230 Bridge St Metuchen, NJ 08840
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign® clear aligners prove that effective orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be difficult. These ingenious appliances have helped millions straighten their teeth and achieve better-looking smiles, and they can help you too.
Invisalign® clear aligners are an effective and discreet orthodontic treatment option that are worn comfortably over your teeth to adjust alignment and spacing continuously. Invisalign® clear aligners are custom-made using models of both your current teeth and the end result you hope to achieve. With Invisalign® aligners, you will switch to new aligners about every two weeks, with each set shifting the teeth slightly—this continues until you have achieved your final results, which usually takes about two years.
You remove the Invisalign® aligners for eating, drinking, and cleaning only. At first, they will feel very tight, but they will begin to loosen and feel more comfortable after a few days.
At Bridgepointe Family Dental, we’re currently offering free consultations for patients in Metuchen, NJ. Call to schedule today!
How does the Invisalign® process work?
To begin, we will take photographs of your teeth and face, dental impressions of your teeth, and X-rays. Those records are sent to Invisalign® with detailed instructions on how we want the final result to appear. Invisalign® will scan the impressions to create a 3D model of the teeth and work with your dentist to get the mold to its exact proportions. Once final, the trays are made and mailed to your dentist’s office. You will wear a set of trays for two weeks at a time for approximately 2 years, or the length determined by your dentist.
Invisalign® vs. braces - what's the difference?
There are many differences between Invisalign® and braces, we’ve listed some of the largest ones here. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but the introduction of Invisalign® to the market introduced a more efficient, less painful way to straighten teeth.
- Invisalign® uses clear transparent aligners, while braces use wires and brackets.
- Invisalign® aligners can be removed by the user at any time, while braces can only be removed by a professional.
- Invisalign® allows a user to eat whatever they would like and not make changes to their oral care practices, while braces restrict what the user can safely eat and require special maintenance and care.
- Invisalign® aligners do not present any injury risks, while braces can lead to cuts and other injuries.
- Invisalign® aligners are nearly impossible for others to notice, while braces are almost impossible to miss.
Who can use Invisalign®?
Most teens and adult patients requiring mild to moderate orthodontic corrections can use Invisalign®. This includes patients with teeth that are crooked and misaligned or teeth that feature noticeable spacing problems. Invisalign® can even help patients with minor bite issues—however, not all orthodontic issues can be treated with Invisalign®. More extensive problems will require additional treatment.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
The duration of Invisalign® treatment varies depending on the individual patient’s needs and the complexity of their case. On average, treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating your specific situation during the initial consultation.
Are there any restrictions on what I can eat with Invisalign®?
One of the advantages of Invisalign® aligners is that they are removable, so you can take them out while eating. This means there are no specific dietary restrictions like those associated with traditional braces. However, it’s important to remember to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent damage or staining.
How often do I need to wear my Invisalign® aligners?
For optimal results, Invisalign® aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them for eating, drinking (except for water), brushing, and flossing. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can prolong treatment time and may affect the final outcome.
