Among the many orthodontic treatments available today, Invisalign is one of the most popular. It’s a unique solution that uses clear aligners instead of brackets and wires, giving you an alternative to traditional fixed metal and ceramic braces. If you’ve been thinking about getting Invisalign to improve your smile and oral health, here’s a quick look at what you can expect with Dr. Hansen.
Is Invisalign for You?
Invisalign can address a wide array of orthodontic issues, including:
- Overcrowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or overlapping teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Misaligned bites, such as overbites and underbites
It’s important to know that Invisalign isn’t necessarily right for everyone. Ideal candidates have mild to moderate alignment issues and can commit to following their treatment plan as directed. As smoking can discolor clear aligners, ideal patients are also non-smokers.
Invisalign Benefits
You can enjoy many benefits with Invisalign:
- More discreet treatment
- Removable for eating and brushing
- More comfortable than traditional braces
- Fewer office visits
- Shorter treatment time
The Invisalign Experience With Dr. Hansen
There’s more to Invisalign than wearing clear thermoplastic aligners on your teeth. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect with Dr. Hansen of Las Vegas:
Consultation
Hansen Orthodontics offers a free initial consultation, which includes an X-ray, a review of your dental history, and an oral exam. During this consultation, Dr. Hansen will determine if you need orthodontic treatment and if Invisalign is right for you.
Customizing Your Treatment Plan
If you are a candidate for Invisalign, the next step is customizing your treatment plan. Dr. Hansen will take your orthodontic records, which consist of another X-ray, dental impressions, and photographs of your teeth and face. You’ll also go over the specifics of wearing your aligners, how often to change them, and how long your treatment will take.
During Treatment
Following your treatment plan is critical for getting the best results in the least amount of time. While Invisalign aligners are removable, you should only take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. If you play sports, you should also remove them to wear your mouthguard.
During your treatment, you’ll also need to:
- Change your aligners every few weeks as your teeth shift into proper alignment
- Clean your aligners regularly (wash with warm, soapy water and soak once daily with cleaning crystals or a denture cleaning solution)
- Schedule follow-up exams approximately every four to six weeks to monitor your progress
What to Expect Post-Treatment
The Invisalign experience doesn’t end once your teeth reach their optimal alignment. You may not need to wear the aligners anymore, but you will need to wear a retainer at night to maintain your results. Routinely forgetting to wear your retainer (or choosing not to wear it) can result in your teeth gradually shifting out of alignment again. If you notice any issues with your retainer, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Find Out If Invisalign Is Right for You
Are you ready to improve the quality and health of your smile and want to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Dr. Hansen of Las Vegas is here to help. Contact Hansen Orthodontics today to schedule your free initial consultation.