Straighten Your Smile, Without Sacrifice.
Invisalign® is a great option for adults and teens who need to straighten their teeth. It’s perfect for adults who want to avoid the look of metal braces and for teens who want to skip the awkwardness of traditional braces. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley in Virginia Beach, VA, use Invisalign to gently move teeth into the right position.
Invisalign can fix common issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth. The aligners are made of clear, durable plastic, so they’re nearly invisible. They’re also more comfortable than other types of braces, and because they’re removable, you can easily take them out when needed. This makes Invisalign a great choice for many people who want a more flexible treatment option.
Why Choose Invisalign®?
Invisalign offers many benefits compared to traditional braces. The clear aligners are nearly invisible, so most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. Besides looking and feeling better, Invisalign has several other advantages:
- You can keep up with your normal brushing and flossing routine, so your teeth and gums stay healthy during treatment.
- There’s no risk of metal allergies since there are no wires or brackets.
- Treatment is more predictable, so you know what to expect.
- The aligners gently move your teeth without hurting your enamel, gums, or jaw joint (TMJ).
- Custom-made aligners fit your teeth perfectly, so you won’t have to deal with the discomfort of metal braces.
Traditional braces, while still common, come with some drawbacks compared to Invisalign. Studies show that Invisalign can be better for your dental health during treatment. Metal braces can trap food and make brushing and flossing more difficult, while Invisalign aligners can be removed, making it easier to clean your teeth.
The Invisalign® Process in Virginia Beach
Invisalign is a simple and effective way to straighten your teeth without the need for metal braces. The process is easy and straightforward.
Your treatment starts with a consultation with one of our dentists to see if Invisalign is the right option for you. If it is, we will take 3D images of your teeth and jaw. These images help us create your custom aligners and show you what your smile will look like after treatment.
Once your aligners are ready, we’ll explain how to wear them to get the best results. Your first set of aligners will begin gently moving your teeth into the correct position. Every couple of weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners, which will continue to move your teeth gradually.
As your treatment progresses, we will give you new aligners that keep moving your teeth into place. Most people use anywhere from 20 to 40 aligners during their treatment. How long your treatment takes depends on how much correction you need and your smile goals.
Many patients complete their Invisalign treatment in about six to twelve months. You can eat most foods without worrying about diet restrictions because there are no wires to break or food getting stuck. Once your treatment is finished, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Wearing the retainer at night or for a few hours during the day will help you maintain your new smile for life.
For the best results, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. This gives you time to take them out for eating and cleaning your teeth but ensures they stay on long enough to do their job. With Invisalign, you can enjoy a straight smile without the hassle of traditional braces.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Taking Care of Your Invisalign® Aligners
Taking good care of your Invisalign aligners is crucial for making sure they stay in the best condition and help you achieve your desired results. Here are some tips to follow:
- Keep Them Clean: Rinse your aligners with cold water before and after wearing them to avoid stains and bad breath. Don’t use hot water, as it can warp or melt the plastic.
- Avoid Soaking in Mouthwash: Don’t soak your aligners in mouthwash or other liquids. The acidity can damage the material and can warp the aligners.
- Be Careful When Eating: Always remove your aligners before eating and rinse your mouth before putting them back in. This helps prevent food particles from getting trapped and causing problems.
Invisalign® FAQs
Have questions about how Invisalign can straighten your smile? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get in our office.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign®?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover Invisalign since it’s considered a cosmetic treatment. However, many plans do cover metal braces for straightening teeth. Check with your dental insurance provider to see what benefits they offer.
Some plans may cover part of the Invisalign treatment based on the type of coverage you have. If you’re unsure about your insurance, our office can help you figure out if they will cover any of the cost.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?
Yes, you’ll need to wear a retainer after finishing your Invisalign treatment. This helps prevent your teeth from shifting back out of place, which is called orthodontic relapse. Relapse happens when the teeth and jaw aren’t given enough time to get used to their new positions, causing them to move back to their old spots. To protect the results of your Invisalign treatment, wearing a retainer is key.
Can Invisalign Damage My Teeth?
No, it’s very unlikely. Invisalign aligners are safe for both teens and adults when used properly. As long as you wear them as instructed and take care of your teeth, Invisalign won’t damage your teeth or gums. The aligners don’t have harmful chemicals, they don’t scratch your gums or teeth, and they’re easy to remove when needed.
Will Invisalign Stain My Teeth?
No, the material used to make Invisalign aligners won’t stain your teeth or harm your enamel. But if you don’t clean your aligners after eating, bacteria can build up and possibly cause staining. We recommend brushing your teeth and cleaning your aligners after every meal to avoid this issue.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation Today
If you’re considering Invisalign and live near Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach, call Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at 757-656-6368. You can also schedule an appointment online. We’ll do a full exam to see if Invisalign is the right choice for your smile!