Invisalign®

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that is custom-made just for your use. Invisalign is a system of clear braces that look like they’re nothing but a little plastic, but they are so much more. Dr. Harrington has been trained to create your treatment plan with these plastic braces and to implement the system for you or your child.

When you wear Invisalign clear aligners, you first have to have them made for you. Impressions are taking of your teeth so that the trays will be personalized and will give you an exact fit. You first get a set of Invisalign aligners to wear, and you wear them for a few weeks as indicated by your treatment plan.

These aligners will put a gentle pressure on your teeth to move them the right direction so that your teeth are better aligned. When you are finished with the first set, you switch to the next set. Every set is made for your specific teeth so that your teeth will move into better positions.

Are You a Good Candidate?

If you are interested in wearing Invisalign clear aligners, you will first need a consultation appointment. The dentist will then talk to you about your concerns about your teeth and will give you an initial exam to see whether you are a good candidate for this orthodontic system. Digital pictures will be taken of your teeth and mouth to show the dentist where your teeth are and what their ideal positions would be.

The dentist will also let you know whether Invisalign would work well to get you to that positioning. The dentist will then create your personal treatment plan that will get your teeth to where you’d like them to be.

You will go through several sets of aligners that are each made precisely for your teeth. The number of aligners that you will have to wear will depend on your unique treatment plan.

Many people wonder whether they are good candidates, but it takes an oral exam to be sure. Dr. Harrington will look at your teeth and gums to determine their health. Then, he will look at any dental work that you might need before you start with the Invisalign system.

There are also a number of tooth conditions that cannot be corrected by Invisalign, and those would need traditional braces. If you have an underbite or overbite, you likely need braces. However, problems like crowded teeth, crooked alignment, and gaps in your teeth can all be treated with Invisalign.

Wearing Your Aligners

Invisalign aligners are highly convenient for the way that they can be removed easily for eating and drinking. You can take them out for these activities, but they should be worn the rest of the time that you are enraging in this system. Wearing them for 22 hours a day or longer is the recommendation.

As the treatment goes on, you will eventually start to notice how your teeth are moving into better positioning. When the system has been used and the treatment time is over, you will be thrilled with how straight and well-aligned your teeth are.