Invisalign Dentist in Littleton, CO

Everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile they can be proud of. When it comes to straightening your smile, there are multiple methods you can choose from. A modern approach is Invisalign clear aligners. This product was introduced in 1998 and has only grown in popularity over the years. With clear aligner treatment, you can drastically improve your smile quickly and discreetly.

What Are Invisible Aligners?

Invisible aligners consist of thin, transparent plastic trays fabricated to fit over your teeth. These trays work to move your teeth into their proper position gradually and then hold them in that position. Invisalign tends to give patients a straighter smile faster and just as effectively as traditional metal braces. Clear aligners can treat a variety of tooth misalignments ranging from mild to moderate, including:

• Gaps in teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Tooth crowding
• Open bite
• Tooth rotations

Invisalign Treatment Process

The treatment begins with a consultation. At that time,  your Invisalign dentist will take digital scans and X-rays of your teeth and jaw. Using these scans, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth. After this, the dentist will evaluate your smile and map out a custom treatment plan that will show step-by-step how your teeth will change with Invisalign. 

Once the trays are created and fitted to your teeth, you will wear them every day and night during the treatment plan. Unlike traditional braces, you can remove Invisalign clear aligners. It’s recommended that you wear them for 22 hours a day, only remove them for eating or brushing.

While wearing clear aligners, you will initially experience changes to your mouth that require getting used to. You’ll experience some discomfort as your teeth shift out of their current position. This feeling should go away within a few days after each time you change your tray. 

You may also experience enhanced sensitivity in your teeth which should also go away within a few days. However, your dentist can suggest special toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth to help. 

How Long Does Full Invisalign Treatment Take?

You’ll wear your clear aligners for a week or two before switching to a new set to keep your teeth moving gradually. Then, every six to eight weeks, you’ll visit your dentist for checkups to ensure that the process is going well until your treatment is over. During these checkups, you’ll receive a new series of invisible aligners intended to match the movement of your teeth and keep shifting them further into their proper position. Invisalign treatment generally takes between six months and two years.

Invisalign Vs. Traditional Braces

The biggest advantage Invisalign aligners have over traditional braces is discretion. Because the clear aligners are virtually invisible, no one will know that you’re wearing them. Conventional braces involve a mouth full of metal or ceramic brackets, which are uncomfortable and limiting.  

Compared to metal braces, Invisalign is more comfortable. You can also remove the clear aligners, meaning you don’t have to restrict yourself from eating your favorite foods during treatment. Additionally, you can brush and floss as you usually would. 

Invisalign doesn’t have parts that need to be replaced or tightened, meaning you will spend less time visiting the dentist for adjustments or exams. Invisalign clear aligners are just as effective as traditional braces. The key is compliance; you must wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time per day to see results as mapped out by your dentist. 

Caring For Your Teeth While Using Clear Aligners

Be sure to brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your clear aligners back in your mouth. Visit your dentist for checkups, exams, and cleanings, and avoid any food or drink that may stain your teeth. In addition, if you are experiencing discomfort or tooth sensitivity during the initial weeks of undergoing Invisalign treatment, try to avoid hard or acidic food and drink that may exacerbate the issue.

Invisalign Cost

Invisalign treatment cost may vary depending on the length of your treatment. Be sure to check with your insurance provider before consulting with your dentist, as some plans will partially cover Invisalign treatment. At High Forest Dental, we do as much as possible to ensure that our patients can afford dental treatments. We offer several affordable discount plans, as well as a membership that comes with lowered costs for many orthodontic and cosmetic treatments, including Invisalign.

Invisalign Clear Aligners at High Forest Dental

We recognize that your smile is important to you, so the team at High Forest Dental is dedicated to making sure that you are happy with the look and function of your teeth. Our goal is to treat every one of our patients like a member of our own family. Comfort, care, and compassion are our top priorities. So, get in touch with us for an appointment, and let us give you the care you deserve.