Dr. Dan K. Young, your dentist in Joplin, says that teens and adults really want straight smiles. A bright and beautiful look is a tremendous personal asset, and so are the health benefits of well-aligned teeth. However, people shy away from traditional braces because of their appearance, discomfort and treatment time. What’s the alternative? Dr. Young offers Invisalign clear braces in his Joplin office. Their discreet appearance and ease of care make them a favorite of children, teens, and adults. Find out how beneficial Invisalign can be.
Do You Have a Choice?
When it comes to braces, most patients have a choice of treatments–traditional metal or ceramic appliances or Invisalign. Individually crafted from biocompatible acrylic, Invisalign aligners correct mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Practically invisible, the aligners discreetly move teeth into healthier positions in less time and with less discomfort than metal braces. Your dentist can tell you if which method is best for your situation.
Treatment with Invisalign in Joplin
At Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, your dental team offers Invisalign to qualified patients for issues such as:
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Under bite
- Open bite
- Tooth rotation
- Tooth tipping
- Gaps
- Overcrowding
Afte oral examination, digital X-rays and other modern imaging, your dentist formulates a treatment plan and sends it to the Invisalign lab. A trained technician custom-makes 18 to 30 pairs of aligners. Designed to fit snugly over top and bottom teeth, the aligners move teeth into better positions gradually with minimal discomfort.
Usually, treatment time with Invisalign is less than with metal braces–nine to 18 months on average for the clear aligners versus two to two and a half years or more for bracket and wire braces. In addition, because there are no complicated adjustments with Invisalign, routine progress checks at the dental office are quicker and less frequent. Patients simply receive new aligner pairs and change them every two weeks or so. For on-time results, aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours daily.
Day to Day with Invisalign
Different from traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. This means oral hygiene is as simple as twice daily brushing and flossing, unlike the complex methods of keeping traditional braces clean. Also, Invisalign patients remove their aligners to eat; so there are no dietary restrictions. Finally, even though the aligners are practically invisible, patients may remove them for special occasions such as weddings and job interviews.
After Treatment
Upon completion of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, Dr. Young may ask patients to wear custom-made retainers to maintain their dental alignment. After all, it makes sense to protect that new smile and the time and money invested in it.
A Word about Children
Is Invisalign treatment appropriate for children? It can be if their teeth have fully grown in and if they have the right personality. In other words, is your child mature enough to comply with wearing his or her aligners for the correct amount of time daily? Consider these factors if you are thinking about Invisalign versus conventional braces for your youngster.
Learn More about Invisalign
Well-credentialed in all kinds of orthodontic care, Dr. Young offers clear aligners to qualified patients. If the many advantages of Invisalign appeal to you, contact Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for a consultation. Find out if Invisalign can be your alternative to metal braces.