There are many types of orthodontic treatments available today to straighten teeth and 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 as they gently move your teeth into proper position without the use of metal braces. You can even remove them to eat, brush, and floss.
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. These custom clear aligners are designed to not disrupt your life like metal braces.
Will Invisalign Work for Me?
There is 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 your dentist to find out if it’s the right orthodontic treatment for you. Generally, Invisalign is recommended for:
- Patients who have mild to moderate misalignment: Invisalign is effective at treating crowded teeth, gaps in 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. It is meant for adults and older teenagers who have most or all of their permanent teeth.
- Patient who can comply with the treatment: Since the aligners are removable, it is tempting to take them out whenever you like. However, they must be worn for 20-22 hours a day. Additionally, you have to switch them out every one to two weeks. Complying with these instructions is essential a successful treatment.
- Patients with good oral health: If you can maintain good oral health, then 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 addresses before you start wearing the aligners. You must continue to take good care of your teeth during treatment to avoid further problems.
What Are Invisible Aligners?
There are many types of braces that are clear but many patients prefer the Invisalign® system. It straightens teeth using a set of aligners that are clear and ultra-thin. They are made up of SmartTrack® material, a layered polymer material that is patented for Invisalign. The Invisalign lab uses this material to make each aligner to fit perfectly over your teeth. It is also very durable. These aligners are meant to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment over a period of time. The patient will wear their custom aligners for one to two weeks and then they switch to the next set.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Your Durham, North Carolina area dentist will take the digital impressions of your teeth during your first visit. We will use the images to design your serious of clear braces that will gently shift your teeth into proper alignment. You will even be able to see the progression of your teeth movement throughout the treatment. Our staff will send these images to an Invisalign lab. They will create the aligners from the high quality SmartTrack® material.
You will wear each set for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next pair. The total number of aligners you will need depends on the end results in your treatment plan. The dentists at Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will monitor your progress throughout the entire process.
Invisalign® vs Braces
Invisalign invisible braces offers many benefits when compared to metal braces. This series of aligners are clear so no one will even notice you are wearing them. Metal braces, on the other hand, are bulky and obvious. This is why many of our adult patients choose Invisalign to avoid the stigma of wearing braces.
Traditional braces consist of brackets that the dentists bonds to the teeth and connects 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. This will allow you to properly clean and floss your teeth every day. You can also remove them to eat. No more worrying about food restrictions or food getting stuck in your brackets!
Metal braces on your teeth can cause discomfort and may even cut or scratch the inside of your lips. In addition, the brackets can also stain your teeth. Invisalign is made of a smooth material that is quite comfortable. They will sit comfortably on your teeth and there is no risk of staining.
Caring for your Smile After Invisalign
After you complete your Invisalign treatment, there are several things you need to do to maintain results. It is very important to brush and floss every single day and visit your dentist regularly. Basic oral care is especially important now. Oral diseases can affect your results and you should do everything you can to prevent them.
Also, wearing a retaining is every important. At the end of your treatment, we will have a custom retainer made for you that will maintain your Invisalign results. It will help prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back into their original position. Any time teeth are forced into a new position, they will want to revert back. Wearing a retainer will prevent this.
You will wear your custom retainer at night while you sleep. This is something that you will have to do for the rest of your life to maintain a straight smile. By wearing a retaining nightly, it will prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position.
Schedule an Invisalign® Consultation
If you are looking for a discreet and precise treatment to straighten your teeth, Dr. James Furgurson offers the Invisalign clear aligner system. Contact our office today to learn more about Invisalign. You can reach us by calling 919.736.6175 or you can schedule an appointment online.