If you’re not happy with how your teeth are aligned and want a straighter smile, Invisalign® could be the answer. It’s a cosmetic dental treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to fix crooked teeth and misaligned bites. With Invisalign, there’s no need for metal braces, and you get a more comfortable and convenient way to straighten your teeth.
Why Choose Invisalign?
When teeth are crooked, it’s hard to clean between them. This is where bacteria and plaque often build up. Invisalign aligners can be removed, making it easier to clean your teeth. Not only does Invisalign improve how your teeth look, but it also helps your overall dental health by reducing the chances of decay and infection.
Both adults and teens can benefit from Invisalign. Dr. Drew Shulman and Dr. Marlene Sardina are dentists in the Philadelphia area who are highly trained in fitting patients with these aligners. They’ll create custom aligners that fit your teeth perfectly and gradually shift them into the right position. Invisalign is a safe choice for both kids and adults.
Invisalign® vs. Metal Braces
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are smooth and clear, so they don’t irritate your gums or mouth. Patients with metal braces have to avoid foods like popcorn, sticky candies, or nuts, but Invisalign has no food restrictions. Another plus is that metal braces can sometimes leave stains on your teeth, while Invisalign doesn’t cause this issue.
When you remove your aligners, you can easily clean all parts of your teeth, helping prevent stains and buildup. One thing to remember is to take your aligners out when drinking anything other than water. Beverages can stain the aligners, and hot drinks can warp them. Compared to metal braces, some key benefits of Invisalign include:
- Shorter treatment times
- No food restrictions
- More comfortable to wear
- Clear and discreet
- No risk of staining your teeth
- Easy to remove
- Smooth material, so no mouth sores
Invisalign can help with several dental problems, like overcrowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. While Invisalign can’t treat severely crooked teeth, it offers a great option for patients with mild orthodontic issues. Clear Invisalign aligners are a more comfortable and discreet option than braces.
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The Invisalign® Process at Our Office
If you’re interested in Invisalign, visit our office to see if it’s right for you. Once we determine you’re a good candidate, you can get your Invisalign aligners in two dental office visits. Then we’ll provide an estimate of your treatment time.
Schedule a Consultation
The first step is to schedule an appointment with one of our Invisalign-certified dentists. During this visit, Dr. Shulman or Dr. Sardina will check your teeth and decide if you’re a good candidate. If you are, our dentists will examine your teeth and help you decide on the best treatment plan. He will take bite impressions and send them to Invisalign, along with detailed instructions for making your aligners.
Creating Custom Aligners
Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create your aligners. These aligners are custom-made based on your bite impressions. You may get between 12 and 48 aligners based on your treatment plan.
Returning to Our Office
Your aligners will be ready after several weeks. You’ll return to our dentists, who’ll fit your first aligners on your teeth. Our dentists will also provide you with the first sets of aligners and your Invisalign case.
Wearing the Aligners
You’ll wear each set of aligners in a specific order to gradually shift your teeth into place. The aligners are easy to remove for meals, brushing, and special events.
Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, 22 hours a day. As you move through each set of aligners, your teeth will slowly shift. By the time you finish the treatment, your teeth will be straight. You’ll visit us about every six weeks to check that everything is going as planned. Treatment time usually takes between 9 and 15 months.
Retainers
Once your treatment is done, you’ll return to our office, where we give you a retainer. You’ll wear the retainer constantly at first to keep your smile straight and prevent your teeth from moving back out of place. Once you’ve worn your retainer consistently, you can wear it only at night.
Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners
To get the best results from your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to take care of them properly. This means regular check-ups with your dentist and keeping them clean at home. When you maintain your aligners the right way, they can help you achieve the straight smile you want. Here are some tips to keep your clear aligners in good shape:
- Rinse your aligners in cool water whenever you take them out.
- Soak them in a mild denture cleaner every now and then.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
- Use a soft toothbrush and antibacterial soap to gently clean your aligners.
Starting Invisalign treatment in the Philadelphia area is easy. After you visit our office, you’ll be on your way to a straighter smile within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign aligners are a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. Our team is here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Here are some common questions about Invisalign and their answers to help you learn more about the process.
How quickly can Invisalign straighten my teeth?
The time it takes to straighten your teeth with Invisalign depends on how crooked your teeth are and how well you follow the treatment plan. Most treatments last between six months and three years. For those with only a few crooked teeth, treatment may be shorter. If you have bite issues like an overbite, treatment may take longer.
Will Invisalign damage my teeth?
No, Invisalign won’t harm your teeth or gums. The aligners are made of a safe material and are free of dyes or harmful chemicals. As long as you wear them as directed, they will not cause cavities, stains, or damage to your teeth.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans will help cover the cost of Invisalign if it is needed for orthodontic reasons. If you are getting Invisalign purely for cosmetic reasons, your insurance may not pay for it. Our team can help you check your dental insurance plan to see if you can get some help with the costs.
What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?
The biggest difference is how they look. Both options straighten teeth, but Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, while braces use metal brackets and wires. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate issues. We recommend braces for more serious problems, like a severe overbite or underbite.
Should I remove my Invisalign to eat?
Yes, you should take your aligners out before you eat to prevent damage. Many people use a case to store their aligners while they eat. Clean your teeth and your aligners after you eat, and then put your aligners back on.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign can be a little uncomfortable for the first few days of wearing each new set of aligners. You might feel some tightness as your teeth start to move. Most people describe the discomfort as mild and say it goes away after a short time.
Can I drink while wearing Invisalign?
You shouldn’t drink anything other than water while wearing your aligners. Drinks like coffee, tea, or wine can stain the clear aligners and make your teeth look discolored while you’re wearing them. We recommend that you take your aligners out before drinking anything other than water.
Visit Us For A Consultation Today
Dr. Shulman is a trusted Invisalign dentist in Philadelphia. Our team provides affordable and effective Invisalign treatments to help you get the smile you want. Say goodbye to metal braces and enjoy the benefits of clear aligners. Call Dr. Drew A. Shulman’s office at (215) 392-4244 today to schedule an appointment.