Invisalign® Delivering Perfection Discreetly
If your reason for avoiding orthodontic treatment is that brackets and wires don’t match your look, Invisalign treatment offers an excellent alternative! GO Orthodontics Tampa is a certified Invisalign® provider.
Invisalign® is almost invisible and offers the straightening ability of braces without brackets and wires. If you are ready to discover your dream smile, Invisalign might be your solution.
Orthodontic treatment can be both comfortable and discreet.
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What is Invisalign®?
Developed between 1992 and 1997, Invisalign® received FDA approval in 1998 and was introduced in 1999. Originally intended to correct only minor orthodontic problems, the technology has been steadily improved. Invisalign® is now capable of correcting alignment problems from minor to complex.
Invisalign® became popular very quickly, prompting Align Technology to expand its capabilities. This revolutionary system uses a sequence of almost invisible trays that are changed about every two weeks The trays are constructed using a multi-layer polymer known as SmartTrack® material.
The trays are removable, so they fit easily within busy lifestyles. There are no dietary restrictions. Trays are removed for eating and drinking. There are no new oral hygiene techniques to learn — simply remove the trays to brush and floss.
The SmartTrack® material is durable, semi-flexible, and comfortable, creating a reliable and predictable outcome. Each tray is custom-fit and designed using a 3D intraoral scanner and ClinCheck® computer-aided design software.
How does Invisalign® Work?
After taking images using a 3D intraoral scanner, a 3D interactive “map” of the mouth is created in ClinCheck®, the software used to create treatment plans. Using the map, an orthodontist creates a custom treatment plan. A series of aligners are then created that will slowly and gently shift teeth into the proper positions.
Alignment trays should be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. Each set of trays is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next set in the sequence. With each change, teeth will shift gently and reliably. Most treatment plans require from 18 to 30 tray sets. Many treatment plans span 9 to 15 months, although complex corrections do take longer. You’ll have appointments to check progress about every 6 to 8 weeks.
The average cost of Invisalign® is slightly higher but comparable to traditional braces. As a suitable treatment for adults, teens, and even children as young as seven, Invisalign easily fits within most budgets.
Invisalign® Teen
Both Invisalign Teen® and Invisalign First® are identical in quality and effectiveness to adult Invisalign®. The main difference is the ability to request trays that contain the optional blue dot compliance system. The dot allows parents to monitor children and teens to ensure they are wearing the aligners for the appropriate number of hours each day.
If you are looking for an affordable alternative to braces, Invisalign Teen® and Invisalign First® are perfect.
What are the benefits of Invisalign®
This popular alternative to traditional braces carries many benefits:
- Fewer in-office appointments and no adjustments to wires and brackets.
- Faster results than traditional braces in many cases.
- Very discreet and few people will even realize that you are wearing braces.
- Custom-fit trays are comfortable and easy to wear, fitting into even the busiest lifestyle.
- Invisalign® providers are certified and well-trained to employ the Invisalign system.
- Reliable results on orthodontic problems from minor to complex.
- Removable trays make eating, drinking, oral hygiene, and even trumpet playing easier.
Contact Guzman Orthodontics at (813) 887-5555 to find out your suitability for Invisalign® treatment. We serve patients in and around the Tampa metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment duration depends on several factors, including how severe the initial problem is. Although you may begin to see changes within the first few weeks, average treatment plans range from 12 to 18 months.
SmartForce® attachments are tiny shapes that can be affixed to teeth. They are tooth-colored and are barely detectable under the tray aligners. The shapes apply directed force to specific teeth to aid movement and increase the ability of Invisalign® to work better on more complex alignment issues. Not everyone will need SmartForce® attachments.
The best way to clean aligners is with a soft brush, lukewarm water, and non-abrasive toothpaste. Trays should be soaked once daily using the Invisalign Cleaning System or another suitable method such as denture tablets.
The same substances that can stain your teeth can also stain your alignment trays. Although trays are removed for eating, if you have blueberry pie and do not brush before reinserting your trays, they may get stained. You should also avoid drinking tea, coffee, wines, and dark sodas while wearing the aligners.
Contact your doctor right away. They may recommend shifting to the previous set of trays, or if you were near a change day, they may have you use the new trays a few days early. Your doctor may also order a replacement set of trays for you.
No, although you may experience slight discomfort for a couple of days when shifting to a new tray set. Because Invisalign® uses gentle pressure to push teeth into position, the discomfort is a sign that the aligners are doing their job to align your smile.
When you finish your treatment plan and stop wearing your alignment trays, your teeth may begin to return to their previous positions. For that reason, you may have to wear a retainer. Each smile is different. If you do need to wear a retainer, your orthodontist will give you instructions on how and when to wear it to maintain your perfect smile.