Clear aligners are an effective and discreet option for straightening crooked teeth. Suitable for teen and adult patients, clear aligners effectively correct orthodontic concerns. They can do so without the bulky discomfort of traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are a cosmetic dentistry procedure Dr. Heather Adams offers patients who want an alternative to metal braces. Dr. Adams provides invisible braces to patients in Rogers, AR.
In some cases, Dr. Adams can use Invisalign clear aligners as part of a treatment plan to address more advanced dental concerns. Clear aligners may correct malocclusion, realign the jaw, and treat TMD.
What Can Invisible Braces Treat?
Chronic orofacial pain is often caused by tooth misalignment, overcrowding, or a misaligned bite. Clear aligners can gently shift the bite into a more comfortable and balanced position for mild to moderate issues. Treating crooked teeth can reduce painful symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.
A “bad bite,” or malocclusion, often contributes to TMJ disorders. If your teeth do not come together correctly, increased pressure on your teeth will affect your jaw and TMD. Fixing a bad bite can sometimes reduce jaw pain and headaches. However, we will not recommend Invisalign if you clench or grind your teeth. You can damage your aligners.
A thorough analysis of the bite and jaw can help Dr. Adams determine if clear aligners are the right treatment option for your concerns. If you require more advanced treatment, Dr. Adams works closely with a local orthodontist to provide the most comprehensive oral health care to suit your needs.
Dr. Adams recommends Invisalign for a variety of dental problems:
- Tooth crowding
- Spaces between teeth
- Narrow tooth arches
- Underbite or overbite
- Crossbite
- Crooked teeth
The Benefits of Invisalign Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is most successful when the patient is committed and adheres to prescribed care. Young patients will appreciate that there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign and no more food particles stuck on braces.
Invisalign patients will find it easy to follow the treatment plan due to the ease and comfort with which the clear retainers can be removed for cleaning, dental visits, and changing into the next retainer. This can be especially essential for younger patients who may not be as enthusiastic about orthodontic treatment.
In addition, Invisalign retainers will not irritate the mouth’s soft tissues. This is a common problem for patients using metal braces, especially children and teens.
Treatment with Invisible Braces in Rogers, AR
Clear aligners are custom-designed to gradually shift crooked teeth into alignment. Using digital imaging and 3-D technology, Dr. Adams creates a series of aligners. Dr. Adams will take images of your mouth with an intraoral scanner connected to a computer. Then, the computer will generate a three-dimensional image of your bite.
Dr. Adams will send these images to a dental lab. Technicians will create a series of custom aligners based on your treatment plan. Aligners are made from hard-soft plastic that fits snugly against the teeth.
The aligners are clear and practically invisible to other people. Clear aligners are removable and do not rub or irritate the soft tissue. With clear aligners, you can eat foods without restriction.
Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks at a time. We encourage you to wear aligners for at least 22 hours daily to achieve the best results. The total duration of treatment will vary depending on the extent of your orthodontic needs.
You can expect to wear your aligners for 12 to 18 months or more. Then, once you complete treatment, we will fit you with a custom retainer to maintain long-term results.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn more about treatment with invisible braces in Rogers, AR, with answers to these common questions:
How much pain should I expect with clear aligners?
Clear aligners are much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. When you put on your first set of aligners, they may cause some soreness. This is simply because it is the first time you will feel the gentle push of your teeth aligning.
This is entirely normal, and most people get used to this feeling in a couple of days. Pain is not typical and may indicate that your aligners do not fit correctly, so you should contact Dr. Adams immediately.
What can I eat and drink during my treatment?
You can eat and drink anything you like during your clear aligner treatment. Remember to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. You can remove your aligners for a few hours a day.
We recommend removing all food particles from your teeth before putting the aligners back on. If you cannot brush and floss after you eat, rinse your mouth out with water before putting your aligners back in your mouth. Additionally, never eat any food while the aligners are in your mouth.
Will aligners affect my speech?
Like mouthguards, Invisalign aligners will temporarily affect your speech. Most people report having a slight lisp when they first start wearing clear aligners. However, when your tongue becomes accustomed to the aligners, the lisp should fade.
How do I care for my aligners?
After eating and drinking, clean your teeth and gums. Then, put your aligners back on your teeth. Do not wrap your aligners in a napkin or paper towel because you can accidentally throw it away. Keep your aligners in their case.
You should rinse your aligners every night. Brush them with a soft-bristled brush and clear antibacterial soap to remove debris. To make cleaning easy, brush your teeth or rinse with water after each meal. You can also use Invisalign crystals, a dissolvable soak for aligners. Soaking your aligners for fifteen or more minutes provides a deeper clean.
Request an Invisalign Consultation Today
Have you been considering orthodontic treatment but don’t want traditional metal braces? Do you have a teenager with crooked teeth who hates the idea of braces? Ask us about invisible braces.
Trust Dr. Heather Adams to restore the health and appearance of your smile. Call us at (479) 431-4212 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.