Invisalign – Phoenix, AZ

Crowded Teeth

Overcrowding is a common orthodontic problem that can lead to several issues, including an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our talented cosmetic dentists sooner rather than later. Once they have an in-depth understanding of your dental history, needs, and goals, they can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.

Gaps Between Teeth

While some patients have a few smaller spaces throughout their smiles, others have a large gap between their two front teeth. The good news is that Invisalign is usually a solution. If we determine that you’re a good candidate, then we can have a custom series of aligners made for you. Since they are see-through and removable, you’ll be able to see the gaps gradually close right before your eyes!

Overbite

Although your upper teeth should sit in front of your lower ones, they shouldn’t jut out too far. If they do, then several problems can arise, including difficulty chewing properly. Fortunately, clear aligners can often be used in tandem with other orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, to correct mild to moderate cases. So, don’t just assume that metal braces are your only option!

Underbite

Of course, some patients are dealing with the opposite problem: their lower teeth sit in front of their upper ones when they bite down. If that’s the case for you, then schedule a consultation at our Phoenix dental office so we can determine if Invisalign is an option. If we decide together that it’s best to proceed with clear aligners, then your orthodontic treatment won’t involve any metal at all.

Crossbite

What if only a few of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones? In that case, you likely have a crossbite, which is an orthodontic problem that can lead to chronic jaw pain, premature wear, and TMJ dysfunction. For all of those reasons, we advise against taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, visit our team at Bell Road Dental Care right away to see if Invisalign is right for you.

Open Bite

Is there a space between your upper and lower teeth that’s preventing them from meeting evenly when you bite down? If so, you may have an open bite. Like the other bite problems listed here, Invisalign is usually an option for patients with mild to moderate cases. So, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us if you are interested in a metal-free orthodontic treatment.

Ultimate Convenience

Simply put, Invisalign fits your lifestyle. As long as you wear your trays for 22 hours per day, you can remove them for special events, such as first dates or job interviews. Plus, you don’t need to make any drastic changes to your diet! Just make sure to take your aligners off, rinse them with clean, cool water, and place them in their designated case beforehand. Then, when you’re done, clean your teeth and your trays thoroughly.

Improved Comfort

It’s no secret that metal brackets and wires can irritate your lips and cheeks. In fact, that may even be a primary reason why you haven’t pursued orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are considerably more comfortable because the trays are crafted from smooth plastic, have a low profile, and are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly.

Incredibly Versatile

In addition to being able to correct overcrowding and spacing issues, Invisalign can address several common bite problems, including overbites and underbites. So, if you think that the only path to a straight smile involves metal brackets and wires, schedule a consultation with us. You may be surprised to learn that we can achieve the results you desire with clear, barely noticeable aligners!

Hassle-Free Dental Care

Not only is cleaning around brackets and wires difficult for patients, but it also increases their risk of cavities and gum problems. The good news is that Invisalign aligners are removable, so it’s much easier to maintain a healthy smile. In fact, you can continue your usual dental care regimen! Just make sure that you thoroughly clean your trays before putting them back on.

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

Usually, it takes 2-3 years for patients to achieve the results they desire with traditional braces. Invisalign, on the other hand, has an average treatment timeline of only 12-18 months. We may even be able to straighten your teeth in less than 8 months if your case of misalignment is relatively minor and you follow the treatment guidelines we give you to a tee.

No Monthly Adjustment Appointments

Patients who have a busy semester ahead, who recently became a parent, or who have a lot going on at work often aren’t able to commit to monthly adjustment appointments. Thankfully, Invisalign allows you to progress through portions of your treatment plan at home. As a result, there’s a good chance that you’ll only need to come to our office every 6-8 weeks!

Wearing Your Trays

Of course, one of the biggest changes to your routine will be actually wearing the aligners. In order to stay on track with your Invisalign treatment in Phoenix, you need to keep them on for a minimum of 20 hours a day. If you aren’t sure whether or not you’re meeting the mark, try using the stopwatch on your phone. Then, you can make the necessary adjustments to your routine to ensure you’re wearing your trays for the recommended amount of time.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Another important aspect of life with Invisalign is taking care of your aligners. After brushing and flossing your teeth, you should use a damp, soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to gently remove food particles, plaque, and any other debris that’s on the surface. If there is still a yellow hue or unpleasant odor on your trays, then you can soak them for 15 minutes or so in a dentist-approved cleaning solution (NOT mouthwash or bleach).

Eating & Drinking

Since there aren’t any strict dietary restrictions with Invisalign, you don’t need to avoid certain foods or beverages. There is one thing you need to keep in mind, though: you can’t eat or drink with your aligners on. Outside of that, just do your best to keep starchy snacks and sugary treats to a minimum since overindulging can quickly cause cavities to develop.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If you accidentally lose or break one of your aligners, don’t wait – call our team at Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix ASAP. That way, we can learn what happened and take a look at where you are in the teeth-straightening process. If you’re close to progressing to the next set of trays, then we may ask you to make the transition a bit early. If that’s not the case, then we will begin the process of having a replacement made.

Attending Progress Visits

Although there aren’t monthly adjustment appointments with Invisalign, there are periodic progress visits. These allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth and, if necessary, make adjustments to your treatment plan. The good news is that these typically happen every 6-8 weeks and are less than 30 minutes each time.

Tip: If you have a jam-packed schedule, schedule your progress visits with your routine checkups and cleanings!