Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? Are you looking for a more comfortable way to straighten your smile? Try cosmetic dental treatment with Invisalign at Oxford Family Dentistry in Oxford, PA. Dr. Stefan Speck and his professional dental team work with their patients to determine if they are the best candidates for Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners may be used for patients with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth. We recommend this orthodontic treatment for teens and adults.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great alternative to braces for many people. Good candidates for Invisalign have:
Mild to Moderate Problems
Clear aligners work best for people with these problems:
- Crooked teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Traditional braces may work better for you if you have more complex orthodontic problems like a major overbite or complex tooth rotations.
Responsibility
Good Invisalign candidates also need to be responsible about wearing their aligners. Since you take them out to eat and brush, you’ll need to remember to put them back in for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. If you tend to lose things or forget to follow routines, braces might be a better fit.
Good Oral Health
Your dental health matters. We will treat cavities or gum disease before we provide orthodontic treatment. Tooth cavities can get worse when braces or aligners are placed, and gum disease can make your teeth less stable during movement. Fixing these issues first helps ensure your orthodontic treatment works better and keeps your mouth healthy throughout the process.
We welcome you to schedule a visit with Dr. Speck. He will examine your teeth and welcomes you to discuss your goals with him. Dr. Speck will tell you whether Invisalign or another treatment would give you the best results.
Invisalign vs. Metal Braces
Although traditional metal braces are a good option for patients with more severe orthodontic problems, they often do not come with the same benefits as Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are removable, so patients can eat, drink, brush, and floss easily. Braces come with dietary restrictions. It can also be difficult to clean teeth underneath braces brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are clear and offer a more discreet treatment option that can blend in with the natural smile.
Treatment with Invisalign in Oxford, PA
To begin treatment, Dr. Speck takes x-rays to see where your teeth come together. He will recommend orthodontic treatment based on the severity of your bite. Patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues are the best candidates for Invisalign. Dr. Speck will then take digital scans of the teeth, which are sent to a dental lab. Lab technicians use these scans to fabricate your Invisalign aligners.
Each set of Invisalign aligners is slightly different and shifts the teeth into a straighter position over time. Once the aligners are completed and sent to Dr. Speck, he will make sure that the first set fits properly. Dr. Speck will also give you instructions on how to use and care for your aligners.
Retainers
Once you complete Invisalign treatment, we’ll create retainers to keep your teeth straight. These retainers look similar to Invisalign aligners but are made to hold your teeth steady rather than move them.
You’ll need to wear these retainers every night while you sleep, and possibly during the day at first. We’ll check your retainers during follow-up visits to make sure they still fit properly and your smile stays perfect. With proper retainer use, you can enjoy your straight smile for years.
Invisalign Before & After
Invisalign FAQs
Want to know more about Invisalign in Oxford, PA? Read common questions patients have about this cosmetic treatment here:
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Every patient has different orthodontic needs, which impacts their treatment time. Typically, Invisalign treatment can take patients 12 to 18 months. For the best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You may remove your aligners before you eat, brush and floss.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
No, you may feel some soreness as you adjust to each new aligner set, but this will fade over time. Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than metal braces because they do not irritate the gums. You will only feel that initial soreness with new aligner sets.
How do I take care of my Invisalign aligners?
Taking care of your aligners can help you get a straighter and more uniform smile in a shorter amount of time. When you remove your Invisalign aligners to eat or clean your teeth, make sure you are also cleaning your aligners. Do not eat or drink anything other than water as this can stain the aligners. Finally, you should keep your aligners in their case when they are not in use.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
This will depend on the patient and their specific situation and needs. Invisalign is a good choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without the metal look of braces. Invisalign is also a good choice for people who have mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth.
If you have severe orthodontic problems that your dentist needs to correct, braces may be your best option. Braces can also help treat problems like overbites and underbites.
Can you switch braces to Invisalign?
Yes, you can switch from braces to Invisalign. However, not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign. However, your dentist will need to evaluate your case to see if this is the appropriate decision for you.
Does it hurt to get Invisalign?
No, it doesn’t hurt to get Invisalign. But you may experience some discomfort after the procedure. Your teeth could also feel sore during the first few days of wearing your aligners.
The good news, however, is that any discomfort will usually go away within a few days. If you do experience any pain or discomfort while wearing your Invisalign aligners, be sure to contact your dentist for advice.
Receive Invisalign Treatment Today
Realign your smile with clear Invisalign aligners in Oxford, PA. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Speck on our website. You can also call 610.981.1320 today.