Many adults resist correcting their crooked teeth because they don’t want to get traditional braces. But metal braces are no longer your only option for straightening teeth. At Similes of West Point, we offer Invisalign, a convenient realignment without wires, metal or cement. It doesn’t interfere with eating, speaking or sleeping and typically delivers results within 6 to 12 months.

What Is Invisalign?

This orthodontic procedure involves using a thin, clear aligner that is made of a flexible thermoplastic. You can wear an aligner on your top teeth, bottom teeth or both. It fits snugly and gradually shifts your teeth into a straighter position.

Because they’re clear, these aligners are inconspicuous. It’s difficult to tell when someone is wearing aligners from a distance. They’re relatively comfortable for patients.

Although you may notice that you’re wearing aligners, you’ll likely get used to them quickly. You may feel some soreness in your jaw as your teeth move into their optimal position. However, you won’t have to deal with the irritation to your gums and oral tissues that develop from wearing traditional braces.

Many patients in West Point choose Invisalign because:

• Invisalign makes it easy to keep your teeth clean

• Invisalign braces are less obvious than traditional braces

• They’re comfortable

The Procedure

Aligners are customized for your mouth. Once you decide to get Invisalign, we will take 3D scans of your mouth. This imaging not only helps the lab create aligners that fit you perfectly but also allows the dental health professionals to design a plan to get you from here to there.

After you receive the aligners and ensure that they fit, you’ll wear them throughout the day. You can remove them to eat, brush and floss. However, you should wear them at all other times for a total of 20 to 22 hours a day.

You’ll replace your aligners with a new set approximately every two weeks. The new aligners help you maintain the shifts that have already happened and straighten your teeth further. Your last set of aligners will perfect your smile.

As with any dental alignment procedure, you’ll have to wear a retainer to maintain your straight teeth after you have undergone this treatment. Visiting the dentist regularly will help ensure that your new smile continues to look great.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Aligners give you plenty of independence when it comes to straightening your teeth. You won’t have to spend too much time in the dentist chair at Smiles of West Point. However, this is a procedure that should be supervised by a dental professional.

Invisalign in West Point is ideal for correcting the following dental issues:

• Crooked teeth

• Crowding

• Gaps between teeth

• Uneven spacing

• Mild to moderate bite misalignment

However, this type of orthodontia may not work as well for patients who:

• Cannot remember to wear them

• Have certain complex dental issues

• Have existing bridgework

Still, aligners work well for a number of people. They may work best for people who are between the ages of 35 and 50. However, adolescents and older people also qualify for this type of straightening treatment.

Our dentist in West Point can talk to you about your objectives and offer realistic expectations. Set up a consultation to find out whether aligners are an option for you. We can help you get the most out of your cosmetic dentistry procedure.