Would you like a straighter, healthier smile, but dislike the look of metal bracket and wire braces? You could join the thousands of older teens and adults who enjoy the discreet appearance and simpler hygiene of Invisalign clear aligners in Fort Lauderdale. Read what your Island City Dental dentists, Dr. Robert L. Smith and Dr. Lori Albe, say about this innovative system.
What the Research Shows
Dental Tribune International has published research on wearers of Invisalign clear braces in Fort Lauderdale and across the globe. An alternative to traditional orthodontics such as metal, ceramic or lingual (tongue-side) braces, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, completely removable and custom-made from smooth, BPA-free acrylic.
Research indicates that patients wear Invisalign clear aligners for mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as tooth rotation, crossbite, open bite, underbite and overbite, and overjet (protruding front teeth). They experience:
- Simpler oral hygiene routines because the aligners are removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- Fewer dietary restrictions than patients with traditional braces have
- Better gum health and less gingivitis (mild gum disease)
- Little to no irritation of gums and other soft oral tissues
- An increased sense of well-being and self-esteem
Because Invisalign aligners are unnoticeable and require a shorter treatment time of 9 to 15 months on average, adults are more likely to pursue the orthodontic treatment. The results are great smile aesthetics and healthier, well-aligned teeth that are less prone to tooth decay and gum issues.
Treatment with Invisalign
Your Fort Lauderdale dentist evaluates patients to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are right for them. After digital X-rays, oral impressions and creation of a digital model, the Invisalign lab fabricates a series of plastic aligners, individualized to fit snugly over the patient’s teeth. Up to 30 pairs in all, these aligners move teeth gently and gradually into straighter positions.
The patient changes the aligner pairs bi-weekly according to doctor’s treatment plan. He or she also visits Dr. Smith or Dr. Albe every 4 to 6 weeks for a simple progress check. There are no time-consuming or painful adjustments to the appliances. Adults especially like that Invisalign is less intrusive on their busy schedules.
Life with Invisalign
Patients wear their clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them to eat and to brush and floss their teeth. They clean the appliances with a non-abrasive toothpaste and rinse with warm water.
Fortunately, patients can enjoy the healthy foods they always have with no restriction on nuts, fibrous vegetables, pizza crust, bagels and other favorites that can damage traditional braces. Plus, wearers remove their aligners for special occasions such as weddings, job interviews and professional presentations, boosting their self-confidence in public or when getting their pictures taken.
Could Invisalign Straighten Your Smile?
Invisalign may be the answer you have always wanted. Why not pursue an attractive smile that functions well and is really healthy? Contact Island City Dental today to arrange an orthodontic consultation.