Do you want to straighten your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile without metal braces? Invisalign® is a modern, innovative way to straighten teeth using a clear aligner system instead of metal wires or brackets. Over time, the aligners shift your teeth to meet your dental health needs and improve the aesthetics of your smile.
Invisalign is often the perfect solution for adults needing treatment for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including orthodontic relapse. Dr. Rita Tempel is a Gettysburg Invisalign provider and helps patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles using clear aligners. Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable treatment option that does not impact your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and interact without feeling self-conscious about wearing braces. What could Invisalign do for your smile?
Invisalign Treatment in Gettysburg, PA
We take x-rays to plan Invisalign treatment accurately. These x-rays allow us to view the bone and root structure. Then, we take dental impressions to create personalized trays. Next, we send these dental impressions to a dental lab, where they create the Invisalign aligners. Once the aligners are complete, we ensure that the first pair fits patients precisely.
Patients must wear their trays for 22 hours daily, even when asleep. To clean their aligners, they must remove them and gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. At routine visits every six weeks, we will offer replacement aligners and give recommendations to keep patients on track.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Invisalign and metal braces are two of the most popular options for straightening crooked teeth. However, many patients prefer Invisalign over traditional metal braces because of its many benefits.
Discreet Appearance
One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is its nearly invisible appearance. The clear plastic aligners are designed to fit snugly over teeth, making them difficult to notice. This is a significant benefit for individuals who feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces, which are more noticeable and sometimes make people feel insecure. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment.
Comfort and Fit
Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, which is much more comfortable than traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires. Metal braces can irritate the cheeks and gums, especially when wires poke or shift. Invisalign eliminates this issue, providing a more comfortable experience.
The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, ensuring they sit securely without causing unnecessary discomfort. While some pressure is normal as your teeth move into alignment, the absence of sharp edges or protruding parts makes Invisalign a gentler option for orthodontic treatment.
Fewer Dietary Restrictions
One of the most frustrating parts of traditional braces is the list of foods you can’t eat. Sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods can damage brackets and wires, leading to inconvenient repairs. Invisalign eliminates these restrictions since you remove the aligners to eat. You can enjoy your favorite meals and snacks without damaging your orthodontic appliances.
Improved Oral Health During Treatment
Traditional braces can make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. Food and plaque can easily get trapped around the brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Invisalign’s removable design allows you to maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine, which helps keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Shorter and Fewer Appointments
Invisalign often requires fewer and shorter visits to the dentist or orthodontist than metal braces. Traditional braces need regular adjustments to tighten the wires and ensure they work properly. In contrast, Invisalign patients receive a series of aligners in advance and typically visit their provider every 6–8 weeks for progress checks.
This can be a huge time-saver, especially for busy adults or parents managing their children’s schedules. Fewer appointments also mean less time in the dental chair and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Properly caring for your aligners ensures that they work effectively. Aligners that are neglected or damaged compromise treatment and make the results take longer.
Start by cleaning the aligners daily, preferably whenever you take them out of your mouth. Use lukewarm water, gentle antibacterial soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them thoroughly. You can also use specialized Invisalign-specific cleaners. Avoid using anything abrasive because that can scratch or damage the aligners.
Take your aligners out whenever you eat or drink anything that’s not water. Eating with the aligners can cause serious damage. Even if you just scratch your aligners, bacteria can get into these scratches. It makes it easier for them to discolor. Drinking things like wine with aligners stains them over time, eliminating the benefit of being barely noticeable when wearing them.
When you’re not wearing your aligners, keep them in a ventilated case. This lets you know where they are at all times. It’s easy to take them out of your mouth to eat, put them in a napkin, and accidentally throw the aligners away with the napkin when you’re finished with your meal. A case should always be ventilated, avoiding a warm, wet environment that encourages bacterial growth.
Since the aligners are made of plastic, avoid situations where they’re in excessive heat. When they’re in their case, make sure they’re out of sunlight and aren’t too close to a heating source. Even cleaning them with hot water can warp the material, impacting the fit.
Invisalign Q&A
Discover more about Invisalign with answers to questions that patients commonly ask:
How long is Invisalign treatment?
Although every patient’s treatment time will vary, Invisalign can take 6 to 18 months for routine cases. Patients who wear their aligners at least 22 hours a day and adequately care for them are likelier to complete treatment on time. Additionally, patients will switch out each pair of aligners every two weeks.
Can I drink water with Invisalign?
Yes, patients can wear Invisalign when they drink water. However, patients must remove their aligners when they eat or drink anything other than water. Juice, soda, and other drinks can still stain or damage the Invisalign aligners.
Do I have to wear a retainer after treatment?
Using a retainer will keep your teeth in position and avoid orthodontic relapse. Dr. Tempel will discuss retainer use for the first few months after treatment and beyond. A retainer protects your new smile and your investment in achieving it.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
You must clean your Invisalign aligners by gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. You can also use official Invisalign cleaning products. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and may scratch the aligners, so it is best to avoid it. Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water after every cleaning. You must clean your aligners daily to prevent odors and bacteria buildup. Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in your mouth to maintain good oral hygiene during the treatment.
Will my dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Your dental insurance may or may not offer partial coverage of Invisalign. Many different types of insurance are available, and the coverage they offer varies. Some offer partial coverage, similar to what they offer for traditional braces. However, finding a dental insurance plan that covers all of your treatment is hard. The extent of your coverage will depend on your plan type and what your benefits include. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Can Invisalign fix severe orthodontic issues?
Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate cases of crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, if you suffer from severe or complex orthodontic issues, you may need a more effective treatment, such as traditional braces or other specialized orthodontic treatments. A consultation with an orthodontic professional can determine the most appropriate solution for specific cases.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Invisalign treatment is considered less painful than traditional braces. Patients may experience discomfort or pressure when they switch to a new set of aligners. However, this is usually temporary and indicates that the treatment is working.
Straighten Your Smile
Do you want a straighter and more balanced smile? Try Invisalign. Request a dental appointment at Gettysburg Smiles online or call (717) 853-1552. Let us know if you have questions or concerns for us, and we will help you at your next dental visit.