Invisalign – North Providence, RI
A Quicker & Subtler Alternative to Braces
Even if you want straighter teeth, you might hesitate to get treatment. After all, the prospect of dealing with braces’ brackets and wires can sound unpleasant. However, there’s a quick and easy way to get a straight smile: Invisalign! With this treatment’s clear trays, Bio Dental can “straighten things out” in no time. Furthermore, the aligners’ material ensures the straightening process is smooth and subtle.
Does Invisalign in North Providence sound interesting to you so far? If so, continue reading or book a visit with our team today!
How Invisalign Works
Instead of using traditional braces’ brackets and wires, Invisalign moves teeth with custom-made plastic trays. In particular, these aligners apply micromovements that straighten your pearly whites over time. So long as you wear them for 20-22 hours daily, results will appear in mere months.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign switches out your appliance every few weeks. One pair of trays can only straighten your smile so much, after all. To ensure this process works, you’ll also visit your dentist every two months to confirm treatment progress.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
If your teeth aren’t perfectly aligned, you aren’t completely out of luck. You no longer need to wear metal brackets and wires to get the smile you’ve been dreaming of. Invisalign can correct many different alignment issues. Here are some of the most common ones that we see and treat.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth are those that lack space to fit normally within your jaw. A bad tooth-to-jaw size relationship can cause health problems if left untreated, like tooth decay and gum disease. It can also cause one to experience jaw discomfort and difficulty chewing. Fortunately, Invisalign can space out teeth that are bunched too close together. In doing so, it’ll make your daily brushing and flossing both easier and more effective.
Gaps Between Teeth
As you likely know, tooth gaps aren’t great for your smile. Not only do they look unpleasant, but they also catch food debris that triggers bad breath and decay. Furthermore, these gaps can make you self-conscious. Fortunately, Invisalign’s aligners can treat this problem. Namely, they can push your teeth back, closing the gaps between them.
Overbite
An overbite can occur when the top teeth come out too far from the lower arch of the teeth. Overbites can result in jaw pain, speech issues, uneven dental wear, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. This problem can also leave the top teeth more exposed, putting them at a higher risk of becoming injured and damaged.
Underbite
An underbite describes alignment issues where the bottom teeth go slightly passed or match with the top row of teeth when you close your mouth. This can be caused by several different factors, including genetics, jaw injury, and nonnutritive habits – like thumb sucking and pacifier use after a certain age. A lot of the time, patients with underbites require the use of rubber bands or other attachments to be used in combination with Invisalign aligners. This helps to gradually address the bite and move the lower arch back into its proper position.
Crossbite
When the bottom teeth are slightly in front of the upper arch, this is called a crossbite. This is typically caused by genetics, poor oral habits, or premature loss of baby teeth. When left unaddressed, crossbites can lead to long-term issues, like an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, speech difficulties, headaches, teeth grinding, and facial asymmetry. Invisalign can correct this issue in the majority of cases. However, if your crossbite is caused by issues involving jaw development, it might be necessary to accompany the aligners with elastics and other accessories.
Open Bite
An open bite is when the top and bottom front teeth aren’t able to overlap or touch when you close your mouth all of the way. This is usually caused by poor bone development or nonnutritive habits, like prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use. An open bite can lead to difficulty pronouncing certain words and sounds, as well as excessive enamel wear of the back teeth. Invisalign can help to bring the top and bottom teeth together, correcting the bite pattern and reducing oral damage.
Benefits of Invisalign
Did you know that millions of people get started with Invisalign treatment every year? Yes, this is a very popular treatment! When you learn about the many benefits it offers, it becomes easy to see why so many people choose it to straighten their teeth. When you visit our North Providence office for your consultation, we can answer your questions about how it may benefit you personally. In the meantime, here is an overview of some of its most outstanding advantages:
Comfortable Aligners
A common complaint about traditional metal braces is that the brackets and wires cause irritation to soft oral tissues. Invisalign is different. The aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that is designed to rest comfortably against the gums and cheeks. This means there is a lower risk of mouth sores and metal sensitivities. (Of course, any orthodontic treatment will cause some discomfort as it applies pressure to the teeth. This soreness is to be expected and usually does not last more than a few days after you start wearing an aligner.)
Discreet Care
No doubt, you want to look your best as you go about your daily activities. Noticeable metal brackets and wires could interfere with your personal style! Invisalign aligners are almost invisible when they are on your teeth; onlookers may notice them only if they get up close or pay special attention to your smile. Just be sure to keep up with proper care instructions so your aligners do not incur unsightly stains.
Easier Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is easy with Invisalign. Unlike with regular braces, there is no need to use a floss threader or employ special techniques to clean around brackets and wires. All you have to do is remove your aligners and brush and floss as you normally would. You should also regularly rinse your aligners and clean them daily with a soft toothbrush. Additionally, we recommend soaking them daily with Invisalign cleaning crystals.
No Dietary Restrictions
You should remove your Invisalign aligners when you eat. Then, you can enjoy whatever food you are craving, even if it is an item that is normally off-limits with traditional metal braces. Feel free to dig into things like corn on the cob, popcorn, and more. Just be sure to adhere to good oral hygiene and avoid foods that cause discomfort when you are sore after starting to use a new aligner.
Easy Follow-Ups
You will have to visit us periodically throughout your treatment so we can check on your progress, offer advice, and help you navigate any challenges. These check-ins are usually brief (perhaps 15 – 30 minutes) and do not require any uncomfortable wire changes. If we ever notice that your teeth are not moving as planned, we might have to schedule a longer appointment to take new impressions and order different aligners.
Treatment That Fits Your Lifestyle
You are busy, and you want orthodontic care that you can integrate into your daily routine. Most patients find that easy with Invisalign. It is popular among professionals who want to maintain their image, as well as busy students, parents, and more. Ask our team how Invisalign might affect your favorite activities so we can coach you on what to expect and how to succeed as you straighten your teeth.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Since every patient is unique, the cost of Invisalign can vary from person to person. Factors that impact the price include your oral issue’s severity, the time you need for treatment, your age, and more. That said, you can expect Invisalign to cost you at least a few thousand dollars.
Thankfully, our team at Bio Dental will work with you to make treatment affordable. For one thing, we consider dental insurance plans that cover Invisalign the way they do regular braces. At the same time, we also offer flexible financing options like CareCredit.
Whatever you decide, remember that Invisalign is an investment with long-term pay-offs. Therefore, seriously consider booking a consultation with us — your smile will thank you for it!
Invisalign FAQs
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
If you have an overbite, there is a good chance that you can achieve the desired results with the help of Invisalign. Known for its ability to realign mild to moderate bites, clear aligners can help to shift your teeth into proper alignment so that everything functions normally. If your overbite is more severe, though, you’ll likely be recommended for traditional braces.
When undergoing a consultation with a member of our team, we will determine the severity of your overbite and whether Invisalign can help.
How do I clean my Invisalign?
Cleaning your Invisalign aligners is easy. While you do have the option of using Invisalign Cleaning Crystals, you can also use standard oral hygiene instruments such as a soft-bristled toothbrush. You’ll want to combine it with clear soap and lukewarm water, as hot water can warp your trays and delay your treatment.
You’ll want to make sure that you clean and thoroughly rinse your trays before inserting them each time, as this cuts down on the amount of possible bacteria.
Who invented Invisalign?
Invisalign was invented in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kesley Wirth. Both of San Jose, CA, Chishti completed an MBA from Stanford; however, while in his program, he received orthodontics. Realizing how helpful it would be to have an alternative to traditional braces, he developed a clear aligner concept in his dorm room. Founding Align Technologies, LTD with several other students, he built a company that has since produced millions of clear aligners for individuals interested in straightening their smiles.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
It’s not easy to determine whether Invisalign is cheaper than braces. There are many factors that our team must consider during your consultation that will play a part in the formulation of your projected costs. Some of these can include the number of aligners you will need, the severity of the issue you are experiencing, the retainer you’ll be required to wear after Invisalign is finished, and whether you need to undergo preliminary treatments before pursuing Invisalign.
Many dental insurance companies do not cover Invisalign; however, this is not always the case. You’ll need to review your policy to determine if there are any exclusions or restrictions regarding the age of the patient as well as the type of orthodontic treatment received.