Do you have crooked teeth but don’t want metal braces? Dr. Morgan Chambers is an Invisalign® provider in Lexington, KY at Complete Dentistry for All Ages. She provides orthodontic Invisalign treatment for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Available for both teens and adults, our dentists often recommend Invisalign as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners can fix a range of dental health or cosmetic dentistry concerns. Invisalign provides several benefits to oral health as well as the convenience of comfortable and removable retainers.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The first step is a consultation with Dr. Chambers in her Lexington dental office. Once she determines that Invisalign is right for you, Dr. Chambers will create a customized treatment plan, and take an impression of your teeth. After you approve the plan, she will send the impression to the Invisalign laboratory. There, they will make a series of custom clear aligner trays for your teeth.
The patient will receive several sets of trays throughout their treatment plan. The patient will wear a set for about two weeks before moving on to the next set to gradually reposition the teeth. The length of treatment depends on your condition as well as your goals. Generally speaking, treatment takes 11 to 13 months, but some patients may achieve the results they want in as few as 8 months.
Special retainers and follow-up visits with Dr. Chambers will help ensure that you maintain your new straighter smile for years!
Invisalign FAQs
If you have any worries regarding orthodontic treatment using Invisalign, we’ve got your back! We hope the following list of FAQs will clear all doubts and anxieties that you might have.
How many hours a day do you really need to wear Invisalign?
Patients should wear Invisalign for 22 hours per day. The only times that patients should remove their Invisalign aligners is when they eat, and drink anything other than water. Patients should also remove them to brush their teeth, and to clean the aligners. Wearing the aligners in this way can decrease overall treatment time.
Does Invisalign stain?
Invisalign aligners can pick up stains over time, depending on the diet and oral habits of the patient wearing them. Some foods and drinks can stain aligners much more easily than others. Red wine, grape juice, coffee, and other strongly colored drinks can stain your Invisalign.
Even if you remove your Invisalign while drinking them, any dye and residue left on the surface of teeth can stain your clear aligner. Avoiding drinking deeply colored drinks is a good way to keep your Invisalign aligners clear.
How do you clean Invisalign aligners?
Cleaning Invisalign aligners is an important part of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Our dental care team recommends that you clean your aligners every day to keep them free from bacteria and plaque.
Fortunately, cleaning Invisalign aligners is a simple process that only requires a few steps. First, remove them before brushing your teeth. Next, use a little bit of hand soap and your fingers to scrub them gently. Then, rinse them with cold or lukewarm water.
NEVER use hot water to rinse Invisalign aligners because this can warp their shape and make them unusable. Be sure to brush your teeth before putting your clear aligners back on! Also rinse your aligners every time you remove them. With regular cleaning, you can ensure that your Invisalign clear aligners will remain in top shape and help you achieve the straight teeth you desire.
How quickly do teeth move with Invisalign?
Most patients begin to see changes in the alignment of their teeth after two-to-three months of starting treatment. Patients need to keep in mind that their entire tooth structure and jawbone alignment is shifting into a straighter position, which is a slow process. Your mouth and jaw must gradually move and adjust throughout the realigning process so that progress is not too abrupt for your body.
If teeth shift too quickly, they may not remain in their new place for long. Also be sure to wear a retainer after treatment for at least double the time it took to straighten your teeth. This will also help you avoid orthodontic relapse, or your teeth going back to their crooked position.
Does Invisalign treatment hurt?
Invisalign treatment shouldn’t hurt. However, you may feel some discomfort at times. When you first put in a new set of aligners, your teeth might feel tight. This is normal and means the aligners are working to move your teeth.
You might feel some mild soreness in your teeth for a day or two after switching to a new aligner. This will fade as your teeth get used to your new aligners.
Most people find that Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. We don’t have to tighten any brackets or replace wires, which can poke the gums.
Is Invisalign noticeable?
Invisalign aligners are made from a clear plastic, which makes them blend in with your teeth. Because they are made just for your mouth, they fit snugly and look natural when you wear them. Some people might notice the aligners when you talk, but many find that they get used to them quickly. In fact, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them unless they look very closely.
What happens if I damage my Invisalign aligners?
Look at the aligners to see how badly they are damaged. If they’re just cracked or have a small chip, you might still be able to use them for a little while.
Call our Lexington office, and we will advise you on what to do next. If the damage is minor and you can still comfortably wear the aligners, continue to use them until you get new ones.
However, if the damage is too great and you have an old set of aligners, wear them until you get a replacement. Please call us if you damage your aligners as soon as possible so you can keep on track with treatment.
How much does Invisalign cost?
After a thorough exam and discussion of your dental health and cosmetic goals, Dr. Chambers will create a personalized plan of treatment. Invisalign treatment cost depends on the number of aligners you will need to achieve the desired result. The cost will also depend on the severity of your case, the length of treatment, and other additional services you may need. Everyone’s smile is unique.
Invisalign can be cost-effective versus traditional orthodontics. Dr. Chambers can help you find the monthly payment that fits your budget. Calculate your Invisalign treatment cost at: Invisalign.com/cost
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation Today
Dr. Chambers has extensive experience correcting smiles with Invisalign in the Lexington-Fayette area. Request an appointment online or give Complete Dentistry for All Ages a call at 859-251-3809 today. Let Dr. Chambers or a member of our team know if you have any remaining questions about Invisalign. We are more than happy to help.