For many years, patients who wanted to fix their malocclusion had one option: traditional metal braces. However, in the late 1990s, Invisalign was introduced to the market. This is a series of clear aligners designed to apply pressure to the teeth, shifting them into their appropriate position.
Invisalign offers several benefits, including:
Invisalign has been proven effective for the treatment of a variety of dental malocclusions, including the following:
An overbite is a condition in which the front teeth of the upper jaw overlap the front teeth of the lower jaw. A mild overbite is not a serious problem, while a moderate to severe overbite can cause speech issues, irregular tooth wear, and TMJ problems.
An open bite is a condition in which the front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed and is typically the result of prolonged bottle use, tongue thrusting, thumb-sucking, or pacifier use. This condition doesn’t involve only the teeth, but also the facial bones.
Crowded teeth are a condition that occurs when you do not have enough room in your jaw for your teeth. They overlap and twist to fit.
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite. In this condition, the teeth of the lower jaw fall in front of the teeth of the upper jaw.
Gapped teeth, or diastema, are a condition in which there is a noticeable gap between the teeth. This is most commonly seen in the two upper front teeth but may also be elsewhere. While this is primarily an aesthetic issue, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease due to food getting stuck in the gaps.
Crossbite is a condition in which some of the upper teeth fall inside the lower teeth and vice-versa. This prevents the jaw from closing together properly and may cause difficulty chewing ,TMJ problems and unnatural tooth wear.
Invisalign clear aligners are designed to put pressure on your teeth, gradually shifting them into their appropriate positions in your jaw. The aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, even when sleeping. They are removable, so you can eat and drink whatever you like, as well as brush and floss like normal. Treatment typically takes 12 to 18 months, though some patients see results in 6 and some require more than 18 months.
Treatment starts with your consultation. Our trained orthodontist will evaluate your smile and create a custom treatment plan. We will take x-rays and a digital scan of your jaw and a mold of your teeth that we can send to the lab for the creation of your custom aligners.
In some cases, the aligners will require tooth-colored buttons/attachments to hold them in place. It will take you a few days to get used to having the aligners in your mouth and you may develop a lisp until you are used to them. You will feel some pressure, which indicates that the aligners are doing their job.
You will be instructed to switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 3 weeks,, and you will be asked to come to the office approximately every 4 to 6 weeks so that we can monitor your progress. At the end of your treatment plan, you may require aligners or refinement to create your perfect smile. You will at the very least be given a retainer to wear, to keep your teeth in their new position.
Invisalign Teen is just like traditional Invisalign clear aligners with one exception. These aligners have a series of blue dots on them that wear away as the aligners are worn. This is not 100% fail-safe, but it does ease the mind of parents who are unsure of their teen’s compliance with wearing the aligners.
Patients who live in or near Calgary, AB can depend on Peak Dental Group for all of their dental needs, including orthodontic care. We offer both Invisalign and traditional braces and, when you come in for your consultation, we can help you determine which one is right for you.
It is important to note that dental insurance typically covers a portion of orthodontic care and our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage. If you do not have insurance or you cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for your Invisalign clear aligners, we do offer financing through PayBright by Affirm. Simply fill out the easy online application and receive your decision within minutes. If approved, the payments will be automatically taken from the payment method specified.
If you are interested in discussing Invisalign as a treatment for your misaligned teeth, schedule your consultation with the team at Peak Dental Group today. We are located at 3630 Brentwood Road NW in Calgary, Alberta. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you achieve the smile you have always dreamed of having.
