Invisalign® is a sophisticated orthodontic system that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The aligners are smooth, comfortable, and nearly invisible. The system uses no metal wires or brackets.
The time required to straighten your teeth with Invisalign® depends on the degree of complexity. For the average patient, Invisalign® takes as little as 5 months to about 13 months to straighten teeth. This period is significantly faster than traditional braces and other orthodontic systems due to different mechanics
The system is appropriate for teens who have finished growing, adult patients and older patients.
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign® consists of a series of graduated plastic aligners that gently shift your teeth. The dentist creates the aligners using a 3-D oral scanner, skillfully planning the movement of each tooth.
The patient changes the aligners approximately once every 4 days to 7 days. The speed of the movement depends on how complex your treatment is. The aligners provide constant, gentle pressure to move teeth, unlike the painful adjustments involved with wearing traditional braces.
Patients must wear the aligners 22 hours per day, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush their teeth, and clean the aligners.
Advantages of Invisalign®
Invisalign has many advantages compared to traditional braces:
Faster
Traditional braces could take up to 3 years to work, even in less complex cases.
More Comfortable
Smooth and comfortable, plastic aligners do not rub or cut the inside of patients' mouths as braces can do.
Discreet
Braces may draw unwanted attention, especially for busy professionals. Invisalign® is discreet, and most people will not notice your aligners.
Better Oral Hygiene
Cleaning teeth can be challenging with traditional braces. Many braces patients struggle to brush and floss around the brackets and wires, which can lead to poor oral health when the treatment is over.
Eat Almost Anything
Within reason, you can eat anything with Invisalign®. You should remove your aligners when you eat or drink. If you clean your teeth and the aligners properly after eating and drinking, you will have far more freedom to choose what you eat than with braces, including popcorn and corn on the cob.
Orthodontic Problems Addressed by Invisalign®
Invisalign can correct crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, and crowded teeth, among other conditions. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth and let you know whether Invisalign® or another orthodontic treatment is best in your situation.
We Are Platinum Invisalign® Providers
If you are interested in Invisalign®, you should search for the best possible provider in your area. Dr. Steven Liao is proud to be a Platinum Invisalign® Provider and to have been recognized for his
Call Dental Associates of Lodi
With Invisalign®, you can enjoy your new smile months earlier than with other orthodontic appliances. Call our Lodi, NJ office at 862-247-8030 for more information on Invisalign® and to make an appointment for a consultation.
