Achieve Straight Teeth Without Any Metal
When you look in the mirror or at a picture of yourself, do you wince when you see how crowded your teeth are? Do you wish you could just close the gaps between your teeth? Maybe you’ve considered getting braces, but you don’t want to deal with metal brackets and wires that shine a spotlight on your orthodontic work. At Framingham Family Dental Care, we can help you achieve straight teeth without any metal thanks to Invisalign clear braces. These smooth plastic aligners fit comfortably over your teeth and shift them into straighter positions without onlookers even noticing! To find out if Invisalign in Framingham is right for you, give our team a call today.
How Invisalign Works
After taking impressions of your mouth, our dentists will design a series of clear plastic aligners that exert just enough pressure on your teeth to move them into their ideal positions. Each set of aligners, which is worn for 20-22 hours a day for a few weeks at a time, straightens a small portion of your smile until all of your pearly whites are uniform. You’ll visit our office for checkups to ensure your treatment is progressing smoothly. Once you’re finished wearing the aligners, we’ll give you a retainer to preserve your results!
Problems That Invisalign Can Fix
Patients are often surprised by how versatile Invisalign is. Your dentist in Framingham may recommend Invisalign to treat the following orthodontic issues:
Crowded Teeth
Teeth that are too close together are more than just an aesthetic concern; they can actually be hard to keep clean. Plaque can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of your teeth and increase your risk for gum disease and cavities. Luckily, Invisalign can shift your teeth into more even positions, making brushing and flossing easier and more effective.
Gaps Between Teeth
Bits of food can become trapped in significant spaces between the teeth, where they can attract bacteria that cause bad breath as well as tooth decay. Invisalign can close these gaps for a smile that is not only healthier, but more cosmetically pleasing.
Bite Alignment Issues
Invisalign can also correct mild to moderate cases of overbite, underbite, open bite, and other bite alignment problems. Without treatment, these issues can place enormous pressure on your jaw joint and contribute to chronic teeth grinding, which can wear down your tooth enamel. Fortunately, Invisalign can guide your upper and lower jaws, helping them come together properly.
The Benefits of Invisalign
The most apparent benefit of Invisalign is right there in the name; the aligners basically disappear once you place them over your teeth. However, patients prefer Invisalign over braces for many other reasons, including:
- Faster average treatment time (12-18 months compared to 24-36 months).
- Smooth plastic trays are less likely to irritate the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Aligners are removable, so there are zero dietary restrictions.
- You can also take out the aligners for easy brushing and flossing.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Because Invisalign is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, the cost can vary considerably from patient to patient. In most cases, though, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. Our team will be happy to walk you through the variables affecting the price of your treatment before moving forward. We can also discuss payment options, such as dental insurance, CareCredit financing, and our in-house loyalty plan.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign in Framingham is an excellent alternative to brackets and wires, but it’s normal to have a few concerns about the road ahead. We understand you have apprehensions, but we’ll explain everything during your consultation to feel confident in the decision you’re making. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to determine if Invisalign is right for you.
What does Invisalign look like?
Your cosmetic dentist in Framingham uses digital impression technology to fabricate a series of clear plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth. While you can see the transparent plastic as you hold it in your hand, the aligners become virtually invisible once they are in your mouth. Your aligners will maintain their discreet appearance if you care for them properly, like removing them when eating or drinking and cleaning them daily. Some patients require attachments, buttons, or elastics to support the movement of their teeth. Some of the materials may not be as undetectable as the rest of your aligners. Overall, you can achieve the straight, healthy smile you want without compromising your appearance when choosing clear aligners.
How long does Invisalign take?
Generally, Invisalign treatment is shorter than metal braces, about 12 to 18 months; however, every smile is unique. Various factors influence the duration of your treatment, such as if you’re fixing both arches and the complexity of your bite and alignment concerns. Patients who only need a few minor adjustments can be finished with their series of aligners in just 6 months, while complex cases may take up to 18 months. You can ensure you avoid unnecessary delays in your treatment by following your cosmetic dentist’s recommendations, like wearing your aligners for 22 hours per day and switching to a new aligner on time.
What can you eat with Invisalign?
Many patients prefer Invisalign because there aren’t any dietary restrictions. You don’t have to skip popcorn at the movies because the aligners are removable. You’ll have to take your aligners out when having anything except water. You’ll avoid stains and damaging your aligners while having the freedom to enjoy your favorite foods; however, you must still commit to wearing them for at least 22 hours per day. Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back into your mouth. Keep them in their storage case whenever you’re eating or drinking to avoid misplacing them.
What happens after Invisalign?
Once you’ve finished your aligners, your cosmetic dentist will verify you’ve reached your goals. You’ll require a retainer to preserve your results. You’ll need to wear your retainer all the time to prevent your teeth from moving back into their previous positions. Over time, you will decrease the amount you need it until you are only wearing it at night. Your retainer is vital to protecting your investment. Don’t worry, there are many discreet options available, so you don’t have to worry about it blemishing your new smile.