invisalign

Invisalign

Are you a patient who feels as though you could have benefitted from braces years ago? Do you think you are too old now to fix crowding or crookedness? Twin Dental offers you a unique solution with the same results. Invisalign is a clear, plastic alternative to the wires and brackets characteristic of traditional orthodontic work. These smooth, custom-made appliances are designed to gently shift your teeth to the desired position without the bulk or manual tightening.

In our Cincinnati office, we hold consultations with interested patients to determine whether Invisalign would be an appropriate treatment for their specific circumstances. If so, we begin designing individualized treatment plans. The basis for planning comes from x-rays, pictures, and impressions of the current state of the teeth. In order to achieve timely results, new aligners are provided to the patient every two weeks, gradually moving towards the desired result. Total aligners can range from 18-30. The full length of treatment varies, though adults average 10-14 months.

Patients are instructed to wear aligners throughout the day, only removing them for eating, drinking, and brushing/flossing. This means the virtually invisible aligners should be in place for 20-22 hours each day. Checkups with our staff are normally recommended every six weeks. At the completion of your Invisalign treatment, Vivera retainers are usually suggested for maintenance purposes. To discuss technical and financial aspects of Invisalign, contact Twin Dental. It just may be the tool you have been looking for to achieve a straight, confident smile.

Digital Impressions with iTero

When it comes to taking impressions of your teeth for Invisalign treatment, we use an iTero intraoral scanner.

The old method of making dental impressions required the patient to hold trays in their mouth using an impression material such as alginate or polyvinylsiloxane. They would need to wait for this to solidify enough to retain its shape once removed. The resulting molds were often sent away to a third party to create a cast of the patient’s teeth, after which it would be sent back to the dentist’s office. If there were any problems with the mold or resulting cast, the patient might need to come back again to have another impression taken.

iTero greatly simplifies the process of making dental impressions. The scanner uses a small wand that captures thousands of images a second, feeding them to a computer that uses the images to assemble a 3-dimensional visualization of the patient’s teeth. The scanning wand is small, allowing it to be easily moved around teeth—even the backs of molars—without requiring the patient to open their mouths wider than is comfortable. The 3D image is assembled rapidly, making it possible to spot any missing parts of the impression as the scan is being done, eliminating the need for the patient to come in for a repeat visit.

The 3D imaging created by the iTero scanner has more detail than could be attained through 2D imaging, making for better planning of orthodontic treatment. The 3D scans can also be used for patient education, showing them how their teeth currently fit together and which areas are causing problems. iTero has an added benefit for Invisalign, as it includes the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, which allows us to show patients the likely outcome of their Invisalign treatment.

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Invisalign FAQ

Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about orthodontic treatment with Invisalign? We’ve collected answers to some of the questions people ask most often, but you can also contact our office if you’d like to know more!

Invisalign is a method of correcting crooked or crowded teeth through a series of plastic aligners. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are clear and almost undetectable while in your mouth. They are also removable, meaning that you can eat and drink without worrying about debris getting in your braces. Invisalign aligners slowly reposition your teeth over time.

Invisalign consists of a series of aligners that go into your teeth and gradually shift their position. You will be given new aligners every few weeks and your smile will slowly shift.

To begin your Invisalign journey, you will schedule a consultation. At this consultation, we will look at your teeth and make a comprehensive plan for your treatment. This will involve a digital showcase that maps out the step-by-step change for your smile. After your plan is approved, we will create your aligners. You will get a new set of aligners every one to two weeks depending on your needs and the stage of treatment.

The dental needs of every person are different, so treatment time will vary, but generally, Invisalign will take about 9-18 months to correct your smile. When you visit your dental professional for a consultation they will be able to give you an idea of the timeline of your treatment.

The age range of Invisalign patients is broad. Many adults who have never had their teeth corrected, or whose teeth have shifted since they’ve gotten their braces off, seek out Invisalign treatment. Children and teens can also be good candidates for this system. Come see us for a consultation for a definitive answer on if this system is right for you or your child.

Invisalign should not be painful, but you may experience some minor pressure or discomfort as you move to a new set of aligners. This is normal and can be controlled with over the counter pain medication. Because your teeth are gradually being shifted into place, a small amount of pressure or discomfort is expected and shows that they are working properly.

You should wear your aligners as much as possible. You may take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth but you should plan on wearing them the rest of the time. You should also sleep with your aligners in.

For most people, Invisalign will not affect the way that they talk. If you are having problems with speaking with your aligners in, visit your dental professional.

You should not chew gum while wearing your aligners. Take them out whenever you plan on eating or drinking.

Invisalign can offer orthodontic treatment for problems that include:

Crowded teeth

When teeth are too close together to properly fit, resulting in overlapping and twisting of teeth.

Wide spaces between teeth
Gaps between teeth can be the result of a missing tooth, or if the teeth have grown in abnormally, leaving too much space between teeth.

Overbite or Crossbite

Overbite is when the upper jaw overlays the lower jaw too much, resulting in bite issues. Crossbite is when your upper teeth rest inside of your lower teeth, rather than outside as they normally would.

Relapse after traditional orthodontics

You have had traditional braces in the past, but your teeth have shifted out of alignment again.

In all of these cases, Invisalign can be used to bring your teeth into proper alignment, not only resulting in an aesthetically more pleasing smile, but reducing the issues that can be caused by malocclusion—or, improper bite.

Some of the benefits that Invisalign provides for our patients include:

  • Trays are both removable and nearly invisible
  • You can continue eating and drinking your favorite foods (Again, just remember to remove your trays while you do this!)
  • Keeping up with your regular dental hygiene is hassle-free
  • No sharp wires and brackets to cause you pain
  • Follow-up visits happen about once a month
  • Many orthodontic insurance plans cover Invisalign treatments

Invisalign treatment is for both adults and teens and can be used to address the majority of teeth alignment issues you may face. For adults, the removable clear aligner trays can help with teeth alignment issues without getting in the way of their busy lives, and for parents, Invisalign Teen features a blue dot indicator that can help them make sure their child is wearing their aligners for the proper amount of time.

The short answer is yes, there are many instances of patients with braces switching to Invisalign. You will need to contact your dental professional to see if this is a viable option for you.

Just as you should properly brush and floss your teeth during your treatment, you should also make sure you keep your Invisalign trays clean. You can do this by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water, and by using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals. This will help them stay clean and fresh.

Accidents happen, but it’s important that your orthodontic treatment stays on track. If you have a problem where you’ve lost or broken a tray, let us know as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to figure out the best course of action; whether that be to use your previous trays, move on to the next set of aligners, or to get you a replacement set.

No matter what kind of orthodontic treatment you have, dentists will typically recommend wearing a retainer. Retainers can be used to prevent your teeth from shifting back into the position they were in prior to treatment.

The iTero intramural scanner is a way to create digital impressions quickly, with greater accuracy and less mess than the traditional method which required patients to hold trays of impression materials in their mouths.

iTero greatly simplifies the process of making dental impressions. The scanner uses a small wand that captures thousands of images a second, feeding them to a computer that uses the images to assemble a 3-dimensional visualization of the patient’s teeth.

The scanning wand is small, allowing it to be easily moved around teeth–even the backs of molars–without requiring the patient to open their mouths wider than is comfortable.

The 3D image is assembled rapidly, making it possible to spot any missing parts of the impression as the scan is being done, eliminating the need for the patient to come in for a repeat visit.

The 3D imaging created by the iTero scanner has more detail than could be attained through 2D imaging, making for better planning of orthodontic treatment. Results are also immediate, unlike impression trays which must be sent to a third party to create a cast of the patient’s teeth.

The 3D scans can also be used for patient education, showing them how their teeth currently fit together and which areas are causing problems. When used for Invisalign orthodontic treatment, iTero also allows the practice to provide patients with a simulated outcome of how their smile will look at the conclusion of treatment.

Invisalign Articles

What to learn more about Invisalign? Below are some articles we’ve written about orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligner trays.

Do I Need Braces?

At Twin Dental, we offer orthodontic treatments with Invisalign clear aligners. But who are orthodontic treatments for? Is straightening your teeth just about improving the look of your smile?

Is having straight teeth important?

How our teeth look does play an important role in our lives, and our smiles can factor into our self-esteem. However, there’s far more to our teeth than that.

Teeth have important functions such as making it possible to bite and chew our food. They also play a role in our ability to speak. The way our teeth fit in our mouths can impact the shape of our lips and face.

When teeth are out of alignment, they can cause problems. Malocclusion, or improperly-aligned teeth, can result in speech impediments, jaw pain (possibly from temporomandibular joint disorder), and issues with breathing or snoring. A misaligned bite can also lead to problems like bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth) or gum disease if the positioning of teeth makes it difficult to clean between them.

Should I Get Invisalign?

For orthodontic treatments, Twin Dental offers Invisalign. Invisalign uses a series of clear alignment trays to treat a number of malocclusion issues, such as crowding, closing gaps, or properly aligning your bite. Unlike traditional braces, all this is done without metal brackets and wires. The aligner trays are designed in a series, with each set comfortably shifting your teeth a little closer to their new position.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The clear aligner trays used in Invisalign treatment are far less noticeable when worn than traditional braces, which many people like for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, while traditional braces are worn 24/7, Invisalign aligner trays can be removed in order to allow you to eat and clean your teeth. Both of these can be more challenging with metal braces since they can be difficult to clean or can be harmed by certain types of food.

Treatment with traditional braces tends to last around 2 years, with Invisalign treatments more typically around 6 to 18 months, depending on the case. The metal wires, brackets and rubber bands involved in braces can be uncomfortable, as well, which is another advantage Invisalign has over them. There are, however, some cases where Invisalign isn’t the ideal treatment, so it’s best to check with Dr. Mike or Dr. Dave first to see if Invisalign is right for you.

What does getting Invisalign involve?

At the beginning of Invisalign treatment, the starting position of your teeth will be recorded, and X-rays and photos will be taken. From these, a computer model of your mouth will be created. Invisalign ClinCheck software can make it possible to see a preview of the expected outcome of your treatment with this model. Dr. Dave or Dr. Mike should be able to tell you the approximate length of your treatment and how many sets of aligner trays you will need to go through.

While your trays can be removed for eating as well as brushing and flossing your teeth, you will need to wear them for over 20 hours each day for your treatment to succeed. You will be periodically sent new sets of trays as your treatment progresses, and we’ll ask you to come in every six weeks so that your dentist can monitor your progress.

When your treatment is complete, we recommend wearing a retainer to help prevent further shifting in the position of your teeth.

If you’re interested in treatment with Invisalign or have any questions about what treatment involves, please feel free to schedule a consultation with us!

What are the Benefits of Invisalign?

There is a common misconception that straightening teeth is only done during adolescence. That’s not the case. Adults who did not have their teeth straightened when they were younger still have the opportunity to achieve the look they want. While there are a number of ways to improve teeth alignment, there’s one you should consider carefully: Invisalign. Here are some things you should know about Invisalign below.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening solution consisting of clear aligners made using a proprietary thermoplastic material. Unlike other options, there are no wires or metal pieces that can cause irritation to your mouth and gums. The aligner is also much harder to detect since it is clear. Adults who would be uncomfortable wearing traditional metal braces find that the look of these clear aligners alone is enough to make them worthwhile.

How Do These Aligners Work?

The treatment process involves carefully crafting a series of aligners for you to move through to change your smile and bite. Anyone who has ever had professional teeth whitening will notice they look a lot like the trays dentists fit directly over the teeth. In some ways, the concept is the same. The only difference is that the goal is to straighten the teeth rather than remove stains.

The road to perfect teeth includes wearing these aligners over a period of time. The time it takes will depend on how much your teeth need to move. As your teeth adjust to the contours of the first aligner, you move on to the second one that brings the teeth closer to perfect alignment, and so forth. As the series progresses, you will see how the teeth straighten gradually. At the end of the series, you will have the straight teeth that you’ve always wanted.

Keep in mind that your aligners are designed using computer technology. This is important, since it ensures each aligner is perfectly scaled to match the dimensions of your teeth. The precision offered by this approach ensures that each succeeding aligner will gently move the teeth closer to the ideal alignment.

Benefits of Invisalign

How is this Different from Other Options for Straightening Teeth?

Clear aligners are similar to other approaches for straightening teeth, in that the goal is to improve the appearance of your smile. They differ in how this is accomplished and what is expected of the patient.

One major difference is that you do not wear the aligners around the clock. Unlike metal braces, you are expected to remove the aligner for short periods of time. That means you can remove them while you eat. or while you brush and floss. They are perfectly safe to wear while you sleep. Most dentists recommend that patients wear the aligners for 22 out of every 24-hour period.

Another difference involves appearance. The material is clear, so it’s harder for others to notice that you are wearing anything over your teeth. That’s important if you prefer to not draw attention to the mouth while the teeth are being straightened. Many people, especially adults, enjoy this feature the most about Invisalign – that the aligners are nearly undetectable.

Comfort is also a factor to consider. You don’t have to worry about wires or metal components brushing against the inside of the mouth and causing irritation. Many people who opt for invisible aligners even report that any discomfort when switching to new aligners quickly subsides. The same is not always true when a dentist adjusts metal braces.

How Long Does it Take to Straighten the Teeth?

The amount of time it takes to correct issues like gaps, crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and crowding depends on the severity of the condition. After a full examination, your doctor will talk with you about how many aligners you will need to wear and project the amount of time it will take to achieve the desired results. While there are exceptions, you can plan on wearing the aligners for an average of 12-24 months.

Is the Process Expensive?

The cost of Invisalign is comparable to other orthodontic options, such as braces. The cost is still affordable, especially if you have dental insurance that covers orthodontia. Your dentist may even offer financing, Invisalign specials, or you can go through a third-party financing company like CareCredit. Over the long-term, your investment in these aligners will be similar to the expense associated with any other teeth-straightening process.

The value of Invisalign is in the simplicity of the treatments, the relative comfort you enjoy while your teeth straighten, and the fact that they aligners are less noticeable. When you factor in the ease of removing them to brush, floss, or eat, the cost is worth every penny.

Why Choose this Solution Over Metal Braces?

Patients will cite different reasons why they prefer clear aligners over any type of braces. Many adults simply do not want to go about their days with teeth bound in metal. The idea of an undetectable solution to straightening teeth is very attractive. Additionally, patients report that they experience less soreness overall as the aligners move the teeth into their proper positions.

The ability to brush and floss without feeling encumbered by metal fittings is also a huge plus. By being able to manage oral hygiene with greater ease, patients feel their mouths are cleaner and they feel more confident showing them off.

Are there Specific Benefits to Using Clear Aligners?

There are other benefits associated with clear aligners that you should consider. One has to do with restrictions on what you can eat and drink. Many of the things you may normally consume must be avoided when you wear metal braces. Such as popcorn, apples, celery, sticky foods, gum, candy, etc. That’s because the residue can be almost impossible to remove from the metal components. Or, biting into hard foods can break or bend the wires or brackets. If that happens, you would need to make an extra visit to the dentist or orthodontist. Since you remove the Invisalign aligners when you eat, it’s possible to enjoy all those foods without guilt or any complications.

The average treatment time compares favorably with other orthodontic solutions like retainers or braces. Depending on the nature of your problem, you could even end up wearing the aligners for less time than other solutions. Your dentist can tell you more about how long those other solutions would take versus choosing the clear aligners.

The safety factor is also something to consider. Metal rubbing against the inside of the cheek or irritating the gums is more than just uncomfortable. It can also lead to sores and impact the mineral content of the teeth proper. Clear aligners reduce the risk of damage and possible complications that come with wearing metal braces.

The Bottom Line

If your dentist believes that clear aligners are the best way to achieve straight teeth, we suggest that you seriously consider that recommendation. Your dental team is taking into consideration the severity of your the misalignment as well as your desires to straighten the teeth in the most discreet manner. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind and learn all you can before proceeding. You will find that this solution offers you many advantages that simply don’t come with other teeth-straightening options.

To learn more about Invisalign and explore this convenient teeth straightening options, make sure to visit Twin Dental. We can answer all of your questions and come up with the treatment plan that is right for you!

Invisalign for Adults – It’s Not Too Late

Are you a patient who feels as though you could have benefitted from braces years ago? Do you think you are too old now to fix crowding or crookedness? Twin Dental offers you a unique solution with the same results. Invisalign is a clear, plastic alternative to the wires and brackets characteristic of traditional orthodontic work. These smooth, custom-made appliances are designed to gently shift your teeth to the desired position without the bulk or manual tightening.

In our Cincinnati office, we hold consultations with interested patients to determine whether Invisalign would be an appropriate treatment for their specific circumstances. If so, we begin designing individualized treatment plans. The basis for planning comes from X-rays, pictures, and impressions of the current state of the teeth. In order to achieve timely results, new aligners are provided to the patient every two weeks, gradually moving toward the desired result. Total aligners can range from 18–30. The full length of treatment varies, though adults average 10–14 months.

Patients are instructed to wear aligners throughout the day, only removing them for eating, drinking, and brushing/flossing. This means the virtually invisible aligners should be in place for 20–22 hours each day. Checkups with our staff are normally recommended every six weeks. At the completion of your Invisalign treatment, Vivera retainers are usually suggested for maintenance purposes. To discuss the technical and financial aspects of Invisalign, contact Twin Dental. It just may be the tool you have been looking for to achieve a straight, confident smile.