Invisalign is an increasingly popular option for adults who are looking to improve the alignment of crowded, gapped, or otherwise misaligned teeth. Older teens who are reluctant to wear metal braces can also benefit from the clear braces treatment, thanks to recent changes in the Invisalign method. Invisalign is a discreet, comfortable, and convenient alternative to conventional orthodontics, and our Invisalign dentist, Dr. Natalia, is pleased to bring the treatment option to Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding communities of Pompano Beach, Plantation, and Hollywood, FL. Keep reading to find out more about Invisalign, including whether or not it's right for you.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign realigns your teeth using a series of trays that are shaped according to your unique dentition. Each one is designed to place pressure on a different part of the bite throughout the treatment. You will be instructed to wear each tray for one to two weeks before advancing to the next in the series. The changes are slight each time, but after about one year, on average, the treatment is complete — and your smile has never looked better!
Invisalign trays are removable, allowing you to eat what you like throughout treatment. Removability also means there are no special techniques for cleaning, like with conventional metal braces. And as long as you are wearing the trays for the recommended 20 to 22 hours daily, you can even feel free to remove them to look and feel your best before important meetings or events.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Invisalign works using the same orthodontic principles as traditional braces, but it does so using clear, removable plastic aligners rather than visible metal hardware. That's perhaps the most significant difference. Some of the other important ways in which these two treatments differ include:
Traditional metal braces are fixed onto the teeth and are at risk of breaking off when you eat certain foods. With removable aligners, you don't have to worry about damaging your braces and potentially delaying treatment.
Brushing and flossing are difficult with conventional braces, but it's as easy as ever to maintain excellent oral hygiene thanks to Invisalign's removable trays.
Smooth plastic aligners are often more comfortable than metal brackets and wires.
Most orthodontic issues can be corrected with Invisalign, but complex cases may still need to be treated with traditional braces.
With traditional braces, you need to visit your dentist every few weeks for adjustments and to make sure things are progressing along like they should. Invisalign is a largely self-directed treatment which requires appointments only every 6 weeks.
A Great Option for Teens and Adults Alike
No matter their age, few people want to wear metal braces. Thanks to recent improvements in the Invisalign method and a new indicator to help teens better comply with the treatment, Invisalign is now a great option for patients of all ages. That's wonderful news for busy adults and image conscious teens alike!
Benefits of Invisalign in Fort Lauderdale
Practically invisible
Comfortable
Removable for easy eating
No special techniques for cleaning
Can treat a variety of orthodontic issues
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of the Invisalign treatment depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case and how well you comply with the treatment. Some Invisalign cases can be completed in as little as 6 months, while others may take over 18 months to fully realign the bite. Longer treatments cost more since you will require more trays and additional visits to the dentist.
You can reduce expenses by following all of the Invisalign instructions carefully. Make sure you clean your aligners properly and avoid exposing them to high temperatures. Always store Invisalign in its case while you eat -- it's easy to toss an aligner in the trash if you wrap it in a paper towel at lunch. And, perhaps most importantly, wear your trays for the recommended 20 to 22 hours each and every day.
These tips can help you progress through the Invisalign treatment without any delays or added expenses. The only way to know for sure how much you can expect your treatment to cost is to visit your Invisalign dentist for a consultation.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign is an attractive option for anyone who wants to improve their teeth alignment, whether for oral health or cosmetic purposes. At Pearl White, we commonly provide Invisalign in Fort Lauderdale to help patients address:
Crowded and crooked teeth: Invisalign can help straighten teeth and is often used in concert with other methods to reduce overcrowding.
Open bite: This happens when there is a gap between two or more teeth, often the front teeth. An open bite can cause jaw pain and trouble speaking.
Crossbite: This occurs when the top and bottom teeth do not correctly align when biting. It can cause wear and tear that eventually leads to tooth damage.
Underbite: This happens when the lower set of teeth jut out farther than the top set. Invisalign can be used to treat underbite in some situations, often in addition to other treatments.
Invisalign is also a great option for adults who have never had braces, as well as those whose teeth have since shifted since having metal braces as a kid. The trays offer a convenient and discreet way to enhance your smile.
The best way to determine whether Invisalign is right for you is to see a dentist or orthodontist. Dr. Natalia can discuss this and other options from our office in Fort Lauderdale. Whether it is during a routine checkup and cleaning or a separate consultation, we are happy to explain the benefits of this treatment and whether it is right for you.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Getting Invisalign in Fort Lauderdale?
Although Invisalign offers several benefits and is a more attractive option than traditional braces for many people, the treatment is not without its challenges.
New patients can have trouble getting used to the fit of their retainer trays. It can be helpful to privately practice speaking with the trays in as a way to get used to them.
Some new Invisalign users may also initially forget to take the trays out when eating. Others may neglect to properly care for the trays, forgetting to store them or accidentally throwing them away, requiring replacements that increase the total cost of the treatment.
One effective strategy is to get multiple aligner cases that can be kept in various places, like your home, work, school, or car. This makes it easier to ensure that you can remove the trays whenever needed and keep them properly stored.
Where Can I Find Invisalign Near Me?
At Pearl White, we regularly consult patients on Invisalign, fit them for trays and monitor their progress throughout the course of the treatment. We have had significant success helping people straighten their teeth and enhance their smiles through the Invisalign method.
Dr. Natalia and the team take the time to understand each individual patient's situation and needs, proposing a treatment strategy that is specifically tailored to the individual. Whether it is Invisalign, our home teeth-whitening kit, or a wide range of other preventative, restorative or cosmetic treatments, we are pleased to be able to assist people in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR INVISALIGN DENTIST IN FORT LAUDERDALE TODAY
Are you interested in benefitting from the functional and cosmetic benefits of properly-aligned teeth? Invisalign is an excellent option for subtle straightening -- and we can't wait to help you get started. Schedule an appointment at our Fort Lauderdale office today!
"Let's just say I don't have the best teeth and have developed a fear of the dentist, but
this office is amazing! Everyone there is kind, caring, really understanding! Dr Natalia is
very gentle and goes out of her way to make sure you are comfortable and are taken care of. I
would recommend this place to any one especially if you are scared of the dentist, because
they will change that for you!"
Julie S., Pompano Beach, FL
"Patient Come First! Dr. Natalia is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure
her patients are comfortable and get the best dentistry she can offer. I would recommend Dr.
Natalia to anyone who needs a dentist!"
Yudanis G., Fort Lauderdale, FL
"As a kid I had a dentist who wasn't very nice. I never liked going to the dentist but this
office is different. An all-female gentle, compassionate staff makes you feel welcome and
there is never any pain. Last time I was in I almost fell asleep while Dr Benda worked on my
teeth.