Clear aligners covering a lower arch of teeth

Invisalign

Crooked teeth affect your appearance and oral health, but you may be hesitant to wear metal braces.

Invisalign® offers a comfortable and removable alternative to braces. Treatment is simple and the trays are virtually invisible during use.

What does this mean for you?

Clear aligners covering a lower arch of teeth

Invisalign Works with Your Lifestyle Not Against It

Incredibly Discreet

Invisalign trays are customized to comfortably fit your smile. They are fabricated from a clear plastic material, so most people will never even notice that you’re wearing them.

Improved Comfort

Unlike metal brackets and wires, the snug fit and smooth edges will never rub, snag, or irritate the delicate soft tissues inside your mouth.

No Hygiene or Diet Restrictions

Since the trays are removable, Invisalign patients can brush and floss normally while continuing to enjoy all their favorite sticky, crunchy foods.

Bottom teeth and Invisalign tray

Millions of Patients Have Benefited from Invisalign

Invisalign infographic

It can most likely help you too.

*According to Invisalign.

Examples of Cases Successfully Treated with Invisalign

Underbites

If your lower teeth stick out past your upper teeth, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. 

Crossbites

If your upper and lower teeth are horizontally misaligned, it can trigger jaw pain and other symptoms.

Overbites

If your upper teeth project too far forward, you may be more susceptible to a chipped front tooth. 

Gapped Teeth

A gapped smile can make it difficult to eat and pronounce certain words correctly.

Open Bite

If your upper and lower teeth do not line up, your chewing and speaking abilities can be compromised.

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Crowded Teeth

An overly crowded smile makes it difficult to brush and floss and can increase your risk of cavities.

Invisalign May Cost the Same as Braces

In most cases, Invisalign treatment costs approximately the same as traditional braces. However, depending on your needs and goals, Invisalign treatment can be more expensive. Invisalign is also generally more expensive than other clear aligner brands like ClearCorrect®.

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Treatment Can Take 12 to 18 Months From Start to Finish

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Consultation

Your Invisalign-certified dentist or orthodontist will evaluate your case, take impressions of your smile, and send the information to an Invisalign laboratory.
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Planning

Invisalign technicians will create a customized treatment plan, including step-by-step information about how your smile will change over the upcoming months. 
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Fabrication

Over the next two to four weeks, the Invisalign team will use your impressions to create customized aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth.
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Starting Treatment

You can begin wearing your aligners immediately. They should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Every two weeks or so, you switch to the next tray in the series.
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Check-Ups

You will visit your dentist's office every four to six weeks so that they can monitor your progress and ensure that you are wearing your aligners as instructed. 
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Final Results

Most patients can achieve their desired end results in 12 to 18 months. You can maintain your results by wearing your last aligners or a custom retainer.

A Straighter Smile Can Benefit Your Oral and Overall Health

The goal of Invisalign is to help you achieve a straighter smile. But it does so much more

After treatment, you may find that it is easier to brush and floss your teeth. By treating malocclusion, Invisalign can also reduce the symptoms of a misaligned bite such as headaches and excessive wear on your teeth. Best of all, you can even feel more confident in your smile and yourself when talking to others or smiling in photos. 

Your Important Role in Maintaining Your Results

When you complete your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will recommend whether you should wear your last set of aligners or a custom retainer. Typically, you will only have to wear your retainers overnight and can enjoy your newly straightened smile throughout the day.

Many patients wear their aligners or retainers for the rest of their lives, so you should care for them like any other medically prescribed treatment. Take them with you when you travel, keep them in a safe place, and clean them every morning to prevent bacteria buildup.

Advanced Technology Allows for Precise, Expedited Treatment

iTero® Intraoral Scanner

Prior to beginning treatment, your dentist will create digital impressions using an advanced imaging system such as the iTero® Intraoral Scanner. This allows your dentist to provide you with a proposed treatment plan and accurate timeline. For your convenience, you can receive all your trays at once so you do not have to visit your dentist each time you need a new aligner. You will still need to attend appointments every four to six weeks so the doctor can assess your progress.

Additionally, depending on the condition of your smile and the treatment options available at your dental office, you may also be eligible for Invisalign Express, which works even faster and can lower your overall treatment cost.

Virtually Invisible Aligners

Invisalign tray over teeth
The most obvious benefit of Invisalign is that it is nearly unnoticeable to others during use. 

Drawbacks of Invisalign Treatment

While traditional orthodontic treatment can be customized for virtually any case, Invisalign may not be the best option for treating severe gaps or certain types of misalignment. Patients should also consider treatment timeline, their lifestyle, and budget.

Length of Treatment

While alternatives such as porcelain veneers can help transform the symmetry, shape, and size of your teeth in a matter of weeks, Invisalign treatment can span several months. If you need a more immediate boost to your confidence or would like to achieve a straighter smile before a quickly approaching special event, such as a wedding, Invisalign treatment may not be the best option for you.

Limited Candidacy

Although advancements have made Invisalign available to a greater pool of candidates, it is not designed for cases of severe malocclusion or misalignment. These concerns, as well as severely rotated or tipped teeth, are best treated with traditional orthodontics. You can determine whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign using their smile assessment and attending a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

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In order to reap the full benefits of treatment, Invisalign patients must be committed to wearing their aligners for 20-22 hours per day. 

Adjusting to the Aligners

Although Invisalign’s customized trays fit securely over your teeth, they may not feel natural during the first few days of treatment. Most patients are able to adjust to their aligners relatively quickly, but a small number of patients feel that they have trouble speaking properly. A persistent lisp, for example, could impact your confidence.

Weighing Your Options

Although you have many orthodontic systems to choose from, the proven benefits of Invisalign make the treatment a great option to consider. In addition to the original product, Invisalign is also available in Teen and Express options. Patients whose cases are considered too severe for Invisalign treatment can nearly always achieve their goals with traditional orthodontics. In very rare cases, surgery may be recommended. During an Invisalign consultation, you can discuss all your questions and concerns with your doctor.

Take the First Step

Orthodontics can enhance your appearance and lessen your risk of cavities and gum disease. With options like Invisalign, there is no reason to delay treatment. Take the next step and schedule an appointment today.

D&P Dentistry

The team of dental professionals at D&P Dentistry provides exceptional dental work and patient education to help you and your family achieve your best smiles. Our doctors are affiliated with:

  • American Dental Association
  • Alachua County Dental Association

To schedule an appointment at our Gainesville, FL, office, please contact us online or call (352) 331-4626.

Contact Us Today

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