Invisalign Clear Aligners – Wellesley, MA
Straighten Your Teeth with Comfortable Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners are an effective alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments because they use a system of clear, comfortable, and removable trays to straighten teeth. Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and will gradually move them into their proper positions. Want to see if they’re right for you? Read on below and give us a call today to schedule a consultation with our team. We look forward to helping you straighten your teeth with comfortable clear aligners!
Why Choose Wellesley Dental Group for Invisalign?
- Bassima Bashour, DDS Is a Preferred Invisalign Provider
- Your Comfort and Satisfaction Are Our Top Priorities
- Numerous Options Available to Make Your Treatment Affordable
How Invisalign Works
Just like braces, Invisalign clear aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement, but without any metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made with a strong plastic material that has been fabricated to fit your mouth. As treatment progresses, you periodically switch aligners. Each aligner is a little different, so your teeth make progress with every change.
Aligners should be worn for at least 20 hours each day. The total length of your treatment depends on the severity of your case, and treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, with many cases taking around 12 months or so.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is a wonderful solution for most mild to moderate cases of dental misalignment. When you visit us for a consultation, we can evaluate the specifics of your situation, learn about your preferences and habits, and help you decide if Invisalign is a fit for your lifestyle. It is an ideal treatment for many image-conscious adults who do not want traditional braces! Here are a few examples of specific problems that Invisalign is often used to address:
Crowded Teeth
Crowded, overlapping teeth can make you feel self-conscious, and they can negatively affect your oral hygiene routine. Food may easily get trapped between them, leading to decay and bad breath. Invisalign is often able to shift the teeth so each one has the space it needs to function well.
Gaps Between Teeth
Large gaps between the teeth can negatively affect your bite and make your gums vulnerable to irritation and infection. You may also feel self-conscious about the aesthetic complications of gapped teeth. Invisalign may be able to move your teeth closer together in order to support your oral health and boost your confidence.
Overbite
A small overbite is normal and natural. However, when the upper teeth rest too far in front of the lower teeth, it can negatively affect your ability to bite food and speak clearly. It can also result in uneven wear and tear on your teeth. With the help of special accessories, Invisalign is often able to correct mild to moderate cases of overbite.
Underbite
You have an underbite if your bottom teeth rest in front of your top teeth. This issue may be because of genetics, oral injuries, or prolonged thumb-sucking during childhood. It can cause speech difficulties and other complications. Fortunately, Invisalign is a viable option for treating many cases of underbite.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some of the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. A crossbite can contribute to speech challenges, aesthetic issues, and an increased risk of broken and chipped teeth. Invisalign may be able to shift both the teeth and lower jaw in order to achieve a more attractive smile and more harmonious oral function.
Open Bite
If there is a vertical gap between your top and bottom front teeth, even when your back teeth are touching one another, you have an open bite. In some cases, bonding or veneers can hide an open bite. In other cases, this issue is severe enough that Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment is necessary.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies from case to case. It depends on the extent of a patient’s dental misalignment and a few other factors. During your consultation, our team can share some specific numbers with you. Generally, the cost is in the same ballpark as that of traditional braces.
Let us know if you are concerned about being able to pay for Invisalign. We can help you figure out if you are eligible for insurance coverage or low-interest financing. We want to do all we can to make it easier for you to afford your desired treatment.
Invisalign FAQs
If you would like to straighten your teeth with Invisalign clear aligners, our Wellesley dental practice is ready and eager to assist you. Before you commit to anything, though, you may want to learn more about the road ahead. Below, you will find answers to some important questions. If you would like further explanation on anything you discover here, call our friendly and knowledgeable team!
What Does Invisalign Look Like?
Invisalign aligners are custom trays made out of clear plastic; they are designed to fit your unique mouth. When they are on your teeth, you can expect them to have a very subtle appearance. They are unlikely to be the first thing that others notice about you, even though they might make your teeth look a bit larger than usual.
In some cases, it is necessary to use attachments or other accessories with Invisalign. These may not be transparent, but they are designed to have a minimal impact on the aesthetics of your smile.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average treatment time with Invisalign is 12 months. Of course, your case may require more or less time. Some patients need to use their aligners for as few as 6 months, whereas others find that their treatment stretches for 18 months or longer. The nature and extent of your dental misalignment will be the primary factor that determines the length of your Invisalign treatment.
During your consultation, we may be able to estimate how long your case will take. We can also give you tips to help you avoid unnecessary delays. For example, we will encourage you to wear your aligners for the recommended 20 – 22 hours each day.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign aligners are constructed of smooth plastic that rests comfortably against the gums and other soft oral tissues. There are no metal brackets and wires to irritate sensitive parts of your mouth!
With that being said, it is important to keep in mind that Invisalign works because it applies pressure to the teeth. That can cause some minimal discomfort, particularly when you first start wearing a set of aligners. Usually, this issue fades after a few days. In the meantime, you can take pain relievers, sip on cool water, and eat soft foods to cope with any discomfort that you might experience.
What Happens After Invisalign?
After you work your way through your entire series of aligners, our team will verify that your results meet our high standards. Then, we will provide you with a retainer, a small oral appliance that is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting back into their previous positions.
For the first few months after you complete Invisalign, you will need to wear your retainer full-time (20 – 22 hours a day). Thereafter, you may be able to wear it only at night. Eventually, you might need it for just a few nights each week.