An Alternative Orthodontic Treatment
When patients need orthodontic treatment for dental misalignment issues, very few of them want to deal with traditional metal braces. This option can be uncomfortable, hard to clean, and noticeable by everyone.
Patients may be denying themselves essential dental alignment treatment because they don’t want to deal with the way metal braces look and feel. This increases the chance of complications such as gum disease, because misaligned teeth may make it difficult to clean certain areas of your mouth.
Luckily, advancements in dental technology have provided patients who struggle with dental misalignment a solution other than metal braces. Invisalign® clear aligners are a discreet and effective orthodontic treatment available to patients at Desert Hills Dental Care.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are dental aligner trays that utilize patented SmartTrack® technology to comfortably guide your teeth into place over time. Invisalign has a number of advantages over traditional metal braces, such as:
- Comfortable wear
- Discreet appearance
- Removability
- Lack of dietary restrictions
- Easy to clean
- No special care required
Receiving Your Invisalign
Initial Consultation
Before you can receive your aligners, you’ll attend a consultation with Dr. Schumacher at our Farmington, NM office. He’ll examine your mouth, discuss your dental goals, and review your medical history with you. This information will allow Dr. Schumacher to determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
In some cases, supplementary procedures such as an interproximal reduction may be required. This procedure involves removing a small layer of enamel from adjacent teeth to help the aligner trays fit better.
3D-Imaging
Once any necessary supplemental procedures have been performed and Dr. Schumacher has cleared you for Invisalign treatment, you’ll undergo 3D-imaging. Using this advanced dental technology, Dr Schumacher will take three dimensional photos of the inside of your mouth.
These images will serve as the blueprints for your new aligner trays and allow Dr. Schumacher to plan out a personalized, step-by-step orthodontic treatment for guiding your teeth into place.
Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Your aligner trays will be created off-site at a special lab using the 3D images we provide. When you return to our Farmington office, we’ll ensure your first tray fits comfortably before you leave our office with the rest of your new trays.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign involves a series of aligner trays. You’ll wear each tray for a minimum of 20 hours a day for two weeks each. Invisalign trays should only be taken out when you need to:
- Eat
- Drink something other than water
- Clean your teeth or your aligners
By the time you’ve worked your way through the entire series of aligner trays, you’ll enjoy a much straighter smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being fitted for your Invisalign aligners doesn’t hurt, but we will use an anesthetic for any supplemental procedures like interproximal reduction.
Like any orthodontic treatment, your aligners can cause mild soreness as they gradually shift your teeth into place. This soreness shouldn’t last for more than a few days with every new aligner tray.
If you experience soreness lasting more than a few days, call our Farmington office as soon as possible by contacting us at (505) 327-4863. We’ll do what we can to resolve any issues you might be having.
Invisalign clear aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional metal braces, but the cost can vary depending on your case.
We suggest contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn if your plan will cover your treatment cost. We also have financing options available to help make your treatment more affordable.
For most patients, Invisalign treatment can be completed in half the time of traditional metal braces, which is anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Many patients start seeing results within the first few weeks!
Caring for your aligners is essential to keep your treatment on track. Neglecting to do so may damage your aligners, setting your treatment back significantly.
Some care instructions Dr. Schumacher may give you include:
- Remove your aligner trays before you eat, drink something other than water, and clean your teeth
- Use lukewarm water, a soft-bristle brush, and a gentle soap or toothpaste to clean your trays
- Store your aligners in a protective case when not in use
- Soak your aligner trays at least once a day in Invisalign brand crystals
- Rinse your aligners before putting them back in your mouth
- Remove your aligners from back to front avoid tearing
Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted
With Invisalign clear aligners, you can comfortably and discreetly get the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact our Farmington office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schumacher by dialing (505) 327-4863 or filling out our contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a straighter smile!