Invisalign® is a way for you to straighten your teeth or correct bite issues without the need for traditional metal braces. Using clear, removable teeth aligners, Invisalign® can improve problems with teeth crowding and misalignment in a treatment process that is less visible and often said to be more comfortable than other techniques. With Invisalign®, our AACD-accredited cosmetic dentist, Robert Rioseco, DMD, can improve the look of your teeth without anyone else knowing you are undergoing treatment.
Invisalign® can be used to correct multiple concerns simultaneously to improve both the form and function of a patient’s smile. Common misalignment issues and bite imperfections may include:
Ideal candidates for Invisalign® typically have mild to moderate tooth misalignment. For patients with severe tooth misalignment, Dr. Rioseco may recommend an alternative method of straightening the teeth. To learn if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®, please schedule a consultation today.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Rioseco will evaluate your needs and help you determine if Invisalign® is the best option for you. Dr. Rioseco uses only the Invisalign® family of products, as they provide a faster, more comfortable, and more predictable outcome than other clear aligner systems.
To begin the Invisalign® treatment process, digital impressions of your teeth are created with our iTero Element® 2 Intra Oral Scanner to ensure that the aligners will fit accurately and precisely. This state-of-the-art technology quickly captures 3D images of the mouth (without gooey, sticky trays), which are sent electronically to the lab for aligner fabrication. Your scans and the iTero software can even be used to simulate your Invisalign® treatment progress and outcome.
Once the Invisalign® clear aligners have been made, you will be provided with a set of aligner trays designed to progressively move your teeth into a more desirable position. Each tray is slightly modified from the one before it, and once you have worn one tray for two weeks, you will replace it with the next in the set. Although the aligners should be worn throughout the day, they are removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Invisalign® may be particularly beneficial for teenagers who might otherwise feel self-conscious in school or other social settings due to wearing metal braces. Invisalign® Teen is a version of Invisalign® designed especially for younger patients. Student athletes often find Invisalign® Teen superior to traditional braces because the aligners can be removed during sports, allowing a mouth guard to be comfortably worn. Invisalign® Teen also allows patients to remove their aligners entirely for special events such as dances, dates, presentations, or performances.
The final touch to any Invisalign® treatment is to ensure a proper bite. Once you have finished your treatment with the clear aligners, Dr. Rioseco will utilize the Tekscan® system to analyze your bite. He will ask you to simply bite down on the wafer-thin pad as it registers comprehensive information about your bite. The Tekscan® software then generates digital representations of your bite placement on the screen. These images provide a detailed illustration of the form and forces of your bite. Using the information the Tekscan® provides, Dr. Rioseco is able to easily determine which teeth need to be adjusted and reshaped to achieve a proper bite.
It is important to soak your aligners in a specialized solution when you are not wearing them. There are many suitable denture/retainer soaking options available. Soaking helps prevent the aligners from drying out and yellowing. Before you put your trays in, you should always brush and floss your teeth, as well as clean and rinse your aligners. A soft bristled toothbrush (without toothpaste) is usually suggested for cleaning your trays. Dr. Rioseco will make sure you are fully instructed on how to take good care of your aligners and teeth during Invisalign® treatment.
