Invisalign in Lincoln: Straighter Teeth. No Braces.
Everyone would love to have a perfectly straight smile, but nature doesn’t seem to give them out very sparingly. Of course, for those looking to correct their crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, there is a well-known way to do it: traditional metal braces. However, due to concerns about how they look and feel, many people avoid getting braces and simply put up with their compromised smile for years, even decades. Fortunately, dentistry has stepped up to give patients another, more cosmetically-minded option. With Invisalign, your dentist in Lincoln can give you the straighter smile you’ve always wanted in the most discreet and effective way possible, all without leaving you with a mouthful of metal.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that completely throws out the conventional wire and bracket system. Rather, it uses a series of custom-designed clear plastic aligner trays to gently and precisely straighten the teeth. All a patient has to do is wear the trays in the correct order for about 22 hours a day for 2 weeks each, and after they have gone through the entire series, their smile should be completely straight. It's just that simple, and the results always bring a look of jubilant surprise to our patients’ faces.
Why Patients Love Invisalign
More and more people are choosing to straighten their smiles with Invisalign instead of braces due to its numerous benefits:
-
Subtle Appearance: The clear trays are practically invisible when they are worn on the teeth, meaning that the only people who will actually know that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment are you and your dentist! In the end, the only thing people will really notice are your beautiful results.
-
Convenience: Unlike braces, the trays actually slip on and off the teeth, so you can take them out whenever you like. This means you can maintain the same diet and brushing habits while improving your smile.
-
Comfort: Each tray will be specially-designed to fit your individual smile. Invisalign’s smooth plastic is much easier on the teeth and gums than braces, and you likely won’t notice that you are wearing a tray after just a few days.
-
Speed: In many cases, Invisalign is actually able to work faster than traditional orthodontics. Plus, because it doesn’t need to be regularly adjusted like braces, you also won’t have to make as many progress checks with your dentist as well.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is suited for those people who are looking to straighten their crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth in order to enhance their smile’s overall appearance and health. If you have any other outstanding oral health issues, such as cavities or gum disease, those will need to be addressed beforehand.
Of course, the best way to answer this question is to simply come see your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, Dr. Jennifer Reed. She’ll quickly be able to tell you if Invisalign is the best way to get your flawless smile, and after that, she can begin treatment almost immediately.
If you’re ready to see straight teeth in the mirror every day and not deal with the hassle of noticeable metal braces, then Invisalign may be exactly what you’re looking for. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
Invisalign FAQs
If you are preparing to undergo treatment with Invisalign in Lincoln, Dr. Jennifer Reed wants you to feel confident and prepared before taking the first step. What does this mean? As a licensed dental professional who believes in transparency, honesty, and providing her patients with the highest level of quality dental care, it means she wants you to have all the information you need to feel good about your orthodontic decision. Below you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign. Should you need additional information, we invite you to contact our office.
What is the easiest way to remove my aligners?
Sometimes, it can be difficult removing your aligners. You might think they will just pop right off when you’re ready to take them out, but this isn’t always the case. You might need to grab the back edge of your trays on one side to help pop them off. If you still struggle, you can purchase a small crochet hook that will make the removal process much easier.
What can I do to avoid staining my trays?
To prevent your aligners from becoming stained, try the following:
-
Each time you remove your aligners, brush them and your teeth but don’t use toothpaste, as it is too abrasive and can scratch your aligners. Instead, use clear soap.
-
Avoid drinking dark-colored beverages.
-
Quit smoking.
-
Purchase an ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations will help to remove any debris remaining on your trays.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
In the beginning, you may notice a slight difference in the way you speak. However, this will become less and less over time. It may sound a bit like a slight lisp, but there are things you can do to minimize the change, including:
-
Pressing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth
-
Moving your tongue against the back of your top teeth
To help your tongue gets used to the new fixture inside your mouth, practice saying certain numbers or words (i.e. Mississippi, sixty, seventy) until it becomes more natural and comfortable.
How often will I need to see my dentist when wearing Invisalign?
It is not uncommon for you to maintain regular dental visits every 4-6 weeks. Fortunately, these appointments require no altering or tightening of wires like traditional braces do. Instead, Dr. Reed will quickly check on your progress and make sure there are no issues with your currents aligners.
Will I need to wear a retainer when I’m finished with Invisalign?
Yes. To keep your teeth from shifting back into their normal position, you will need to wear a retainer once you are finished with Invisalign. Teeth can quickly shift if there’s nothing there to hold them in place, which is why the retainer is so important. In the initial stages of retainer-wear, Dr. Reed may instruct you to wear it full time; however, after 6 months or so, you may be able to wear it only at night when preparing to go to bed. This will give your teeth time to become fixed in their new position.
Should I keep my previous trays just in case I lose or damage a?
This is an absolute yes. Should you accidentally lose or damage a tray during your treatment, it may be necessary for you to return to wearing a previous set of trays in the meantime. This will prevent a significant delay in treatment.
