You may dream of a straighter smile but feel hesitant about traditional braces. We understand this concern, but our team at Southgate Dental Centre wants you to know that there are options that can work for you.
Invisalign® works by using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth to gently and gradually shift them into their planned positions. Each set of aligners is slightly different, guiding your teeth toward your final, beautiful smile.
What Is Invisalign® & How Is It Different?
Invisalign® treatment offers a unique approach to orthodontics. Instead of brackets and wires, it uses a set of clear, removable trays that are custom-designed for your mouth. This difference may seem small at first, but it brings a few key advantages to your day-to-day life.
The Clear Aligner Concept
The aligners are made from a smooth, clear plastic that is practically invisible. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners mean you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your treatment. They are designed to fit snugly and comfortably against your teeth.
Custom-Made for Your Smile
Your treatment is planned just for you. Using 3D imaging technology, our dental team can map out a precise plan. This digital blueprint shows how your teeth are planned to move, step by step, throughout the entire process.
Removable for Your Convenience
One of the most appreciated features of Invisalign® is that you can remove the aligners. This means you can continue to eat all your favourite foods without restrictions, because you can take the trays out, eat, brush your teeth, and pop them back in. It also makes brushing and flossing much simpler, helping you maintain your oral health.
The Step-by-Step Invisalign® Process
Your path to a new smile follows a few clear and simple steps. The journey typically starts with a conversation at your dental office to see if this treatment is a good fit for you.
- Your first consultation and digital scan: Your dentist in South Edmonton can discuss your smile goals with you and take a quick, comfortable 3D digital scan of your teeth. In addition, photos will be taken of your teeth and face.
- Get your custom treatment plan: The scan and pictures help create a digital model of your mouth. With this model, you can see a virtual preview of how your teeth are expected to move and what your smile could look like.
- Wear and change your aligners: You’ll get a series of custom aligners to take home. You wear each set for about 1–2 weeks before switching to the next in your series.
- Attend regular check-ins: You’ll have brief appointments every several weeks. These check-ins help your dental team monitor your progress and give you your next set of aligners.
What to Expect When You Wear Aligners
Adjusting to Invisalign® is typically a smooth process. When you know what to expect, you can feel more prepared and confident as your treatment progresses.
How Much Do I Need to Wear Invisalign®?
For the aligners to work effectively, you need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours each day. You should only take them out when you eat, drink anything other than water, or brush and floss your teeth.
How Does Invisalign® Move My Teeth?
As you switch to a new set of aligners, it may feel a little snug. This is often a sign that they are working, as the gentle pressure is what encourages your teeth to move into new positions.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign®?
Keeping your whole mouth clean, including your aligners, is important. You should brush your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in. This helps prevent food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which can contribute to cavities over time.
To clean your aligner trays:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush them daily
- Soak the trays for 15–30 minutes in cleaning crystals or denture cleaner every few days
- Rinse your aligners in lukewarm water after you take them out
Potential Considerations
Like any dental treatment, it’s helpful to understand the full picture. The success of your Invisalign® journey depends on your participation and commitment to the plan.
- Commitment and self-discipline: Your results depend on you. Wearing the aligners for the recommended time each day is the key to staying on track with your treatment plan.
- Temporary discomfort: You may feel some pressure for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners, but this feeling is usually mild and temporary.
- Attachments or “buttons”: Some smiles need extra help. Your dentist may bond small, tooth-coloured attachments to selected teeth to help the aligners grip and move them more effectively.
Life After Your Treatment
Once you’ve finished your last set of aligners, the final step is to keep your new smile in place. This maintenance phase is just as important as the treatment itself.
The Important Role of Retainers
After your teeth are in their new positions, you typically need to wear a retainer. Retainers are designed to help prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original spots.
Maintain Your New Smile
Your dental team can provide specific instructions on how and when to wear your retainer. Following this plan can help you protect the investment you’ve made in your smile for years to come.
The Cost of Invisalign®
The cost of Invisalign at Southgate Dental Centre typically ranges from $4,995 for simpler cases to $6,250 for more complex treatments.
Your exact cost will be determined after a comprehensive oral exam, where we assess your smile and treatment goals. In some cases, we may recommend completing other dental care, such as a cleaning or a filling, before beginning your Invisalign treatment to ensure the best possible results.
Start Your Invisalign® Journey
We believe that everyone should have a smile they feel confident about. Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us, so if you have questions about Invisalign®, our team at Southgate Dental Centre would love to talk. Schedule a consultation and find out if clear aligners are the right choice for you.
