Invisalign® and your wedding..
Your wedding is one of biggest events of your life. How
many times in your life are all of your friends and family gathered in one
place, just for you? How often do you have such a large photo opportunity
focused on you? Of course, you want to look your best during this event with a great
smile to compliment your wedding dress (or suit). The answer: Invisalign®. You may have
heard of this treatment option, and you probably have some questions.
What is
Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a series of removable aligners that
many times are an alternative to braces. It was developed by Align
Technologies, and Dr. Steckel has used this treatment option since 1999. She is
also an Invisalign® Preferred
Provider, meaning she is experienced and current in providing this treatment. The
aligners are specifically designed to fit your teeth, and are practically
unnoticeable while straightening your teeth.
How does it
work?
Dr. Steckel consults with you to
determine that Invisalign® will
predictably work for you on the pre-wedding schedule you’ve planned. (See
photos below of a recent bride’s experience.) If Invisalign® is right for
you, impressions of your teeth are made to create the three-dimensional
computer model Dr. Steckel uses plan your treatment. Dr. Steckel reviews your
plan with you, and shows what each aligner will do, and then you start to wear
your aligners.
How will I use
Invisalign®?
You will be scheduled with Dr.
Steckel and her OSL team typically every six to eight weeks. The average treatment
plans involve about 20 or 30 aligners, and each aligner is worn for 2 weeks. Although
we suggest you wear the aligners as much as possible, you can take them off for
special occasions, like your weddingJ.
They also can be removed for eating and drinking. Make sure that you clean your teeth properly
before reseating the aligners. For best results, the aligners should be worn
for twenty-two hours each day.
“Here are some before and after photos before the
treatment with Invisalign® and before the
wedding.
She was very satisfied even though the treatment wasn’t finished by the time of her wedding.”
She was very satisfied even though the treatment wasn’t finished by the time of her wedding.”
How effective is
Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is effective in
correcting gapped teeth, over bites, under bites, open bites, cross bites, and
overcrowding. Note-Although Invisalign® has made breakthroughs to
address more severe and complex cases, some cases may require traditional
braces for treatment. If that is the case, have no fear, for today’s
traditional or ceramic braces are smaller and more effective than ever before.
They would be more apparent than Invisalign®, but they are still an available option.
Other considerations: Some of our patients we’ve treated with Invisalign® had braces when
they were younger. These patients usually report a preference for Invisalign® to straighten
their teeth.
Here are some before and after
photos of our Invisalign® patients, the
first wanted to correct her spaced teeth and the second to correct her overbite
and crowding:
Conclusion:
So, when you plan your wedding, remember that there
is more than one treatment option improve your smile. Invisalign® can help you
improve your smile and remain under-the-radar while you’re doing it. Dr. Steckel’s advice- plan early and plan ahead,
see your dentist for a check-up, then call us for an orthodontic consultation.
Treatable cases. (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.invisalign.com/How-Invisalign-Works/Pages/Treatable-Cases.aspx
Steckel,
S, (2012) Choices, Choices, Invisalign or Braces. Retrieved from Orthodontics
on Silverlake blog. www.doverorthodontics.com
Steckel,
S (2011) National Orthodontic Health Month. Retrieved from Orthodontics
on Silverlake blog. www.doverorthodontics.com
DiMatteo, A. (2012). Invisalign:
Invisible braces solution. Retrieved from
http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/invisalign/
