Treatment with Invisalign

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.”

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/