Nov
Years ago, if you wanted to straighten your teeth, you had one option: bulky, uncomfortable metal braces with brackets and wires. Not only did metal braces cause discomfort, but some also disliked their appearance. But the world of orthodontics has changed, and advances in modern orthodontics offer more discrete ways to straighten teeth. The good news is that Dr. Richard D’Avanzo — a board certified orthodontist at our practice at Rolling Oaks Dental, has an excellent alternative to metal braces: Invisalign clear aligners.
In the late 1990s, clear aligners emerged as an alternative to uncomfortable metal braces. Clear aligners are ultra-thin and transparent, offering people with mild malocclusion a comfortable, attractive option for teeth straightening. When clear aligners were first introduced to dentistry, orthodontists and dentists only used them for very simple cases. Nowadays, when it comes to orthodontic treatment, there are very few things that Invisalign treatment CAN’T do.
Clear aligners are made with flexible but durable BPA-free thermoplastic. Even though they’re almost invisible, Invisalign aligners move teeth to a straighter position using consistent but gentle force. These aligners are completely removable, making them ideal for patients who want to clean their teeth more effectively and enjoy the foods they love.
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the system can be used to treat a variety of orthodontic problems, including these:
Every Invisalign aligner is custom-made just for you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your aligners and Invisalign process will be designed specifically for your unique situation.
One of the main concerns people have about metal braces is that it’s very difficult to practice oral care, including brushing and flossing thoroughly. With Invisalign clear aligners, you can simply remove them to clean your teeth.
At Rolling Oaks Dental, we use iTero technology to take a 3D scan of your teeth. With this scan, you and your dentist can view a rendering of your smile when the Invisalign process is completed. You’ll be able to see your final smile before you even begin your Invisalign journey.
Once the 3D mapping is done, your clear aligners will be digitally designed. This will enable your teeth to gradually move back into their proper positions. The information will be sent to Invisalign, where your aligners will be created. Your orthodontist works closely with the technicians at Invisalign to ensure that the aligners will be customized to achieve the treatment goals.
With Invisalign, you can have straighter teeth in about half the time you would need with metal braces. The Invisalign process takes between six to 18 months for most people.
If you’re ready to achieve the most beautiful smile of your life, the team at Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, Texas, is here to help. Call our office today at (210) 880-2229 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment using the form on our website.