Orthodontics – Straighten teeth comfortably and discreetly with Invisalign treatment
Optima Dental Associates understands that many adults may hold off on straightening their teeth because they don’t want the hassle and obvious-looking “metal mouth” associated with conventional orthodontics. Fortunately, they can have the best of both worlds at our office in Tinley Park, Illinois – evenly-spaced teeth and an attractive smile without fixed, unwieldy, and dark-colored braces! Our dentist, Dr. Mustafa Alkhawaja (“Dr. Mustafa”), is a certified provider of Invisalign®, a modern and sleek alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires.
Is Invisalign® as effective as braces?
Invisalign® and conventional orthodontic treatments are based on the same general principles. They just go about straightening the teeth in different ways. Traditional braces use brackets that are attached to the teeth with wires, whereas Invisalign® uses a series of clear plastic oral appliances (aligner trays). They both apply controlled and gentle forces to move the teeth over time gradually. However, not all braces are designed to match the color of the teeth. Likewise, they are fixed to the teeth and must be adjusted periodically by a dentist or orthodontist. All Invisalign® aligners are clear and discreet, so they blend in well with the smile. They can also be removed and do not need to be adjusted by Dr. Mustafa throughout treatment.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign®?
The effectiveness of treatment also depends on good patient selection. Not everyone may be a candidate for this orthodontic option. However, many different types of patients can benefit. Following an evaluation, Dr. Mustafa may recommend Invisalign® if you have:
- Mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues
- Certain bite issues; i.e., some cases of underbite, overbite
- Good oral health (no untreated cavities, gum disease)
- A commitment to good oral care and proper wear and care of the aligners throughout treatment and beyond
It’s important to know that signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems do not automatically preclude you from treatment. They just mean that Dr. Mustafa will need to treat those problems first before you can move forward with Invisalign®.
How will the clear aligners affect my daily life?
Orthodontic treatment with aligners is designed to fit in comfortably with your day-to-day life. You can remove and reinsert the aligners easily. Be sure only to remove the aligners when you are eating or drinking beverages besides plain water. You can also remove each aligner before brushing and flossing, which makes it easy to stay on top of good oral care during treatment. Otherwise, you must keep the aligners in your mouth at all times, even while you sleep. Failure to wear the aligners as directed by our team can delay treatment progress and your results.
Additionally, while each aligner generally looks the same, there are slight differences among them. They must be worn in the correct sequence. The trays are marked, so you know the correct order to wear them. Every aligner is worn for one to two weeks, depending on what Dr. Mustafa recommends.
Our team can also recommend the right products and cleaning techniques to prevent bacteria from building up on the aligners and to retain their shape and appearance.
How long does orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® typically take?
Timelines vary. It generally takes more aligners to fix severe or complex crowding, spacing, and bite issues. More aligners are associated with longer treatments. Other factors that can affect the length of treatment include your age and biology, which influence how bone and tissues respond to treatment, as well as your cooperation with maintaining regular “check-ins” and wearing and caring for your aligners properly.
Why do I need a “check-in” for Invisalign®?
Periodic visits to Optima Dental Associates allow Dr. Mustafa to evaluate your mouth and see how treatment is progressing. As needed, adjustments may be made to your treatment plan. He also welcomes any questions or a discussion of concerns that you may encounter during treatment. The idea is to address problems promptly and to get ahead of further complications. During these visits, you also receive new sets of aligners, which are necessary to move forward with the next steps in your unique treatment plan.
To get started on this journey to a healthier, more confident smile, call us at (708) 315-2105 and schedule your appointment at our office in Tinley Park, IL today.
