Erin Hills Dental - Blog

Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have a perfect smile. But fortunately, advances in dental technology have made correcting imperfections in the smile much easier than ever before.

If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, chances are you’ve spoken with your dentist about options including traditional metal braces, and Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Gone are the days when the only way to straighten your teeth was to fill your mouth with sharp metal wires and brackets. Invisalign is a simple, removable, non-invasive treatment option to correct imperfections in the alignment of the teeth.

Patients who use Invisalign are given a plastic aligner that they wear for 20 hours per day, removing them only for eating, brushing, and flossing. The aligner gently guides the teeth into their optimal placement. Since the teeth are slowly but constantly shifting through the treatment period, patients need to revisit the Invisalign dentist every two weeks to get a new tray that fits their new alignment.

Why is Invisalign so popular?

There are several reasons why many people are choosing Invisalign over traditional, metal braces. These include:

Aesthetics

Like the name implies, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, meaning it’s no longer necessary to walk into a classroom, workplace or social event with a mouth full of metal. Your colleagues and classmates will likely have no idea you’re wearing a dental appliance.

Simplicity

While it’s important to consult with your dentist about your specific situation, most Invisalign users can remove their trays for 2-4 hours a day, allowing them to eat, brush, and floss as normal. Invisalign aligners are also easy to clean. Your dentist will explain how to best care for your aligners, but a quick daily soak in a denture cleaning solution is usually all that’s needed.

Comfort

Patients with metal braces have all sorts of sharp, pokey wires and brackets in their mouths, which can easily cause cuts and scratches. Invisalign is made of a soft, smooth, plastic material that will never cut your skin.

Easy

The process of being fitted for Invisalign is quick, easy, and non-invasive. First, your Invisalign dentist will use a digital scanner like the iTero system used here at Erin Hills Dental to take a full 3D image of your mouth. This image will be used to custom-make aligners that will fit your mouth perfectly. And that’s pretty much it!

Fast

While every situation is different, most Invisalign treatment plans are complete in less than two years.

If you’re unhappy with your crooked or misaligned teeth and are ready to do something about it, call Erin Hills Dental today. Dr. Hormoz will assess your situation, outline your options, and help you choose a treatment plan that’s right for you.