Invisalign – Farmington Hills, MI
An Invisible Answer for Twisted Teeth
Invisalign has swiftly gained popularity over the past few decades as an exciting new alternative to traditional orthodontics. Introduced in the late 1990s, this transparent solution has helped millions of patients gradually shift their teeth into their ideal positions without the hassle and embarrassment that’s often associated with metal braces. If you’re interested in Invisalign, schedule a consultation today with Radiant Dental in Farmington Hills.
Why Choose Radiant Dental For Invisalign?
- Digital Imaging & Impressions for Accurate Results
- Preferred Invisalign Providers
- In-House Dental Membership Plan to Help with Expenses
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign relies on clear aligners placed over your teeth to gently apply enough force to transition them to their ideal placements throughout your treatment. Made from FDA-approved transparent plastic, these trays are customized to the unique positions and bite patterns of your teeth. They use strategically calculated pressure points to rearrange overcrowded, gapped, and crooked teeth into a perfectly even smile. You will wear them for 22 hours daily, then in 1 to 2 weeks, your dentist will provide a new set to account for the ongoing movement throughout treatment.
Indications for Invisalign
Invisalign is a fantastic solution but isn’t suitable for every circumstance. If you have teeth that require more torque to shift, for example, traditional braces may be more appropriate. You can expect your dentist to recommend Invisalign if you have:
Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are pressed too closely together, it can be difficult to brush and floss them efficiently. This increases the likelihood of developing tooth decay or gum disease. By bringing them into proper alignment, you’ll be able to clean them thoroughly to keep them in good health.
Gaps Between Teeth
Large spaces between your teeth can impact your appearance as well as your oral health. Gaps can leave you feeling self-conscious about your uneven grin, as well as allow larger bits of food to get caught during meals. This can cause bad breath as well as cavities. By rearranging your teeth into healthier positions and closing these gaps, your smile will ultimately look better and feel better.
Bite Alignment
If your top and bottom teeth don’t touch where they should when you bite down, then you may have a bite alignment issue. If you leave it unaddressed, you could end up putting additional force on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect your jawbone to your skull. This can lead to a stiff or locked jaw as well as chronic headaches. Invisalign fixes misaligned teeth and bite patterns to alleviate any potential TMJ disorders.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign at Farmington Hills offers a variety of benefits including:
- Increased Self-Confidence : Bulky metal brackets on your teeth are visually displeasing and can lower your self-esteem. Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are far less noticeable!
- Efficiency : In general, you can expect treatment to last anywhere from 12-18 months depending on your dental condition, compared to years with traditional braces.
- Fewer Dietary Restrictions: Because you don’t have permanently installed brackets, there are no dietary restrictions to contend with. Simply remove Invisalign for meals then reinsert them when you’re done.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Several different factors are taken into account when calculating the cost of your Invisalign treatment, so we can’t provide an estimate until after your consultation. It can depend on the severity of your misalignment as well as how many aligner trays you will need, for example. We accept many insurance plans which may cover a portion of orthodontic treatment. For those who are uninsured, we also offer CareCredit Financing and an in-house dental membership plan so your budget doesn’t hinder your dental care. If you have additional questions relating to your Invisalign treatment, our friendly staff is happy to walk you through the details.
Invisalign FAQs
Who is Not Eligible for Invisalign?
There are a few cases where a patient may not be eligible for Invisalign – at least initially. One example is if their case of malocclusion is severe. This requires traditional braces (or a mix of traditional braces and Invisalign) to address. Another example is if tooth decay, gum disease, or another oral health problem is present. In that case, your treatment plan will begin with the necessary restorative care so that your teeth and gums are healthy again.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average Invisalign treatment timeline is 12-18 months. With that said, yours could be shorter, longer, or fit precisely in the timeframe. Two of the biggest factors in the length of your teeth-straightening journey are the complexity of your case and how well you abide by the guidelines we provide, like wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. With all of that said, we will provide you with an estimate at your initial consultation so you have a general idea of how much time you need to invest in clear aligner treatment.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
This is one of the most asked questions about Invisalign. The answer is, “No, Invisalign does not hurt.” This is largely due to the fact that the aligners are custom-made from smooth materials and there aren’t any brackets and wires. Of course, you can expect to feel some soreness, particularly in the hours following your transition to a new set of aligners since that’s when your teeth are moving the most. When that happens, try sipping on cold water, avoiding crunchy foods, and taking OTC pain medication (as directed) to alleviate your discomfort.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
There’s really only one rule when it comes to eating and Invisalign: you have to take your aligners out before every meal and snack. If you don’t, then they can break or warp, making them useless.
It’s also important that we mention – as your dental team – the importance of eating well-balanced, nutrient-dense meals. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, preventing unwanted delays in the process.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign?
The first step of keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is rinsing them thoroughly with clean, cool water each time you take them out. The second is placing them in their designated case when you aren’t wearing them so they don’t discolor or become a breeding ground for bacteria. The third is using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean, cool water to gently wash them after each meal. The fourth and final step is using the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit on an as-needed basis.