Invisalign

You must be in good oral health before you can be considered eligible for this orthodontic treatment. Tooth decay and gum disease will need to be corrected first. These conditions would only worsen while wearing your clear aligners, and will compromise your results.

While Invisalign is great for straightening mild to moderate misalignment, patients who have severe malocclusion may have to use traditional wire braces before they can qualify for Invisalign. You can switch from metal braces to Invisalign after a certain degree of correction is achieved.

An important factor in your candidacy is whether you're committed to the process. Patients will have to wear their clear aligners daily and attend scheduled follow-ups. The aligners are removed only when you eat, sleep, and clean your teeth. 

Whether you use braces or Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you must wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back into their previous positions. During the first few months, you'll need to wear your retainer for about 22 hours a day. Eventually, however, you'll be able to scale back to nighttime wear only.

Keep your straight smile healthy by brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Be sure you always use a soft toothbrush and a nonabrasive, ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Practicing good oral hygiene reduces cavity-causing plaque, keeping your teeth healthy between cleanings.

Your orthodontist will want to see you post-treatment to make sure your oral health is on track. You'll also want to be sure you attend routine dental exams and cleanings. These appointments give our team the chance to assess your oral health and detect any problems early on, while they're easier to treat.