St. Louis, MO
Invisalign® Orthodontic Treatment
For people who are dissatisfied with their smiles but have not done anything about them because they are not interested in a mouthful of metal, Invisalign® "braces" may be a good option. They eliminate both the discomfort of metal wires and the inconvenience of adjustments. The Invisalign system uses virtually invisible aligners that straighten teeth without metal bands, brackets or wires. The custom-made trays are comfortable, and easy to remove for eating, brushing, flossing and special occasions. The clear-plastic Invisalign aligners are so inconspicuous that it is difficult to tell when someone is wearing them.
What Invisalign Can Treat
Invisalign® aligners are capable of correcting a wide range of orthodontic concerns, from simple to complex. Patients considering Invisalign in St. Louis often want to know whether their specific issue can be treated, and in most cases the answer is yes. Common concerns that clear aligners address include:
- Crowded teeth that overlap or have too little room
- Gaps and spacing between teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Overbite, where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
- Underbite, where the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite, where upper and lower teeth do not line up correctly
- Open bite, where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed
During your consultation, your St. Louis dentist will evaluate your bite and let you know whether Invisalign is the right fit or whether another approach would serve you better.
How Invisalign Compares to Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces move teeth into better alignment, but they do so in very different ways. Metal braces use brackets and wires that are fixed to the teeth for the duration of treatment. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are nearly invisible and can be taken out for eating and cleaning.
For many adults and teens, the appeal of Invisalign in St. Louis comes down to discretion, comfort, and convenience. There are no metal brackets to irritate the cheeks and lips, no dietary restrictions, and no special tools required to keep teeth clean. Traditional braces still have their place for certain complex cases, which is why a professional evaluation is the best way to choose the right option.
How Long You Wear Your Aligners Each Day
Consistency is the key to successful Invisalign treatment. For the best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Because the aligners are removable, treatment success depends heavily on wearing them as directed. Patients who follow the recommended wear time tend to stay on schedule and reach their goals as planned.
Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Technology
Invisalign aligners use the latest in 3-D computer imaging to determine a projected path of tooth movement for each patient. This allows a dentist to design a series of personalized aligners (repositioners) that work to straighten teeth over time. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks, at which point there is a changeover to a new set.
Candidates for Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign aligners capably treat most common problems found in adults and teens. Many patients seeking Invisalign in St. Louis choose this treatment for its convenience and effectiveness. They are successful in straightening crooked teeth, eliminating crowding and closing gaps. Invisalign aligners can be used to treat both minor cosmetic issues and more-complex bite problems.
Invisalign for Teens
Clear aligners are not just for adults. Invisalign offers options designed with teens in mind, giving younger patients a discreet way to straighten their teeth during an image-conscious time of life. Because the aligners are removable, teens can keep playing sports and instruments comfortably and maintain their normal oral hygiene routine. Parents often appreciate that there are no wires or brackets to break and fewer emergency visits as a result.
Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, and do not draw attention to the mouth; most people cannot tell when someone is wearing them. Our St. Louis patients enjoy many benefits with Invisalign over traditional metal braces, including:
- More cosmetically appealing
- Lower cost
- Little-to-no impact on daily life
- Less painful
- Greater flexibility because aligners can be removed at any time
- Easier to keep teeth clean and healthy
- No dietary restrictions
With no metal or wires to irritate the mouth, an active, athletic lifestyle, free from worry about injury or bracket breakage, can be maintained.
Start Your Invisalign Journey in St. Louis
A straighter, healthier smile can be yours without the look and feel of metal braces. If you are ready to explore clear aligners, the team at Dr. Waite & Associates can tell you whether Invisalign in St. Louis is right for you and design a treatment plan around your goals.
Schedule your Invisalign consultation today. Call 314-251-5775 or Request an Appointment.
Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Process
Step One: Consultation with a Certified Invisalign Provider
To begin the Invisalign treatment process, a dentist must be consulted. If you are considering Invisalign in St. Louis, the dentist will determine whether Invisalign aligners are suitable for the patient, and, if so, will develop an appropriate course of treatment. X-rays, photographs and impressions will be taken of the teeth.
Step Two: Fabrication of Invisalign Custom Aligners
Advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology will analyze and transform impressions of a patient‘s teeth into a custom-made series of clear and removable aligners. Using this same computer imaging, a dentist will be able to see the anticipated progression of the therapy, and what the teeth will look like after treatment is completed. This analysis can be done in-office before any treatment has started.
Step Three: Receiving the Invisalign Aligners
At the next visit, the patient receives the aligners. Each set is worn day and night for about two weeks, and is removed only to eat, drink, brush and floss. The patient sees the dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to get the next set of aligners to take home. Treatment is complete once each set of aligners has been worn. The average treatment time depends on the complexity of the case, typically six months to one year.
The Invisalign system has been shown to be highly effective at straightening teeth and is a popular choice for those seeking Invisalign in St. Louis.