Here at Griffin & Errera Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing you with the latest and safest orthodontic treatment options. We want you to have as much information as possible regarding your treatment to make the best decision for your unique smile. That’s why we’re bringing you everything you need to know about Invisalign!
As your trusted Invisalign providers, our expert team offers teens and adults the same stunning results as traditional braces without using any brackets or wires. Clear aligners can be a perfect choice if you want a more flexible treatment process, but what exactly is Invisalign? How does it work? To learn more about this innovative system, keep reading below!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign straightens your teeth without any brackets, bands, or wires. Instead, it uses a series of removable clear aligners to move your teeth gently and comfortably. We customize each set of aligners specifically for you with the help of 3-D computer imaging that gives us a detailed look at where the teeth are and where we want them to be.
If you spend time watching tv or online, you probably know a little about clear aligners. While the design looks simple, a lot goes into those trays! Invisalign aligners are made of a special thermoplastic material that’s smooth enough to be comfortable but strong enough to move your teeth into alignment. When aligners are worn as directed by Dr. Griffin and Dr. Errera, they can be just as effective as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues.
How does Invisalign work?
The first step in your orthodontic journey is a free consultation with our experienced orthodontists. When you schedule your free Invisalign consultation at our office in Middleburg, Warrenton, or Culpeper, your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and jaws. If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan considering your specific needs, preferences, and goals.
Your treatment plan will include all the movements we want your teeth to make and an estimate of how long we expect treatment to take. We’ll start the process of designing your aligners using the 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide.
Because they’re custom-designed, the aligners will fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. For them to work correctly, you must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily throughout treatment. You should only remove your aligners to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. You may experience longer treatment times and subpar results if you don’t follow these recommendations.
You’ll need to switch your aligners out for the next in the series every one to two weeks to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. We’ll schedule follow-up visits for you every 6 to 10 weeks to check that everything is progressing as it should be. Every case is different, and everyone responds to treatment differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to how long treatment will take. On average, Invisalign treatment requires between 24 and 36 aligners over a 9 to 15-month timeframe.
What are the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners?
It’s not surprising that what patients love most about Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are discreet and removable. However, there are many other benefits to this innovative system, including:
No food restrictions
The food restrictions that come with braces can be one of the most challenging parts of treatment. Crunchy or chewy foods can damage the wires and brackets, so you have to avoid them until you finish braces treatment. The final result is worth it, but eliminating some of your favorite foods for months can be frustrating. Unlike braces, which are fixed appliances, Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed every time you eat. That means you’re free to enjoy all the treats you love as long as you brush and floss when you’re done.
Easy to maintain a good oral hygiene routine
We should all do our best to keep our teeth and gums healthy and clean, which is even more important during orthodontic treatment. It can be tough to brush with braces, and the nooks and crannies make it easy for bacteria to hide and multiply. With Invisalign, keeping your teeth free of pesky food particles and harmful plaque is a cinch! Clear aligners make it easier to maintain your oral hygiene routine since you remove them to brush and floss. There are also special kits for cleaning Invisalign aligners, or you can brush them with a soft toothbrush and denture crystals.
Convenience and flexibility
For athletic patients who regularly participate in sports, Invisalign can be a game-changer! You can take your aligners out before practice and games and replace them with a mouthguard to protect your mouth. They’re also great for musicians who play certain types of instruments since they can be taken out for short periods, such as the duration of a concert. And when it comes to special occasions like weddings, prom, and senior pictures, you can remove Invisalign aligners to allow nothing but your natural smile to shine through!
Invisalign aligners are the clear winner at Griffin & Errera Orthodontics
Griffin & Errera Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign to Middleburg, Warrenton, and Culpeper patients. Once you have everything you need to know about Invisalign, you can make the best decision for your smile. Schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Griffin or Dr. Errera today and take the first step to a healthier smile.