If you’d like to straighten your smile without spending a year or more in traditional metal braces, Invisalign® offers a great solution. This is one of many cosmetic treatments available from Brooke Watson, DDS, and Braeden Alverson, DDS, of Palmer Park Dentistry in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Book your consultation online, or call the office to discuss appointment availability with a team member.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. This innovative system uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays to reposition your teeth into optimal alignment slowly. Many people choose Invisalign and other aligner systems like ClearCorrect® because they want a straighter smile without metal brackets and wires. Once in place, clear aligners are virtually invisible. This means you can straighten your smile without a metallic grin. Invisalign also enables you to maintain your dental hygiene routines easily. Metal brackets and wires provide many places for food particles, bacteria, and plaque to thrive. With Invisalign, you perform your regular dental hygiene routines.
How do tray-based aligner systems like Invisalign and ClearCorrect work?
The process begins with a comprehensive dental exam and advanced digital imaging. Then, a customized treatment plan is designed to meet your specific alignment needs.
A lab prepares your customized aligner trays. Each tray places gentle pressure on your teeth to slowly improve alignment.
The process is similar to how treatment wires place gentle force to move teeth during traditional orthodontic treatment. It’s important to understand that Invisalign and ClearCorrect are only effective if you adhere to treatment guidelines. Your aligners can’t help when you are not wearing them, and failure to comply will lengthen your treatment timeline.
What is it like to go through alignment treatment?
When you first begin treatment, getting used to how your aligner trays feel can take some time. However, it only takes a week before wearing your aligners will feel like another part of your daily routine.
You’ll wear your aligner trays around the clock, removing them only to brush or floss your teeth while eating or drinking. Your trays will fit snugly for the first few days until your teeth begin to shift. Then the trays will feel more comfortable until they switch to a new set of trays in about two weeks.
You’ll come into the office periodically for a treatment check-up. This allows your dentist to assess your treatment progress and adjust as needed.
When you’re ready to learn more, call Palmer Park Dentistry at (719) 301-5300 to book a visit. Online scheduling is also available, making it easy to find a time that fits your schedule.
