Teeth that are crooked, gapped, or misaligned can be both physically uncomfortable and embarrassing. Not everyone wants to go through the experience of getting braces to fix those issues. Fortunately, Invisalign can provide an effective solution for cosmetic and functional dental problems.
Invisalign is a series of plastic alignment trays that gradually straighten your teeth over time. They don’t require any headgear or constant retightening, which means less pain for you. You may see results in less time than with braces for less complex alignment issues. Most insurance plans cover Invisalign to help offset the cost.
Invisalign in Knoxville, Tennessee
Here at My Family Dentistry, we’re dedicated to providing you with the smile you’ve always dreamed of having. We’re big fans of Invisalign thanks to the results we’ve seen in patients time and time again. They’re very versatile and are compatible with crowns.
We start with an exam to see if Invisalign is right for you. If so, we take X-rays, make dental impressions, and take photographs to create a 3-D image of your mouth. These help us plan your series of custom clear aligners that will perfectly fit your teeth. You’ll receive a new pair every two weeks that will continue the straightening process.
We pride ourselves on providing comfortable dentistry to our patients. With Invisalign, you’ll receive the most comfortable dental alignment process available. Since they’re clear, you can also be confident that your teeth are being realigned without anyone noticing. Cleaning is also a breeze. Just give your aligners a good brushing with anti-bacterial soap and water.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign creates custom aligner trays for patients who want straighter teeth. These plastic trays work similarly to traditional metal braces, providing orthodontic treatment but without the need for metal brackets.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligning trays that are custom-molded to fit your teeth. They fit tightly over your teeth, applying pressure and gradually straightening them over time. This is also achieved by using small composite buttons as pressure points to shift teeth. No need to worry about people seeing them. We use composite material that is the same shade as your teeth. Each new set of trays is a step in the straightening process, eventually resulting in the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Similar products are available, but they don’t have access to Invisalign’s SmartTrack material. This makes Invisalign more comfortable than the other guys, as well as much easier to put on and take off. With 9 million satisfied patients and counting, it’s clear that Invisalign should be your go-to for invisible aligners.
Invisalign vs Braces
When you think of teeth-straightening methods, also known as orthodontics, your first thought may be of braces. Both methods are designed to straighten your teeth over time. However, traditional metal braces have been around since the 1800s, and we’ve made significant progress in orthodontics since then.
Braces involve metal brackets that are glued to your teeth. These brackets are connected using metal wires and rubber bands that apply constant pressure to your teeth to move them into the proper position.
While Invisalign works the same way, it gets the job done much more discreetly and comfortably. These clear aligners are made of clear BPA-free plastic, making them much less noticeable to other people. You do need to wear them for the majority of the day. On the other hand, you can still take them off for short periods of time for eating, drinking, and oral care.
How long does Invisalign take?
You could begin to see results as soon as 6 to 18 months despite requiring less tightening than braces. This will depend on your individual needs and the complexity of your situation. Braces, on the other hand, usually require 18 to 36 months to take effect, although you can see results in as little as a month. Just make sure to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day to get the full effect.
Does Invisalign hurt?
One of the big drawbacks of braces is getting them tightened every month to keep pressure on your teeth. This is what moves your teeth back into place. This may help give you straighter teeth in the end, but it can also be a source of pain and discomfort for patients. It also may be a significant reason why people don’t seek the treatment they need.
The pain of straightening your teeth can be greatly reduced with Invisalign. You may experience some discomfort and achiness during the straightening process, but it’s usually much less than with metal braces. This is due to clear aligners straightening more gradually than metal braces, which often results in less pain.
Is Invisalign right for me?
Clear aligners can help with many issues involving bite, spacing, and crowding of teeth. Talk to us if you’re concerned about your:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding of teeth
Sometimes a dental problem may be too complex for Invisalign to remedy. In these cases, braces may be the better choice. This can include people with misshapen teeth or who have significantly rotated teeth.
Invisalign Cost
Invisalign typically costs between $5,500 to $6,500, depending on your personal needs. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover aligner trays. Make sure to talk to your insurance provider beforehand to see what’s covered.
My Family Dentistry is your source for Invisalign in Knoxville, TN. Invisalign uses clear aligners that work like braces to give you the smile you deserve. They take a fraction of the time that metal braces do, and you don’t have to worry about retightening. Talk to us to learn if Invisalign is right for you.
Are you interested in Invisalign? Contact us today to get scheduled!
We believe everyone deserves to have a smile they can be proud of, and we provide that to our patients using the latest techniques in comfortable dentistry. My Family Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday and every other Friday. Give us a call at (865) 947-6453 or you can schedule an appointment online.