Unrestricted eating, simple oral hygiene and a virtually invisible appearance–these features and more make Invisalign aligners a clear option for older teens and adults desiring straight smiles. Who wouldn’t want healthy, attractive teeth without the discomfort and lengthy treatment times common to conventional braces? That’s why Dr. A. Scott Grivas III offers Invisalign clear aligners in Sacramento.
What are Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are custom-made from biocompatible acrylic according to Dr. Grivas’ instructions, oral impressions and modern three-dimensional imaging. Appropriate for mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crossbite, open bite and tooth rotation, Invisalign aligners fit precisely over top and bottom teeth to move them gradually into better positions. These appliances are very discreet; in fact, no one notices the patient is wearing them.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist in Sacramento before You Start Treatment
Who gets Invisalign? Older teens and adults may undergo treatment with Invisalign. While complex orthodontic cases require conventional braces, Invisalign aligners work well for a variety of smile alignment problems such as overbite, underbite, gaps and tooth rotation. People who desire more attractive smiles like Invisalign because they are invisible and may be removed to eat, to perform oral hygiene or for special occasions such as job interviews or weddings.
How long does treatment last? Treatment with Invisalign typically takes 9 to 18 months, with one year being average. Patients receive a total of 18 to 30 pairs of aligners, and they visit Dr. Grivas every four to six weeks for progress checks and to pick up new aligner pairs. There are no lengthy or painful adjustments, but patients must wear their aligners for the prescribed 20 to 22 hours daily.
Do Invisalign aligners cause pain? Orthodontic patients always experience some discomfort as their teeth are repositioned, and usually it’s more uncomfortable at the beginning of treatment. However, with Invisalign clear aligners, patients are much more comfortable than with metal braces, and their soft tissues are free of abrasions and sore spots. Aligners are fully customized and perfectly smooth.
How does the patient perform oral hygiene? Caring for aligners and for your teeth and gums is easy with Invisalign. The aligners are removable and cleaned with water and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Patients brush their teeth twice daily and floss every day to keep teeth and gums healthy. Also, they see Dr. Grivas for their routine exams and cleanings every six months.
What happens after treatment is complete? Most patients wear retainers for several months post-treatment. Then, Dr. Grivas may advise wearing a retainer permanently for a specified amount of time daily. Invisalign produces customized Vivera retainers.
Could Invisalign be Right for You?
Dr. Grivas and Dr. Koett and their staff encourage you to explore orthodontic correction with Invisalign. Your dentist will tell you if this innovative system can produce the smile you’ve always wanted. Call the office team today to arrange a personal smile consultation and get all your questions answered.