If you wish your teeth were straighter, closer together, or more even, you’re not alone. However, you may hesitate to get treatment due to the uncomfortable metal wires and brackets associated with braces. Fortunately, the Invisalign system provides a nearly invisible, flexible solution that straightens teeth with custom-made, clear plastic aligners.
At Port City Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand wanting a straighter smile without metal braces stealing the spotlight. Our friendly team is excited to offer you clear aligner treatment through an Invisalign-trained doctor, the game-changing way to transform your smile while still enjoying life to the fullest. With our dental expertise, including skills from the United States Navy’s dental program, and our warm, personalized approach, we’ll create an Invisalign treatment that fits perfectly with your smile goals and lifestyle.
What Is Invisalign?
Feeling self-conscious about your teeth can make you hide your smile in photos or cover your mouth when you laugh, but the Invisalign system offers a solution that gives you both straighter teeth and boosted confidence. This treatment uses clear aligners made from digital impressions of your teeth to gradually reposition them over time, addressing a wide range of orthodontic treatment concerns, including:
- Misaligned teeth
- Gaps in the smile
- Overbite and underbite
- Crossbite and open bite
- Overcrowded teeth
With an 88 to 90% success rate, you can trust Invisalign and Align Technology along with our dedicated team to give you the high-quality, personalized treatment that delivers results you’re proud to show off. Whether you have a teenager ready to start teeth straightening or you’re an adult looking to transform your smile, we’re here to help determine if Invisalign is right for you and guide you through every step of your treatment.
6 Steps of the Invisalign Process
No matter how complex your orthodontic issues are, getting treatment like Invisalign can be intimidating. At Port City Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand the commitment Invisalign treatment involves. We communicate with you from the beginning to help you know what to expect during your treatment.
While every patient is different and has a unique timeline, the Invisalign system includes the following steps to straighten your teeth in a more comfortable, convenient way:
Consultation
Before starting your Invisalign treatment, we discuss your smile goals, how the process works, and the Invisalign treatment cost, so you can make an informed decision.
X-Rays and Impressions
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, we take X-rays and photographs of your mouth, face, teeth, and jaw to plan how to align your teeth for optimal results. Then, we take digital impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used as a model for your aligners, allowing us to show you how your smile will transform throughout your treatment.
Tooth Preparation
In some cases, we will prepare the teeth for Invisalign by placing small patches of composite resin on them. This helps Align Technology ensure proper grip and promote tooth movement. We may also remove a small amount of enamel from certain teeth to ensure they have enough room to fit together as they shift.
Fitting
When your custom aligners arrive, you can try on your first trays and see how they fit and feel. We may try a few different trays and make adjustments if needed. The aligners will likely feel tight, as they need to be strong enough to support tooth movement, but you should adjust in a few days.
Changing Your Trays
As you wear your aligners for 22 hours daily, you’ll start to see and feel changes in your mouth. Every one to two weeks, you’ll change your aligners to move on to the next phase, each one bringing you closer to your brand-new smile.
Smile Maintenance
Once you’ve completed your clear aligner treatment, wearing a retainer at night helps maintain your straight smile. Retainers are custom-made to fit comfortably and ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.
Why Get Invisalign at Port City Family & Cosmetic Dentistry?
Invisalign can give you more than a straight smile. It can also boost your confidence and help you take better care of your oral health. As an alternative to traditional braces, getting treatment from an Invisalign doctor at Port City Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers distinct advantages that make your journey to teeth straightening more comfortable and convenient, including the following:
Removable
The Invisalign system uses removable aligners, so you can eat and drink whatever you want throughout your treatment. Additionally, Invisalign’s removability makes it easier to clean your teeth, reducing your risk of cavities.
Discreet Appearance
Invisalign is made from clear, medical-grade plastic, making them nearly undetectable. This allows you to straighten your teeth without the look of metal wires and brackets and maintain your confidence throughout your treatment.
Fewer Appointments
Traditional braces often involve frequent follow-ups with an orthodontist, making it challenging to work into your schedule. Invisalign requires less frequent appointments, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on school or work throughout your treatment.
More Comfortable
The wires and brackets used with traditional braces can irritate your gums and cheeks, causing ongoing discomfort. Clear aligner treatment provides a smooth, plastic alternative that allows for gentler tooth movement, making it a more comfortable option. While you may feel your teeth shifting, the tight feeling typically dissipates after a few days.
Achieve Your Dream Smile With the Experienced Team at Port City Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
At Port City Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we combine advanced dental technology with compassionate care to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Our team brings unique expertise from diverse backgrounds, including United States Navy dental training, to provide exceptional clear aligner treatment tailored to your specific needs. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns throughout their orthodontic treatment journey.
Ready to transform your smile with the convenience and discretion of the Invisalign system? Our Spanish-speaking staff ensures clear communication for all our patients, making your path to straighter teeth as smooth as possible. Take the first step toward your confident new smile by calling (910) 251-8174 or visiting our contact form to schedule your Invisalign consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign Aligners
How do Invisalign aligners work to straighten teeth?
Invisalign aligners use an advanced clear aligner system designed to gradually move teeth into their ideal position. Using digital impressions and 3D mapping technology, Align Technology creates a series of custom-made aligners that apply gentle pressure to the teeth. This results in predictable tooth movements, helping to correct misalignments, gaps, and bite issues.
What makes Invisalign clear aligners different from traditional braces?
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and more comfortable since they lack wires or brackets. They are custom-fitted for each patient using an advanced digital system, allowing for more predictable tooth movements without frequent adjustments. The ability to remove them for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene makes them a convenient alternative to traditional braces.
How does Invisalign create a custom treatment plan for each patient?
Every Invisalign journey begins with a consultation where a dentist or orthodontist evaluates your smile and goals. Digital impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to Align Technology, where specialized software designs a custom treatment plan. This plan maps out the exact movements of your teeth, showing you a preview of your final results before treatment even begins.
How long does it take for Invisalign to work, and is it effective for all cases?
Invisalign works efficiently for many mild to moderate orthodontic cases, typically achieving results in 6 to 18 months. More complex cases may take longer, but the advanced clear aligner system ensures steady progress with regular aligner changes. While Invisalign can treat most misalignment issues, severe cases may require alternative orthodontic solutions.
Are Invisalign clear aligners comfortable to wear, and how often do they need to be changed?
Yes, Invisalign clear aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, making them more comfortable than traditional braces. While patients may experience slight tightness when switching to a new set, this feeling usually fades after a few days. Aligners are typically changed every one to two weeks as teeth gradually shift, following the custom treatment plan designed for predictable tooth movements.