INVISALIGN®
Invisalign is one of the most innovative advancements in orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners offer adults and teenagers a more comfortable and discreet way to straighten teeth and improve bite and alignment in comparison to traditional metal braces. Invisalign can be quickly and easily removed for eating, drinking, and routine oral hygiene, typically providing a more pleasant straightening experience while remaining highly effective. Furthermore, the inconspicuous appearance of the aligners means many people may be unaware that you are straightening your teeth. A top dentist in Mississauga, Dr. Arun Narang can assist you in determining if this treatment can help you achieve your cosmetic and functional goals.
For more information about Invisalign, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Narang, please contact us today.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that uses clear, removable aligners to gently guide the teeth into the proper positioning, canceling the need for metal wires and brackets. Patients wear their aligners all day and night, removing them only to eat or clean the teeth. Every one to two weeks, individuals progress to the next aligner in the series based on their treatment plan, allowing gradual movement and repositioning of the teeth until their new smile is realized. This can provide a more comfortable method of treatment when compared to braces, often achieving the desired outcome faster than more traditional techniques.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign®?
Invisalign has the ability to correct a wide variety of concerns, including misalignment, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps between teeth, and crowding. Additionally, Invisalign provides several functional advantages such as:
They will be customized to suit your teeth
They are removable to allow for easy eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
They are typically more comfortable than metal braces
They do not require any metal, wires, or brackets
You will likely spend less time in the dentist chair for adjustments
What Concerns Can Invisalign® Address?
Understandably, most patients desire clear aligners over traditional metal braces due to the improved comfort and discreet nature of Invisalign orthodontics. A broad range of alignment issues can be treated with Invisalign, and both adults and teenagers can benefit from this revolutionary treatment. If you are interested in discovering whether Invisalign can help you achieve your aesthetic and functional dental goals, a consultation with Dr. Narang will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Among the many concerns that may necessitate orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can resolve:
Alignment and spacing problems
Crowded teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite
The Invisalign system is well-equipped to correct a broad range of alignment issues ranging from simple to complex. Patients who have more severe orthodontic concerns may require a more aggressive treatment for the best possible results. In these cases, Dr. Narang can recommend suitable alternatives.
Invisalign® Vs. Traditional Metal Braces
Each orthodontic technique offers unique benefits, and the right one for you will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of your treatment plan and your personal preferences. Invisalign can treat many of the same issues as traditional metal braces, and most of our patients opt for Invisalign when they have the choice. Invisalign can provide an inconspicuous and effective way to address misaligned teeth and malocclusion (bad bite). The straightening process often can be completed faster with Invisalign compared with metal braces. And Invisalign typically feels more comfortable. That said, metal braces may be the right option for certain people, and we can help you determine the optimal technique for you at your initial consultation.
What Is Invisalign® Teen?
We also offer an Invisalign treatment specifically designed for teenage patients who may prefer the clear aligners to metal braces. Using a process similar to Invisalign for adults, Invisalign for teens can address spacing, overcrowding, and bite concerns while offering a more aesthetically appealing, comfortable, and manageable experience. A series of clear aligners will be custom-fitted to suit each patient’s unique needs. The aligners should be worn for two weeks before being replaced by the subsequent aligner in the set. Each aligner features indicator dots that fade during use to assist younger patients in wearing the aligners as directed. If you are interested in this innovative procedure, Dr. Narang can provide additional information about the benefits and answer any questions during the initial consultation.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Your comfort is our highest priority; from your initial consultation to each subsequent visit, we will strive to make your experience as pleasant as possible. To start, Dr. Narang will begin by examining your teeth and creating an impression for your bite. This allows us to fabricate aligners that are specifically tailored to your unique anatomical needs, ensuring the best accuracy and fit possible. Each aligner will subtly reposition your teeth, slowly shifting them into the desired position. You will switch the current aligner for a new one approximately every one to two weeks. The aligners are to be worn at all times except for when you are eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Total treatment time will vary depending on the level of correction required, though most patients can complete the treatment within 9 to 15 months. During your consultation, Dr. Narang will provide a more specific time frame for the duration of treatment; however, subtle adjustments may be necessary as treatment proceeds.
HOW LONG DOES INVISALIGN® TAKE?
Everyone’s treatment plan is unique, and the amount of time needed to achieve your goals will vary from that of another patient. That said, the majority of individuals, including teens and adults, can often complete the process successfully in about 9-15 months.
Acceledent® Aura for Faster Invisalign® Treatment
To achieve straighter teeth in less time, our practice offers AcceleDent® Aura. This advanced technology uses SoftPulse™ vibrations to gently shift the position of the teeth faster than with Invisalign® aligners alone (it works with traditional braces, too!) In fact, this innovative dental device can reduce the length of treatment by as much as 50 percent. To use, simply place the appliance inside your mouth and over the Invisalign® clear aligner, bite down lightly, and activate. Our dentists recommend using AcceleDent® for 20 minutes per day to see the intended results. With continued use, many patients are able to switch out aligners every week, rather than every other week, reducing the procedure time in half. AcceleDent® Aura is a supplementary technique that can be added to your treatment plan for an additional cost. For more information, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team. We will be happy to answer questions as well as show you how this device can enhance your orthodontic experience and results.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
The price of Invisalign is a consideration for many patients, and there is good news on that front. Invisalign typically costs approximately the same as traditional metal braces. The total cost will depend on the number of aligners you’ll need to achieve your goals, how consistently you wear your aligners, the complexity of your treatment, and a few other factors. We want you to be well-informed, and we will go over all the details of your procedure, including expenses, during your initial consultation. The best way to keep costs as low as possible is to wear your aligners consistently as directed and to maintain the highest level of oral hygiene.
How to Choose an Invisalign® Dentist
Cosmetic dentists have varying levels of experience when it comes to orthodontics, highlighting the importance of selecting an Invisalign provider with the requisite training and aesthetic know-how to develop an optimal treatment plan using the clear aligner system. While the steps involved in the Invisalign process are somewhat universal, the quality of the final results ultimately depends on the care and proficiency of your cosmetic dentist or orthodontist.
Before making a decision, research whether your prospective Invisalign dentist belongs to any professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the Toronto Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. These organizations hold their fellows to high standards of training and ethical treatment, with membership often demonstrating the ability to remain attuned to advances within the field—a key skill set with regard to innovative dental treatments like Invisalign. In addition, before-and-after photos of previous Invisalign patients can be a helpful indication of whether a given dentist is able to achieve the results you envision, providing a realistic picture of the potential outcome. All in all, a dentist’s credentials, gallery of results, and rapport with patients—which can be assessed once you schedule a consultation—can give you the tools you need to select the right dentist to perform your Invisalign treatment.
Are There Alternatives to Invisalign®?
Absolutely. There are certain cases in which Invisalign may not be the most ideal system to treat a patient’s concerns, and our cosmetic dentists can help determine whether a more effective orthodontic technique would be better-suited to straighten your smile. In addition to Invisalign, we also offer ceramic braces in Mississauga as an Invisalign alternative, which can either be clear or tooth-colored for treatment that still blends in with your smile. Furthermore, some patients with minor gaps and aesthetic misalignments find that porcelain veneers can provide a beautiful solution to mask these flaws, often achieving a more symmetrical smile in no more than two office visits. However, veneers are only suitable for individuals whose concerns are purely cosmetic and who do not have issues with bite alignment.
“Narang is a guy who really cared about me. Took care of my invisalign and my new smile looks like a million bucks, and saved me a grand compared to the orthodontist! The guy is a champ!”
– B Zariczniak
Additional Information About Invisalign®
Our skilled dental team has provided answers to some common questions about Invisalign in Mississauga below. If you would like to know more, we encourage you to reach out to our practice for more information.
What are Invisalign® aligners made out of?
Invisalign aligners are composed of a patented, thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®. This FDA-approved material is latex- and gluten-free. The thin and clear nature of Invisalign can aligners make them a comfortable option for orthodontic treatment, the flexible plastic designed to fit snugly over the teeth.
My concerns are more functional than aesthetic, can Invisalign® still help?
Absolutely! Invisalign gradually repositions the teeth to sit in better alignment, helping improve function as well as aesthetics. Many patients who have uneven, uncomfortable, and/or misaligned bites (malocclusion) can benefit from this treatment. With your teeth in proper alignment, you may also find that basic dental hygiene is easier and you may experience fewer cavities and gum issues as you’re more able to clean between teeth.
Can I remove Invisalign® aligners for special occasions?
Of course. The aligners can be removed for special events, such as pictures and parties, as well as to eat or drink. It’s important to wear your Invisalign trays as much as possible during the day and evening (including while sleeping) to optimize your outcome and complete treatment within the estimated time frame. Ideally, they should remain in place for 20-22 hours per day. If, however, you need to take out the aligners for specific circumstances, simply remove them and place them back in once the occasion has passed.
How do I clean Invisalign® aligners?
Keeping the aligners clean is easy. Simply brush them using your normal toothbrush and some warm, room-temperature, or cold water. For a more thorough washing, you can use antibacterial soap as well, but be sure and rinse fully before returning the aligners to your mouth. We also suggest that you avoid using very hot water, as this can can warp the shape of the aligners.
Will wearing Invisalign® aligners affect my speech?
As you first get used to wearing the aligners, you may notice some slight lisping or other speech issues, but this should fade as you become more comfortable with wearing the trays. This is a normal part of the adjustment process, and usually only takes a few days to subside.
Do Invisalign® aligners hurt?
Patients don’t report pain from treatment, but it may take a few days to get used to the sensation of gentle pressure as you switch to a new set of Invisalign trays. Any discomfort is usually temporary and resolves as you become accustomed to wearing your aligners.
How noticeable are Invisalign® aligners?
Millions of people choose Invisalign for its inconspicuous appearance. The clear aligners are designed to be virtually invisible when worn, allowing you to go about your normal routine without anyone being aware of your treatment.
Can I still use Invisalign® if I have TMJ disorder and grind my teeth?
If you grind your teeth, Invisalign may not be an appropriate treatment for you. However, Invisalign often can help patients who suffer from TMJ disorder. This condition can be caused by misalignment of the teeth and bite. Once the teeth are directed to a more appropriate location, TMJ disorder symptoms could lessen or disappear entirely. Talk to our dentists about your options if you have TMJ disorder or if you grind your teeth.
If you have additional questions about the Invisalign process and whether this may be the right method for you, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Narang, please contact our office today.