Your Guide To Getting Invisalign In Eastpointe, MI

‍Am I A Good Candidate For Invisalign?

Most patients with minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues can qualify for treatment with Invisalign. Thanks to advances in materials, treatment techniques, and Invisalign planning technology, Invisalign can be used to treat issues including:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites

However, there are some cases where Invisalign may not be suitable for your orthodontic needs. If you have very severe orthodontic issues, traditional braces may be a better option. 

Also, it’s important to note that your mouth must be healthy in order to straighten your teeth with Invisalign. If you have any issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or damaged teeth, these must be fixed before you can begin Invisalign treatment at Lakeshore Dental Specialists.

The Benefits Of Choosing Invisalign

Wondering why so many people are choosing Invisalign instead of metal braces? Here are just a few benefits of choosing Invisalign to straighten your smile in Eastpointe, MI:

• Totally invisible when worn – Since they're made of thin, clear plastic, Invisalign trays are nearly invisible when worn.
• Superior comfort – Invisalign is made of smooth plastic. There are no pointy wires, bulky braces, or uncomfortable metal components that can irritate your lips, tongue, cheeks, or any other part of your mouth.
• Removable for your lifestyle – You can take your aligners out to eat, so there are no dietary restrictions. You’ll also remove them to brush and floss, so dental hygiene is a breeze. You can even remove Invisalign to play sports or musical instruments!
• Faster treatment – Invisalign offers faster results than braces for most patients. It usually takes 12-18 months to straighten your smile with Invisalign, while braces typically require a minimum of 18 months.

Your Step-By-Step Guide To The Invisalign Process

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of how Invisalign works, who qualifies, and the benefits of choosing it instead of braces, let’s get into the details of how the Invisalign treatment process works.

1. Orthodontic consultation

Before you can get Invisalign, you’ll need to come in for a visit with one of our dentists at Lakeshore Dental Specialists. During your visit, your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral exam, take X-rays of your teeth, and determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. At this time, you can also get an estimate for how much Invisalign will cost. 

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Prices vary depending on your case, but Invisalign is typically about the same price as traditional metal braces. We offer a variety of financing options to help you afford your treatment at Lakeshore Dental Specialists. Some dental insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of Invisalign, too, and our team can help you maximize your benefits.

2. Designing your Invisalign plan

Once you’re approved for Invisalign, your dentist will use an intraoral scanner to take a 3D scan of your teeth. They will upload this into a computer program, and then work with Invisalign to design your treatment plan.

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As part of your plan, you may need to get Invisalign “attachments” on some of your teeth. These are small pieces of tooth-colored material that help your trays apply a bit more force to certain teeth. Don’t worry! They're totally unnoticeable, and they’ll be removed once your Invisalign treatment is over.

3. Wearing your new aligners

After they complete your plan, your dentist at Lakeshore Dental Specialists will send it to Invisalign. They will create your first several sets of Invisalign trays and send them to our office in Eastpointe. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for them to arrive at our office.

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Once they do, you’ll come in and pick them up. Your dentist will give you instructions on how to wear your Invisalign and how often to switch to a new set of aligners. Typically, you’ll wear your Invisalign trays for 20-22 hours per day, and switch to a new set of trays every 1-2 weeks. 

4. Continued wear & checkups

It’s important to be very diligent about wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. The more you wear them, the faster your teeth will shift into the proper positions. You may start to notice subtle results within just a few weeks, and your teeth will look noticeably straighter after about three months.

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Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to come back to Lakeshore Dental Specialists every 6-8 weeks for a checkup with your dentist. They will check your progress to make sure everything looks good, make sure your teeth are healthy, and provide you with a few more sets of aligners.  Each visit usually takes only 30-60 minutes.

5. Final checkup and getting a retainer

It typically takes 12-18 months to fully correct your teeth and your bite with Invisalign. Once your dentist has determined that your teeth have reached the proper positions, the last step is to get a retainer. Both fixed and permanent retainers are available, and your dentist can help you choose the right type for your needs.

No matter which type you choose, you need to follow your dentist’s instructions when it comes to wearing your retainers. If you don’t wear your retainer after you get Invisalign, your teeth could start shifting back to their original positions and ruin the alignment of your smile.

Caring For Invisalign Trays – 7 Steps To Success

Throughout your Invisalign journey, one of the most important things to do is to take good care of your aligners. If you don’t clean your Invisalign trays properly, they could end up stained, discolored, or may even lead to a higher risk of tooth decay. And if you accidentally damage or lose an aligner, this can lead to significant delays in your treatment.

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However, it’s pretty easy to keep your Invisalign in great shape. Wondering what to expect? Here’s a quick overview of the steps you’ll need to take to care for your teeth and your trays.

1. Start your day with a deep clean – The morning is the best time to take your aligners out and brush them with unscented soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Lots of bacteria build up in your trays overnight, so removing them ASAP is the best way to keep your trays clean.
2. Use lukewarm water to clean Invisalign – You should avoid exposing your trays to extremely hot water. The plastic used to make your trays is heat-sensitive, so your Invisalign aligners can become warped or damaged if they’re repeatedly exposed to hot water.
3. Take Invisalign trays out to eat – Eating while wearing Invisalign is a no-no. Your aligners aren’t meant to chew food, and you could damage them if you eat with them regularly, which can lead to delays in treatment.
   
   
4. Only drink water while wearing Invisalign – You also shouldn’t drink anything except water while wearing Invisalign. Beverages like tea, coffee, and soda can stain your aligners. They can also increase your risk of tooth decay. Sugar from these beverages will sit inside your aligners right up against your teeth, which can lead to cavities over time. So take your trays out unless you’re drinking tap water!

5. Store your aligners safely – Whenever you take your aligners out, you should put them directly into your Invisalign carrying case. Otherwise, you may accidentally break or lose a tray, leading to delays in your treatment.
6. Rinse or brush after meals – When possible, you should brush both your teeth and your aligners after a meal. If that’s not practical, you should at least rinse out your mouth and your Invisalign trays before you put them back into your mouth.
   
   
7. Soak your trays daily to keep them fresh – Before bed, we recommend soaking your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner. This eliminates odor-causing bacteria and helps sanitize your trays.

Start Your Invisalign Journey At Lakeshore Dental Specialists

We hope this guide has helped you learn a little bit more about clear aligners, how they work, and what you can expect if you choose to straighten your teeth with Invisalign at Lakeshore Dental Specialists. Interested in learning more and finding out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment? Give us a call or book an orthodontic consultation online to begin your journey today!