Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

Don’t waste your time with exhaustive internet searches about clear aligner treatment with Invisalign. Dr. Grossman and his skilled team have compiled their research and experience to help you understand everything you need to know about Invisalign. Whether you are looking into it as a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces for yourself or considering the option for your child, with orthodontic treatment from Invisalign and Raleigh Orthodontics, you can each get the straight smile you want without sacrificing the parts of life you love.

For some people, metal brackets and wires just aren’t the right choice. Thankfully, Dr. Grossman has provided Invisalign treatments for patients all around the Raleigh, Louisburg, and Creedmoor, NC, areas. When you want a straighter smile but know that conventional metal or ceramic braces aren’t for you, Invisalign is an excellent option. Let’s brush up on the basics of the innovative option of Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Aligners like Invisalign have been around since the nineties and earlier versions, called trays, date back decades to when patients used them for post braces retainers. But the unique software and Smart Track technology created by Invisalign can move crooked and misaligned teeth in stages using a series of customized aligners. Each retainer is worn for about one to two weeks, and then you will swap to the next aligner in your series. This constant but slight change allows for precise adjustments based on your customized treatment plan. 

Patients used Invisalign initially to correct simple spacing concerns and crowding, but it’s proven to be capable of so much more, from overbites to crossbites and then some. The key is to determine the severity of the issues you need to adjust and work with your orthodontist to determine if this is the right treatment plan for you. Invisalign is an excellent choice at any age, so whether you want to avoid having braces in your yearbook photo or feel you’re too old to sport metal brackets and wire, ask our expert team at Raleigh Orthodontics if this treatment is right for you!

What is the Invisalign process?

Getting started with orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is simple. At your initial consultation, Dr. Grossman will sit down with you to discuss your current concerns and goals for your smile. We will take x-rays to understand the position of your teeth and your overall bite, which will help Dr. Grossman determine if treatment with Invisalign is your best option to reach the smile you want. Using 3D digital imagery and your x-ray, your custom aligners are specially-printed to fit only your mouth and make precise adjustments to your teeth. 

After you get your aligners, it’s time for your big role in your new smile- wearing them as directed by Dr. Grossman and his team. One of the most noted facts about Invisalign is seeing the changes in your smile quickly and clearly since there are no brackets and wires to hide it all while it happens. Due to the cutting-edge technology and the weekly to biweekly series of aligners that make constant minor adjustments, you will begin to notice significant changes in your smile within about three months. You will have checkups about every six to eight weeks to get your new sets of aligners and let Dr. Grossman check the progress of your teeth. These are generally quick appointments since there are no wires to adjust or elastics to replace. 

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

Biggest Benefits Over Braces

It’s common knowledge that you should avoid chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods with traditional braces, or you run the risk of breaking a bracket or food getting stuck in complicated wires. However, with Invisalign clear aligners, you just take them out before you eat or drink anything with color or sugar, and nothing is off the table. Just remember to clean your teeth before putting them back in to avoid staining the retainer or having food trapped between the retainer and your teeth. 

While we are talking about keeping things clean, another significant upside to orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is the ease of maintaining your oral health throughout your treatment. No need to learn new flossing techniques or be cautious of wires and brackets, but you do need to make sure to take care of your retainers so they can do their job. Keep brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and flossing morning and night, and be prepared to brush and floss, or at the very least rinse really well, after eating or drinking and before putting your Invisalign clear aligners back in your mouth. 

Here are a few more of our top tips for ensuring your Invisalign trays are in optimal adjusting condition:

  • Wash your hands, or use sanitizer, before handling them.
  • Rinse them in lukewarm water each time they are removed, so bacteria-filled saliva doesn’t build up.
  • Clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and antibacterial soap. Do not use toothpaste on your Invisalign clear aligners. 
  • Keep them out of extreme temperatures, especially extreme heat like the dishwasher or leaving them in a hot car. 
  • Always store them in a protective case when they are not on your teeth. 

Can I afford Invisalign?

At Raleigh Orthodontics, we aim to provide outstanding treatment for a reasonable price. While costs vary depending on the complexity of your smile needs, we also believe that everyone deserves exceptional orthodontic care. Our mission is to provide your family with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget. Still, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised to find out that, in most cases, Invisalign can cost about the same as you would pay for treatment with traditional braces. Often, insurance will even cover much of the cost as they would with that conventional treatment. Our team is committed to making the insurance process as easy as possible, so we will take care of your insurance coverage research and even submit the claims for you. To help us with this part of the process, we simply ask that you complete the insurance questions on your questionnaire during your initial consultation. 

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

Need to know more? Ask our experts at Raleigh Orthodontics!

If you dread long dental appointments and a mouth full of wires or want to find out if Invisalign is a good fit for your smile future, Dr. Grossman and his exceptional teams in Raleigh, Louisburg, and Creedmoor are here to help! See what they’ve been up to lately and get more tips and info on their Facebook and Instagram pages!

You deserve a beautiful and confident smile that you’re proud to show off. Schedule your FREE consultation today to begin your orthodontic journey!