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Braces aren’t the only solution for a straighter, more attractive smile. At First Dental Associates in Reading, Massachusetts, Nasrin Sadeghi, DMD, Medha Singh, DMD, BDS, MS, and the team offer teens and adults clear aligners with Invisalign®. These thin plastic aligners can straighten teeth and correct bite problems faster and more discreetly than traditional braces. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to find out if Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign Q & A
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that shifts teeth into alignment with custom-made clear aligners. BPA-free plastic materials and SmartTrack™ allow Invisalign to blend in with your teeth for fast, discreet treatment. The aligners are transparent and mold to the unique shape and size of your teeth. You can even remove Invisalign to brush, floss, eat, and drink.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective alternative to braces. Clear aligners can correct misaligned teeth and malocclusions (bite problems) without the visibility of braces’ brackets and wires. Popular advantages of Invisalign include:
Appearance
The clear materials that Invisalign uses allow the aligners to blend in with your teeth without drawing attention to your mouth.
Time
While braces take up to three years to straighten teeth, many people complete Invisalign treatment within 6-18 months.
Comfort
Invisalign doesn’t contain brackets and wires like braces. Its plastic materials are smooth, so they don’t irritate your gums or inner cheeks.
Convenience
Clear aligners are removable. You can take them out to clean your teeth, chew, and even for special events.
How does the Invisalign process work?
If you’re interested in Invisalign, the team performs a thorough dental exam and teeth cleaning before taking digital impressions. They upload these impressions into Invisalign’s proprietary software and design your personalized treatment plan. Invisalign’s laboratory then creates your custom-made clear aligners.
Most patients change their aligners once every two weeks and visit First Dental Associates every 4-6 weeks for checkups.
How long must I wear Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is an individualized process. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline that works for every patient. Many patients see noticeable improvements within six months, but the treatment can take up to two years to complete. You must wear Invisalign for at least 20-22 hours a day to stay on track with your treatment plan.
Is there a faster alternative to Invisalign?
If you have minor tooth misalignment, veneers may be an effective alternative to Invisalign. Veneers are porcelain shells that bond to the surface of your teeth. While they cannot straighten your teeth, they can help your teeth appear more aligned. Veneers take only two visits to place and often last for longer than a decade*.
Call First Dental Associates or schedule your appointment online for an Invisalign consultation today.
*Individual results may vary