign will last a year. You'll get as many new aligners as needed to get your teeth into place. The timeline with Invisalign is comparable to standard braces. That said, most people find the process less painful. The movement is slower and more systematic with Invisalign, and most people love the fact that Invisalign does not have the same bulky look as traditional braces.

Plus, Invisalign is more affordable than most people realize. The cost is about the same as braces, ranging from $4,000 to $7,000. Your cost will depend on the amount of work you need to be done. Some insurance providers will cover the cost of Invisalign. Talk to your provider to find out if you qualify.

Could your smile benefit from Invisalign? Call Hartwood Dental Associates to find out. We are certified for all our dental procedures, and we work with your insurance, CareCredit, and more.

What to Expect With Invisalign

If you're thinking about having your teeth straightened, always start with an appointment. At Hartwood Dental Associates, we'll assess your teeth and explain the pros and cons to help you decide. Many people find that the benefits are worth the costs.

Once you decide to move forward, we'll come up with a detailed plan for the cost and timeline. Your aligners will be custom-made with 3D imaging technology. This provides a more detailed view compared to older putty models. With the imaging, we'll be able to precisely create the aligner for the exact movements required.

We might use tooth-colored enamel attachments for added support. These are glued to your teeth to help your aligner get the job done. A similar process is used with regular braces, and we'll consider your personal needs before making any decisions moving forward.

You'll be given multiple aligners at once, and we'll provide instructions about how long to wear each one. Usually, you wear each aligner for one or two weeks before throwing it away and using the next one. As you swap out your aligners, we'll measure your progress with visits every six to eight weeks. During your visits, we will get a 3D assessment of your mouth to make the next set of aligners.

In general, fewer visits are required with Invisalign compared to traditional braces. Because you are swapping out the aligners on your own, less support is needed.

At first, each aligner will feel snug. It will snap over your teeth, but you may need to use some force to get it back off again. For the best results, please wear your aligners 22 hours each day. The other two hours are intended for eating and drinking. While you can drink cold water with your aligners, no other food or drink is recommended. Hot beverages can make your aligners warp.

Moreover, food or drink can cause staining. This means your invisible braces are no longer invisible! Plus, it's not as sanitary. Try to brush your teeth before putting your aligner back in. While the aligner is out of your mouth, clean it with lukewarm water or give it a light brush with your toothbrush and toothpaste. You want your teeth and aligners to be as clean as possible.

If you still have questions, Hartwood Dental Associates is here! We've served you since 2010, and we're proud to be a local dental practice. Emergency care and same-day appointments are available!