Effective Orthodontic Treatment
Taking steps to straighten your smile is a great way to improve your oral health. Teeth that are out of alignment are harder to clean and therefore more susceptible to tooth decay and infection. Effective orthodontic treatment can not only improve the appearance of your teeth but also protect your health. Traditionally, metal braces were the only solution to misaligned teeth, but the many advances in dental technology have provided patients with more comfortable options than ever before.
At Oakland Family Dental, our expert orthodontist Dr. Sheehan offers Invisalign® clear aligners to Michigan residents of Shelby, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, and the surrounding areas. Invisalign® aligners have become a more common and viable treatment option for many people who have misaligned teeth. Though metal braces haven’t been completely replaced yet, there are many reasons why people are choosing Invisalign.
The Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, so most people won’t even realize you’re wearing braces. You’ll be able to smile without restriction and take braces-free pictures.
Wearing invisible aligners can take dedication, but if you wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day your treatment will likely take less time overall than metal braces because the aligners push on all sides of your teeth to move them.
Metal braces often take over two years for treatment because they can only move your teeth from certain areas. They’re also affixed to your teeth for the duration of treatment which means they can’t be removed.
Advanced Technology
Invisalign treatment is more efficient due to the technology that pairs with it. We use an iTero Element scanning system, which digitally creates a 3D image of your teeth. We send this image to an Invisalign lab to create accurate, customized aligners for your treatment.
Metal braces often mean messy putty impressions that taste bad and feel uncomfortable. They can be difficult to stick too, so sometimes they have to be done more than once.
Ease of Treatment
With Invisalign, you can live your life as you usually do. As long as you remove your aligners before eating and clean your teeth before putting them back in, you can eat anything you want. You won’t need to change your diet or avoid certain foods.
You won’t have to alter your oral hygiene routine by much, either. You can remove your clear aligners to brush and floss your teeth like usual, also brushing all surfaces of your aligners with a soft-bristle brush and toothpaste. No special supplies are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there restrictions associated with Invisalign treatment?
Unlike traditional braces, there are zero restrictions as far as what you can eat. Simply remember to brush after each meal or snack before placing your aligners back on. Your aligners may cause a slight impairment to your speech, but the more you wear them, the sooner you’ll adjust to speaking with them.
As your teeth begin to shift, you may experience some pressure and minor discomfort for a day or two after each new tray is introduced. This is a sign your teeth are moving to their desired final position.
Does Invisalign work for teens?
Yes! The Invisalign difference is offered to more people than ever before because of its speed and effectiveness in straightening teeth compared to braces. Teenagers who have grown all of their teeth, including their second molars, are also eligible.
We recommend Invisalign to teenagers with fully developed mouths because displacing their teeth before they’re fully grown can cause them to shift again after treatment.
Contact Us to Find Out if Invisalign is Right for You
Though there are many advantages to Invisalign, you can be certain whether clear braces are right for you at your consultation. Dr. Sheehan will scan your teeth and go over your options, determining if your treatment needs can be addressed with Invisalign aligners. We’re proud to offer treatment to Michigan residents of Shelby, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, or the surrounding areas struggling with alignment issues.
To schedule your consultation, call our office at 248-218-0918 or fill out our handy consultation request form by clicking the button to the right. We’ll get back to you right away.