If you can’t embrace that gap between your two front teeth, clear braces might be the best solution for you. Invisalign® aligners straighten teeth, while giving you the freedom to remove your braces on special occasions. Enhance the appearance and function of your smile with clear, removable braces. Philadelphia dentist Dr. Len Tau offers this updated form of orthodontics for adults and older teens who wish to perfect their smile without the hassle of wires and brackets.
What is Invisalign?
Made from clear, thin plastic, these orthodontic aligners are custom-made to effect gradual changes to the alignment of your teeth. For patients with mild-to-moderate misalignment or crowding, Invisalign will provide the same results as traditional braces, while sparing you the juvenile appearance of stainless steel wires and brackets. The aligners will gently shift your teeth into a more balanced position, improving the appearance of your smile. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t irritate your gums and cheeks because it’s made with thin plastic, which provides a comfortable fit inside your mouth.
With Invisalign, you have the freedom to occasionally remove your braces for special events. If you have a big presentation and don’t feel comfortable wearing your braces, you can easily slip them out of your mouth for the duration of the presentation. To keep your aligners functioning optimally, remove them at meal and snack times and when you’re drinking any beverage that isn’t water. To keep your teeth healthy and bright, you will need to brush and floss after you eat before replacing the aligners in your mouth.
Dr. Tau recommends that you wear your removable orthodontics for 20-22 hours a day, in order to achieve the most beneficial results. Aligners should be switched every two weeks. Every time you begin wearing a new set of aligners, you are advancing to the next stage in your orthodontic treatment.
Benefits of Removable Orthodontics
Although there is a long list of Invisalign benefits, the biggest one is their discreet appearance. Aligners are made from BPA-free plastic that is thin and clear, meaning your peers won’t notice when you’re wearing your braces. We find that most patients really enjoy this feature. They can perfect the appearance of their smile, without altering their appearance in the process.
Invisalign aligners are very easy to care for. Unlike traditional braces, you won’t have to worry about food getting stuck in between your braces, nor will you have to limit the foods that you eat. During mealtime, simply remove your aligners and place them back in your mouth when you’re done eating.
Clear braces are more comfortable than traditional braces because they don’t require the use of sharp brackets and wires. The plastic fits snuggly in your mouth and doesn’t rub or irritate your gums or the insides of your cheeks.
For patients who choose to receive Invisalign orthodontics, Dr. Tau recommends that they see him every six weeks for routine checkups. This gives him the opportunity to assess your progress and make sure that you’re getting the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
Each case is different; therefore the duration of your treatment depends on the placement of your teeth. However, you can expect to wear your clear braces for roughly 9-15 months. After deciding that Invisalign is the right option for you, Dr. Tau will take radiographs (digital pictures) of your mouth, along with dental impressions. During this appointment, Dr. Tau will assess your dental needs and provide you with a unique treatment plan. Your impressions will be sent off to the Invisalign lab, where your custom-made aligners will be created.