Many orthodontic treatments are available today to straighten teeth and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. The Invisalign clear aligner system is a discreet way to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. You will wear these invisible braces for 22 hours a day. Invisalign aligners gently move your teeth into the proper position without using metal braces. Invisalign is one of the dental services we offer to new and existing patients in Durham, NC.
Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is led by local dentist Dr. James Furgurson. Our cosmetic dentistry office is an Invisalign provider to patients from Durham, NC. Unlike metal braces, custom clear aligners will not disrupt your life. While you should wear the aligners most of the time, you can remove your aligners to eat, brush, and floss. Invisalign offers a simpler way to treat crooked teeth without braces.
Will Invisalign Work for Me?
There is a good chance that you will qualify for Invisalign. Essentially, only children, people in poor oral health, and people with complex orthodontic issues cannot use Invisalign. You will need to speak with our dentist to determine if it’s the right orthodontic treatment for you.
Generally, we recommend Invisalign for:
- Patients with mild to moderate misalignment: Invisalign effectively treats crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. More complex cases may need other orthodontic treatments.
- Adults and Teenagers: This clear aligner system is not meant for children since they are not done growing yet. Invisalign benefits adults and older teenagers with most or all permanent teeth.
- Patients who can comply with the treatment: Since the aligners are removable, you may want to take them out whenever you like. However, you must wear them for 20-22 hours a day. Additionally, you must switch them out every one to two weeks. Following these instructions will ensure a successful treatment.
- Patients with good oral health: If you can maintain good oral health, you should have no problem with Invisalign treatment. However, you cannot start treatment if you have cavities or gum disease. They will only get worse and must be addressed before you start wearing the aligners. You must continue to take good care of your teeth during treatment to avoid further problems.
Please contact us if you want to treat mild or moderately crooked teeth. Invisalign can treat overbite, underbite, crossbire, tooth gaps, and more.
What Are Invisible Aligners?
Many types of clear braces are available. However, many patients prefer the Invisalign® system. It straightens teeth using a set of clear, ultra-thin aligners. Invisalign aligners use SmartTrack® material. This layered polymer material is patented for Invisalign.
The Invisalign lab uses this material to make each aligner fit perfectly over your teeth. The aligners are also strong. Over time, they gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. The patient will wear their custom aligners for one to two weeks and then switch to the next set.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Your Durham, North Carolina area dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth during your first visit. We will use the images to design your series of clear braces, which will gently shift your teeth into proper alignment. You will even see the progression of your tooth movement throughout the treatment.
Our staff will send these images to an Invisalign lab. There, technicians will create the aligners from the high-quality SmartTrack® material.
You will wear each set for about one to two weeks before you move on to the next pair. The total number of aligners you will need depends on the end results of your treatment plan. Our dentists at Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will monitor your progress throughout the process.
While you do not need as many visits as you would with braces, we recommend visits to track progress. On average, it takes 12 months to complete the Invisalign treatment. However, some patients may require more or less time.
Invisalign® vs Braces
Invisalign invisible braces offer many benefits compared to metal braces. This series of aligners is clear, so no one will notice you wearing them. Metal braces, on the other hand, are obvious. Many adult patients choose Invisalign to avoid the stigma of wearing braces. Invisalign is discreet.
Traditional braces consist of brackets that the dentists bond to the teeth and connect with metal wires. These will remain there until the end of your treatment. On the other hand, you can remove Invisalign throughout the day during your treatment. With Invisalign, you can clean and floss your teeth every day.
You can also remove the aligners to eat. Removable aligners mean you no longer have to worry about food restrictions. You can eat hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. Then, you can clean your teeth and gums before you put the aligners back on your teeth.
Metal braces can cause discomfort and may even cut or scratch the inside of your lips. In addition, the brackets can stain your teeth. Invisalign is made of a comfortable, smooth material. The aligners will sit comfortably on your teeth, and there is no risk of staining.
Caring for your Smile After Invisalign Treatment
After you complete your Invisalign treatment, you must maintain your results. First, brush, floss, and visit our dentist regularly. Basic oral care is essential for keeping your teeth, gums, and aligners clean. Gum or tooth infections can affect your results, so you should do everything possible to maintain your health.
Wearing a retainer is also essential. At the end of your treatment, we will create a custom retainer for you to maintain your Invisalign results.
You will wear your custom retainer at night while you sleep. When you wear your retainer nightly, you prevent the teeth from returning to their original position.
Schedule Your Invisalign® Consultation
Are you looking for a new way to straighten your teeth? Do you want an alternative to braces? Dr. James Furgurson offers the Invisalign clear aligner system in Durham, NC.
Contact our office today to learn more about Invisalign. Call Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 919.736.6175, or schedule an appointment online. Please let us know if you have any questions about Invisalign. We’re here to help you find the best way to straighten your smile.