Are you unhappy with the alignment of your teeth and want to make them straight? Invisalign® is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses a series of clear, plastic aligners that straighten and correct your teeth without the hassle of metal braces. This treatment can also help combat tooth decay and infection in adults and teens.
Crooked teeth can make it hard to clean the areas between teeth. This is typically where bacteria and plaque buildup in excess. Because the clear Invisalign® aligners are removable, teeth are easy to clean. Straightening teeth can improve your oral health and balance your bite as an added bonus.
Philadelphia area dentist Dr. Drew Shulman is highly trained in fitting patients with Invisalign®. He will work with you to create custom fit and removable clear aligners that will gradually align your teeth. Invisalign® is also a safe option for both children and adults.
Invisalign® v.s. Traditional Braces
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign® creates clear aligners from material that does not snag on gums or soft tissue. This treatment also avoids tooth staining that can occur with adhesives in metal braces. When you remove the clear aligners, you can effectively clean the whole surface area of your teeth. Compared to metal braces, there are more benefits of Invisalign® for patients including:
- Shorter treatment times
- No diet restrictions
- More comfortable treatment
- Discreet clear aligners
- No risks of tooth enamel staining
- Easy to remove
- Smooth materials so no mouth sores
Patients with traditional metal braces also have a restricted diet and cannot eat popcorn, super chewy food or hard nuts. However, you should remove your Invisalign® aligners to drink beverages that are not water because they may stain the aligners. Avoid drinking hot drinks with the aligners on as they can warp them.
The Invisalign® Process at Dr. Drew Shulman’s Dental Office
Invisalign can help address a variety of dental health issues such as overcrowding, gaps in teeth, crossbite, overbite and underbite. Visit Dr. Shulman’s office to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign®. If so, we will provide you with a series of custom appliances. You will wear each sequentially to gently straighten your smile. You may remove the aligners for meals, brushing teeth, and special events.
You will wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks; 22 hours a day. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little. By the end of your treatment, you will have fully aligned teeth. You will visit Dr. Shulman about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. The average Invisalign® treatment time is 9-15 months. You will wear between 18 and 30 aligners during treatment.
Once treatment is complete, Dr. Shulman will provide you with a retainer to keep your smile straight forever.
Step 1: Schedule a consult with Dr. Shulman
During this first step you will need to make an appointment with Invisalign® Certified Dentist, Dr. Shulman.
During the initial visit, Dr. Shulman will help you decide on your course of treatment. He will take bite impressions of your teeth and send them, along with a set of precise instructions, to Invisalign®. Would you like to fix your crooked teeth or a misaligned bite? See if you’re a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners.
Step 2: Invisalign® Makes Your Aligners
Invisalign® uses advanced 3-D computer imaging technology. We will use your bite impressions to create a custom series of clear and removable aligners. There may be as many as 48 in the series or as few as 12. It will simply depend on your treatment plan.
Step 3: You Receive Your Aligners in a Few Weeks
During your next visit to Drew A. Shulman, DMD, MAGD, you will receive your first set aligners. Dr. Shulman will give you a few extra sets for you to wear before you return for your next visit.
Step 4: You Wear Your Aligners
You will wear each set of aligners day and night for about 2 weeks. You should only remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months, but will vary from case to case. You’ll visit Drew A. Shulman, DMD, MAGD only about every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Step 5: You’ve Finished The Treatment
Congratulations! Your treatment is complete when you are done wearing the last set of aligners in the series. You will have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted in record time.
Maintaining your Invisalign Aligners
In order to get the most out of your Invisalign aligners, it is important to take proper care of them and maintain them regularly. This includes regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and adjustments, as well as daily cleaning and maintenance at home. With proper care and maintenance, your Invisalign aligners can help you achieve the beautiful smile that you desire. Consider the following tips when maintaining your clear aligners.
- When you remove your aligners, rinse them in cool water.
- Soak your aligners occasionally in a mild denture cleaner.
- Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners.
- Brush your aligners with a soft toothbrush and antibacterial soap.
Starting Invisalign treatment in the Philadelphia area is very easy. In fact, you can be on your way to straighter teeth and a beautiful smile within weeks of visiting Drew A. Shulman, DMD, MAGD.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment option that can help you achieve the smile you desire without having to go through the hassle of traditional braces. However, there are many factors that you should consider when choosing this teeth straightening treatment. Read our frequent questions and answers to learn more about Invisalign.
How quickly can Invisalign straighten my teeth?
The length of treatment with Invisalign depends on the severity of your crooked teeth issues, how well you follow treatment instructions, and more. The typical treatment can last anywhere between 6 months to 3 years. Some cases may take longer or shorter depending on individual needs. For example, your treatment time may be shorter if you have just a few crooked teeth versus having a bite issue such as an overbite.
Will Invisalign clear aligners damage my teeth?
No. The Invisalign clear aligner system does not damage teeth or gums. It is free of dyes, harmful chemicals, and made of a safe material. Invisalign will not cause cavities, tooth stains, or tooth damage if you follow all treatment directions and wear them properly.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign treatments?
Some dental insurance providers will cover part of your Invisalign treatment plan if it’s for orthodontic treatment cases. Your dental insurance provider will not cover the cost of Invisalign if you get treatment strictly for aesthetic reasons. It is really up to your dental insurance provider to choose weather or not to help you pay for your dental treatments.
What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?
The main difference between Invisalign and braces is their look. They both are for straightening crooked teeth and bites. Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that are removable. Braces are metal brackets and wires not as discreet. Another big difference is that Invisalign is best for mild to moderate issues, whereas metal braces are better at correcting severe malocclusion in a quicker fashion.
Should I remove my Invisalign to eat?
Yes, you should not eat with your Invisalign aligners in. If you want to eat something, while wearing your Invisalign you should take it out before eating it. Many patients have a case or a place where they always store them while eating. It is also always a good idea to clean your teeth and your Invisalign as often as possible after eating.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Invisalign can be uncomfortable to wear for the first few days. It also may feel tight and uncomfortable as your teeth shift and adjust throughout the process. The majority of patients describe the pain as low to mild, but completely bearable.
Can I drink while wearing Invisalign?
We do not recommend drinking anything while wearing Invisalign. Drinking anything other than water can cause staining since the aligner is clear. You should definitely avoid drinks such as coffee and wine. Dark fluids can cause stains on the aligners. This will in turn make your teeth appear discolored while you are wearing your Invisalign.
Call the dental office of Drew A. Shulman DMD, MAGD at (215) 372-1142 to schedule an appointment today.