Statistics show that nearly everyone has some level of malocclusion. While most of these are mild and don't necessarily need to be treated, there are others that are severe enough to cause problems and must be resolved.
For many years, the only option was traditional metal braces, which involve brackets on the teeth with a wire running between them. The wire is tightened, which forces the attached teeth to shift and come into alignment. This can be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient for many patients.
In the late 1990s, an orthodontic patient started thinking that there had to be a better way to straighten teeth. This is when the concept for Invisalign was born. This is a system of clear aligners, much like a retainer, that gradually shift teeth into their appropriate position within the jaw.
Dr. Zaruhi Shahbazyan at Shahbazyan Dental Studio in Fresno has been certified as an Invisalign provider. Here is what you need to know about this treatment option.
Invisalign is a system of clear aligners designed to gradually shift teeth into their appropriate position. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against your teeth, providing even pressure on all of the teeth- not just the affected ones- to resolve a variety of malocclusions.
The aligners are designed to be removable- which is one of the advantages. However, it is important to note that they must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. If they are not being worn, they will not be effective.
There are several benefits of Invisalign over traditional metal braces, including:
It is important to note that not everyone qualifies for Invisalign treatment. Below are some of the indicators that you may be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Many adults and teens avoid orthodontic treatment because they are concerned about their appearance. Research shows that people with traditional braces are often not very well received. In many cases, adults with traditional braces are passed over for promotion or recognition. Therefore, they choose Invisalign because the aligners are virtually invisible, which means most people won't notice them. The only thing they will see is your smile improving.
We typically recommend Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate malocclusions. If used in conjunction with attachments, Invisalign may be effective for more severe cases. However, in extreme cases, such as very wide gaps between teeth, severely rotated teeth, or other severe issues, patients may need traditional braces
Some of the most common orthodontic issues treated with Invisalign clear aligners at Shahbazyan Dental Studio include underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
There are several steps involved in Invisalign treatment, including:
Invisalign treatment begins like any other procedure at Shahbazyan Dental Studio: with a consultation. During this time, we will examine your mouth, including taking x-rays to determine your current condition. We will also discuss your oral and overall health history, as well as any questions or concerns you may have.
The information collected at this time will be used to create your customized treatment plan. If we determine that Invisalign is appropriate for you, we will take impressions of your mouth. These will be used to create a 3D digital model of your projected results and will be sent to the lab for the fabrication of your aligners.
Once we receive your aligners in the office, we will schedule a time for you to come in and have the first set fitted. As long as they sit properly on your teeth, you will be sent home with your full set.
Depending on your treatment plan, you will be changing out the aligners every 1 to 3 weeks.
Traditional metal braces require that patients come to the clinic every few weeks to have the braces tightened. However, treatment with Invisalign clear aligners is somewhat self-directed- you change the aligners based on your treatment plan.
We do recommend that you come in at a few strategic times during your treatment so that we can monitor your progress. If treatment is not going as expected, we can modify your treatment plan but if things are progressing as planned, we will continue doing what you're doing.
You should rinse your aligners under cool water every time you take them out and before you put them back in. They should be cleaned once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You may also want to purchase a cleanser specially formulated for the aligners.
While you don't have to visit the clinic as much during your treatment, it is important to have regular follow-up visits. This will allow us to monitor your progress and to make any necessary modifications to the treatment plan if things are not going as expected.
Once treatment is complete, you will be given a retainer. You will need to wear it just like your aligners at first, for 20 to 22 hours a day. Eventually, you will only need to wear it at night while sleeping. This will keep the teeth in their new position. Follow-up visits are also important after treatment so that we can make sure the teeth are staying where they should.
ClearCorrect™ is the clear and simple way to straighten your teeth without wearing braces so you can show off your smile!
No wires. No brackets. Just clear, convenient comfort—every reason to smile. ClearCorrect™ is one of the clearest aligner systems available.
With ClearCorrect™, your teeth can be straightened using a series of clear, custom, removable aligners. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time until you eventually get straight teeth. Most reasonably priced, ClearCorrect™ will even replace lost or broken trays free of charge.
ClearCorrect™ fits your life and daily routine as perfectly as it fits your teeth—you don't need to change a thing.
Results are faster the more you wear your aligners, and ClearCorrect™ was designed to be effortless and non-intrusive in your life so you can wear your aligners as much as possible. Your aligners are easy to put in and take out when you eat or clean your teeth.
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