Invisalign®
Invisalign® therapy is an orthodontic treatment system that gives you beautiful, straight teeth without traditional metal braces.
Instead of metal braces, we use Invisalign® to move your teeth into the correct alignment gradually. Invisalign® can correct many of the same alignment problems as traditional braces, from crooked teeth to dental bite issues.
You should wear your Invisalign® at night and throughout the day, removing them only for meals and brushing and flossing. They are virtually invisible, and most people will never know that you are wearing them.
Invisalign® is available for both teenagers and adults. Average treatment times are 12 to 18 months, but everyone starts with different needs, so your treatment time may be longer or shorter. Our dentist will work with you to create your customized plan and keep you informed of your progress.
Why Choose Invisalign®?
Invisalign® has numerous advantages over traditional braces:
Traditional braces require appointments to tighten the wires and check the condition of the braces. With Invisalign®, you just switch to the next set of Invisalign® in the order of treatment laid out by your dentist.
Braces can leave permanent marks on your teeth, and even with good oral hygiene, plaque can develop around brackets and damage tooth enamel.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® allows you to eat any foods you want without restrictions.
The wires of traditional braces can poke at your mouth and cause pain and even injury. A broken wire often means an additional visit to your dentist or orthodontist.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign®?
Are you concerned about crooked teeth? Do you have a prominent overbite or underbite?
Invisalign® can treat these common problems and many others, including:
- Protruding teeth
- Wide gaps
- Uneven spacing
- Crowding
- Overbite
- Crossbite
Caring for Invisalign®
It is easy to practice good oral hygiene habits during Invisalign® therapy. Remove Invisalign® and brush and floss your teeth as usual. Brush your Invisalign® and rinse with warm water or use the Invisalign® cleaning kit to keep your Invisalign® in good shape and free from bacteria.
Never use hot water to rinse or clean your Invisalign®, as it can warp the plastic. You should also call our office if you crack or damage your Invisalign® in any other way. A cracked Invisalign® will not correctly move your teeth and impede your progress.
You should always brush your teeth following a meal and before placing your Invisalign® back in your mouth. If you don't brush, bacteria become trapped against your teeth, and your Invisalign® can become stained or damaged.
Please contact our office to find out more information. We are happy to schedule a consultation appointment to find out whether Invisalign® is a good option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
While metal braces have come a long way in comfort and appearance, adults and older teens have more aesthetic options that better suit their lifestyles. Invisalign® can fix many cosmetic dental problems and are virtually undetectable. Since the trays are removable, you can clean your teeth thoroughly and eat the foods you enjoy.
Your orthodontist specialist can tell you if you’d benefit from Invisalign®. In general, you’re a good candidate for Invisalign® if:
- Your oral issues are not severe. For example, an excessive open bite or underbite requires shifting the jaw using a more intensive treatment.
- Your jaw has stopped growing, and you have all your permanent teeth.
- You have the discipline to wear Invisalign® trays for about 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and clean teeth.
If you do have a severe misalignment issue, your dentist may be able to develop a treatment plan for you that includes both braces and Invisalign®.
That doesn’t mean that less severe problems aren’t important enough to fix, however. Even slightly misaligned or overcrowded teeth can cause more serious problems if not treated. If you have any of these oral health issues, Invisalign® might be perfect for you:
- Mildly misaligned teeth
- Minor bite problems
- Protruding teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Overcrowding
- Malocclusion
- Overbite
OUR TEAM
Dr. Matthew E. Joelson
Dr. Matthew E. Joelson has been practicing dentistry since 1997 and has been serving the community at Pierce Street Dental since 2012. His professional, compassionate approach and decades of experience make him a trusted provider for patients of all ages.
He earned his Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University, his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University, and completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Joelson was drawn to dentistry in high school after shadowing local ...