Many patients wish to develop a straighter smile but hate the image of braces on their teeth. For patients in these circumstances, our practice offers a solution. Dr. Philip K. Clark, DMD, provides Invisalign® clear braces for patients who want to straighten their smile.
Invisalign clear braces are a series of clear, plastic aligners. Each tray is custom made to precisely fit your smile during different stages of treatment. You wear an aligner for two weeks at a time and then replace it with the next one.
Each tray provides a gentle force that repositions teeth, with the following tray continuing that movement. When you take off the last aligner, your teeth are set in a proper position. A retainer is necessary to keep that position. Otherwise, the treatment is complete.
While versatile, Invisalign clear aligners are not always the best option. The best way to know if they are right for you is to talk to Dr. Clark, but there are some points to keep in mind.
Invisalign clear braces are designed to treat mild and moderate cases of malocclusion. The type of cases that these aligners are appropriate for increases mildly when they are used to retreat a smile that already underwent orthodontic care. However, severe or extreme cases will require metal braces and possibly other traditional orthodontic devices. This is because the individual aligners do not provide the same amount of force as brackets and wires.
Additionally, the convenience of Invisalign aligners comes with a higher level of responsibility than metal braces. The trays are removable, allowing you to eat any food you want. However, you must brush and floss as soon as possible after to place the aligners back. Failing to clean before putting the aligners back on encourages cavities and gum disease. Waiting too long to put the aligners on because you are trying to find time to brush your teeth can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. If this responsibility is difficult to manage, you might be better served with traditional braces.
Dr. Philip K. Clark, DMD, offers the Invisalign system to his patients. Many people throughout Fleming Island and Eagle Harbor have enjoyed a discreet alignment treatment with these clear braces. For more information about Invisalign aligners, call and schedule an appointment today!