Some of us don’t have the perfectly straight smile we’d love to be able to show off. Many people do not smile as confidently or frequently as they would like due to concerns about crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. While in the past the only option for fixing these concerns was braces, many patients in Calgary can now enjoy orthodontic correction with Invisalign®.
Dr. Gordon Chee is a proud provider of this convenient and comfortable alternative to braces. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, please call Aesthetic Dental Studio today at 587-315-5080 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Chee sees patients from Calgary and other communities in Alberta.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic trays instead of the most common alternative, braces, which consist of metal brackets and wires. Like braces, Invisalign uses pressure to gradually remodel bone and move the teeth. Unlike braces, you will be able to remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Benefits of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment offers many benefits, including:
- You can take them out to eat and drink, meaning there are no food restrictions. Other orthodontic treatments require you to avoid crunchy food like popcorn and apples or sticky foods like caramel. With Invisalign, you can simply take them out and enjoy your favorite sticky and crunchy foods.
- You are able to remove the aligners for special occasions. Though the aligners are clear and hard to detect, some people still prefer to remove them to attend a wedding, job interview, or other important event. You can also take them out to play sports or a musical instrument. Although you have a lot of flexibility and freedom with these aligners, it’s important that you still wear them for at least 20 hours a day to achieve optimal results.
- It is easy to maintain proper oral hygiene while wearing Invisalign because you can continue your regular routine of brushing and flossing. It may take more time to brush your teeth if you have another orthodontic option that is not removable. To properly brush your teeth with braces, you need to use a small tool to go between the brackets and remove trapped pieces of food. Invisalign helps you avoid this hassle.
- Clear aligners can offer a more comfortable orthodontic experience. Traditional metal braces use wire, and the protruding bits of metal may scratch the inside of your mouth or gums. Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth material and are designed in a lab to provide you with a customized to fit your mouth perfectly. They also do not require potentially painful tightening visits like braces do.
- They can offer a shorter treatment time. With traditional braces, you may need to visit the dentist every one to two weeks for adjustments, and treatment for adults can take upwards of 36 months. With Invisalign, you will simply return to our office every four to six weeks for a new set of aligner trays, and treatment can often be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Crooked teeth hamper more than just a confident smile. They can be difficult to properly clean, which may lead to future gum disease, tooth loss, and general health risks such as heart disease and stroke. The decision to treat crowded, crooked, or protruding teeth is important for your overall well-being. Invisalign is often an ideal orthodontic treatment for adults and teenagers!
How Do I Know If I'm Eligible For Invisalign?
The only way to know for sure is to arrange a consultation and exam with an experienced dentist like Dr. Gordon Chee. As part of determining your eligibility, Dr. Chee will:
- Examine your teeth
- Review x-rays of your teeth, bite, and jaws
- Assess oral health status (gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems will need to be treated first)
- Explain the patient cooperation necessary to complete treatment (wearing the aligners at least 22 hours a day)
- Discuss the cleaning and maintenance commitment
- Describe the projected treatment timeline
- Millions of people have been treated successfully with Invisalign, and many people are great candidates for it. Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone. Certain cases of malocclusion and crookedness simply will not respond to this type of technology. Rely on Dr. Chee to determine the most suitable solution for you.
Millions of people have been treated successfully with Invisalign, and many people are great candidates for it. Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone. Certain cases of malocclusion and crookedness simply will not respond to this type of technology. You can rely on Dr. Chee to determine the most suitable solution for you.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
In many cases, Invisalign can treat the same issues as regular braces, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- A misaligned bite, known medically as malocclusion
Invisalign offers several distinct advantages, but may not be right for everyone. Patients with mild to moderate bite issues typically achieve the best results from Invisalign. For severe instances of malocclusion, Dr. Chee may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment.
What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment
As you get started, you can expect:
- Pictures and x-rays of your current teeth
- A painless, no-goop, digital scan of your mouth using a handheld, pen-like instrument
You will then need to:
- Go through waiting period while the aligners are manufactured
- Make an appointment to make sure the finished aligners fit and to go over all the treatment instructions
- Attend regular appointments until you reach the end of the treatment plan
The Invisalign process does not involve appointments to tighten wires or add rubber bands, but it does involve progressing through a planned series of aligners. After taking impressions of your mouth and teeth, we send the images to the Invisalign company. They will then send Dr. Chee a proposed plan for straightening your teeth with the aligners. Dr. Chee reviews the plan, makes modifications as necessary, and then approves the creation of the aligners. Each aligner is a slightly different shape. You will need to wear each one for about two weeks before graduating to the next set of aligners. Your check-up appointments ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The length of your treatment will depend on a variety of factors including how often you wear your aligners, and what specific dental concerns are being addressed. The average treatment time is 12 to 18 months, which is significantly less than the duration of using braces.
Is Invisalign Painful?
Your very first set of Invisalign trays will feel quite snug. Most people adjust to the sensation after several days to a week. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, to deal with any discomfort. The level of discomfort for most people is mild and doesn't typically get more serious than that. Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments do not tend to cause sharp pain, but can cause a dull soreness or ache as the teeth respond to pressure. Each time you graduate to a new aligner, you may feel sore for a few days because that is when the tray will be the tightest. As the teeth move, tenderness tends to go away.
Is Invisalign Safe?
All medical and dental procedures and treatments come with the risk of certain side effects, complications, and poor results. When supervised by a professional dentist, Invisalign is overall a safe and effective treatment for the vast majority of patients. The first step in ensuring treatment is as safe as possible is making sure you are a good candidate. You should have relatively good dental health before getting Invisalign. Dr. Chee will discuss whether you have any allergies or other health issues that would in any way interact with Invisalign, although such scenarios are unlikely. You can rely on Dr. Chee to provide all of the facts you need in order to make an informed decision. We encourage you to write down all of your questions and concerns so we can discuss them at your consultation.
How Can I Properly Take Care Of My Invisalign Aligners?
Although they are removable, portable, and very easy to use, it’s still important to prioritize proper care for your Invisalign aligners. Taking care of your aligners just as you would your normal teeth will not only keep them in good condition but will also prevent bacteria and infection from occurring in your mouth during treatment.
To properly care for your aligners, we recommend patients get into the habits of the following:
- Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled brush and clear liquid soap.
- Rinse each aligner thoroughly.
- Store them in a closed container when not in use.
- Soak your aligners in a cleaning solution daily to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Remove your aligners at every meal.
- Always clean them before putting them back into your mouth.
Are There Any Risks With Invisalign?
With the proper care and treatment, risks and complications that may occur with Invisalign can be easily avoided. However, just like any other dental treatment, patients should be aware of what to expect before beginning treatment. These risks may include:
- Allergic reaction to the materials used in your aligners
- Tooth discomfort that does not improve or change with treatment
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Mouth sores
Under the care of Dr. Chee, patients can feel confident knowing that if any complications occur during their Invisalign treatment, they can easily be managed at Aesthetic Dental Studio. With proper cleansing and frequent follow-ups, we can monitor each patient’s progress and oral health to prevent any complications from occurring.
What Foods Or Drinks Do I Need to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment?
Unlike braces, which require strict rules regarding which foods and drinks to eat, Invisalign aligners are removed, allowing patients not to have to worry about their meals. However, to achieve optimal oral health, we still advise patients to avoid an excessive amount of sugary foods, carbonated drinks, and sticky candies such as caramel to prevent cavities and damage to their aligners. While drinking water with your aligners on is acceptable, patients should be wary that drinking beverages like coffee or juice may stain both your Invisalign aligners as well as your teeth.
What Happens After I Complete My Invisalign Treatment?
After completing your Invisalign treatment, patients can enjoy their new and improved smile for a lifetime! However, it’s important to note that your improved alignment needs to be maintained. For most patients, this requires wearing a retainer for a few months after treatment or nightly. This helps prevent your teeth from moving and going back to their original position, keeping your new smile in place for good.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today
To find out if Invisalign is right for you, please contact Aesthetic Dental Studio. Give us a call at 587-315-5080, or visit us at www.aestheticdentalstudio.ca to schedule your consultation. Dr. Chee serves patients in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, and nearby areas of Alberta.
