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Invisalign
Invisalign
Dr. Haeger's Approach to Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
Benefits of Invisalign
A straight smile is what you want, but the idea of braces gives you pause. Imagine a healthy, straight smile without brackets or wires. Consider Invisalign for a discreet alternative to braces and get a smile you’ll love to show off. All it takes is a consultation with Dr. Haeger to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
How Does It Work?
custom aligners
Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created specifically for you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth, similarly to a retainer or mouthguard.
gradual alignment
Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, using the exact movements outlined in your treatment plan created by Dr. Haeger. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You will change to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks.
beautiful results
To ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned, you’ll visit Haeger Orthodontics once every 6 to 10 weeks for evaluation. Total treatment time averages between 9 and 18 months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment is 18 to 30, but this will also vary from patient to patient. The results will be a beautiful smile with little interference to your daily life.
Why Choose an Orthodontist for Invisalign Treatment?
Since orthodontists specialize in misalignment issues of the teeth and jaws, your results will vastly improve if you get treatment from a qualified orthodontist like Dr. Haeger as compared to a general dentist. Orthodontists are trained to see the full picture during treatment planning and execution, rather than focusing on simply straightening your teeth.
For even better results, choose a board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Haeger has not only specialized in orthodontics but has done voluntary additional training and education to keep up with the latest techniques in orthodontics and clear aligner treatment. If you have a clear picture of what you want, Dr. Haeger can make that happen.
How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners
The best way to take care of your Invisalign aligners is to get into the habit of cleaning them regularly. Without regular cleaning, food particles can get stuck inside the aligners, causing bad breath and encouraging dental decay. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the aligners every time you brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to sleep.
Remember, don’t use abrasive materials to clean your aligners or you might damage them. Ensure you rinse the aligners after removing them and placing them back into their case. Doing so washes away the saliva and bacteria, otherwise, you might turn your case into a breeding ground for bacteria.
Also, ensure you soak your Invisalign aligners in lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, preferably while brushing your teeth. This helps clean the aligners by removing debris and keeping them odor-free. Gently brush them with a toothbrush when you’re done and your Invisalign aligners will stay in tip-top shape.
Can You Eat or Drink While Wearing Aligners?
Yes, you can technically eat with Invisalign aligners, but it’s not something that dentists recommend. You’re better off removing the aligners and soaking them in lukewarm water before eating or drinking.
While Invisalign aligners are strong and durable, they’re not designed to withstand the pressure of repeatedly grinding and biting into food. What’s more, the food particles can get stuck between the aligners and your teeth. The food particles attract bacteria and increase the risk of getting cavities and gum disease.
However, you can still drink water with your aligners on, but sugary and acidic drinks are a definite no-no. It’s also worth noting that colored drinks will seep into the space between your Invisalign and teeth, forming a colored patch. This ruins your smile and you’ll eventually have to remove the aligners to clean them.
Be sure to have a container or bottle of lukewarm water with you every time you eat. That way, you can plop the aligners into the bottle and enjoy your meal. You can then put them back on after your meal, but not before you brush your teeth first.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies from one patient to the next. However, treatment usually takes 12 to 28 months, depending on several factors. The condition of your teeth is the most significant factor affecting the longevity of your Invisalign treatment. The more severe your malocclusions, the longer the treatment will take.
Other factors affecting the length of your treatment include your age. Invisalign treatments work faster on younger people since their teeth are easier to align. Older people tend to have issues with jaw bone density, which may complicate the Invisalign treatment. The older you get, the longer the treatment takes.
How closely you follow your treatment plan also determines the length of your treatment. The dentist will swap your aligners every two weeks for tighter-fitting ones. Failing to keep these appointments for replacing your aligners could prolong treatment.
What Can
Invisalign Fix?
01
Gaps in Teeth
02
Misaligned Smiles
03
Crooked Teeth
04
Overbites & Underbites
Our Treatments
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After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
FAQs
How comfortable is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are highly comfortable as they utilize quality SmartTrack plastic that keeps your teeth moving toward alignment without discomfort.
Can you see Invisalign when you're wearing them?
One of the main reasons our patients love Invisalign is because it’s discreet. The aligners are made out of clear plastic and many people won’t even know you have them.
What is the difference between Braces and Invisalign?
Braces and Invisalign are different in that braces utilize wires and brackets, and Invisalign is a clear aligner that uses SmartTrack material. With Invisalign, you get more discretion and don’t have to change your diet. However, sometimes braces are needed for severe orthodontic problems.
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Want a straighter smile? We are thrilled to welcome you to the Haeger community.
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