Invisalign® the invisible, comfortable, and removable way for teens and adults to straighten their teeth
You can turn over a new leaf when it comes to the appearance of your smile! Invisalign® has, through the decades, evolved to treat a wide range of patients successfully. Treatment may be on the horizon if you are a teen or adult and if your teeth have mild crowding or more complex bite-related issues.
When Invisalign® at New Leaf Dental in Meridian, Idaho, is in your future, this alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment not only boosts the aesthetics of your smile. But it also provides many oral health and functional benefits; for instance, straight and evenly-spaced teeth are easier to clean. Good, consistent oral hygiene helps to keep destructive tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Plus, patients appreciate that straightening their teeth with Invisalign® is a comfortable, hassle-free experience.
What makes Invisalign® different
Invisalign® uses a series of oral appliances fitted to your mouth’s unique specifications to reposition the teeth gradually. These appliances, or aligner trays, are made from transparent, smooth, proprietary thermoplastic. They are designed to be nearly invisible in your smile and fit comfortably without rubbing against the insides of your mouth. Furthermore, they are removable!
Braces are “fixed.” Your dentist or orthodontist can only remove them. They use a system of brackets, wires, and bands to reposition teeth incrementally. As the dentist adjusts your braces, treatment moves forward. The braces are made from metals such as stainless steel and have traditionally been silver in color.
The ease of Invisalign®
During your Invisalign® consultation, your dentist will use advanced diagnostics to take images of your teeth and mouth. Invisalign® software transforms these images into a 3-dimensional model. You may view this model on a monitor alongside your dentist. Our patients love that we can show them exactly how their teeth will move throughout treatment. They can even see how their smile will look post-treatment – the ultimate in “try before you buy!”
This precise information is then used to make the aligner trays. Wear the trays as directed by your dentist:
- For at least 20 hours each day
- Only remove them for cleaning and eating (so you can enjoy your meals and brush and floss effectively)
- Move on to the next tray in the series after around two weeks
Failure to wear the trays in the correct order or for the minimum time each day can delay your stunning results. We encourage you to contact us today at (208) 896-2284. Our office is located in Meridian and proudly serves Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Mountain Home, Middleton, Star, and the surrounding area.
Invisalign FAQs
The Invisalign clear aligner treatment is a form of orthodontic solution that utilizes removable, clear aligners to straighten teeth. These aligners are custom-crafted to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. They work by applying gentle pressure to specific teeth, guiding them into proper alignment over time.
Treatment duration for Invisalign clear aligner treatment will vary depending on the patient’s needs, but treatment typically takes about between a year to a year and a half for adults. For teens, it may take a similar duration or slightly longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners.
Yes, it is recommended that you remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water. You are able to enjoy the foods and drinks you love without any imposed restrictions. However, wearing the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day is essential for optimal results.
Invisalign generally has minimal impact on daily life and activities. Since the aligners are removable, you can eat, drink, brush, and floss normally without any restrictions. However, you must maintain discipline in wearing them for the recommended duration each day to ensure treatment progresses effectively.
Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable to wear. They are made of smooth, clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth without causing irritation to your gums or cheeks. Most people find them much more comfortable than traditional braces, with fewer instances of discomfort or mouth sores.
Yes, it’s recommended to wear Invisalign aligners while sleeping. Consistently wearing them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day, including during sleep, helps ensure optimal progress in your orthodontic treatment. Removing them for extended periods can prolong treatment time and compromise results.
You should switch to a new set of Invisalign aligners roughly every week to two weeks, as prescribed by our team at New Leaf Dental. Each set of aligners will gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Adhering to the recommended schedule is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome in your treatment.
