- Discreet Appearance: The clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces. This makes Invisalign® a popular choice for adults and teenagers who want a more discreet orthodontic option.
- Comfortable Fit: Invisalign® aligners are custom-made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, ensuring a comfortable fit without the irritation caused by metal brackets and wires. The aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth, providing gentle and consistent pressure to move them into place.
- Removable: One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign® is that the aligners are removable. You can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
- Convenient: With Invisalign®, there are no metal brackets or wires that require frequent adjustments. This means fewer visits to the dentist and more convenience for your busy schedule. Most patients visit our office every 6-8 weeks to check their progress and receive new aligners.
- Predictable Results: Invisalign® uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create a personalized treatment plan. This allows you to see a virtual representation of your teeth’s movement and the expected outcome before starting treatment.
The Invisalign® Treatment Process
The Invisalign® treatment process at Dental Partners of Creve Coeur is straightforward and begins with a comprehensive consultation. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Singh will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if Invisalign® is the right option for you. We will take digital impressions, photos, and X-rays of your teeth to create a precise treatment plan.
- Custom Treatment Plan: Using advanced 3D imaging technology, we will create a customized treatment plan that outlines the movement of your teeth and the estimated duration of treatment. You will be able to see a virtual representation of your teeth’s progression and the final result.
- Aligner Fabrication: Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom-made Invisalign® aligners will be fabricated specifically for you. Each set of aligners is designed to move your teeth incrementally into their desired positions.
- Wearing Your Aligners: You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you progress through the series of aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into alignment.
- Regular Check-Ups: Throughout your treatment, you will have regular check-ups with Dr. Singh to monitor your progress and receive new aligners. These appointments are typically scheduled every 6-8 weeks and are usually quick and easy.
- Completion of Treatment: Once you have completed your series of aligners, you will have a final consultation to ensure your teeth are properly aligned. To maintain your new smile, Dr. Singh may recommend a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Is Invisalign® Right for You?
Invisalign® is an excellent option for many patients, but it may not be suitable for everyone. During your consultation, Dr. Singh will assess your specific needs and determine if Invisalign® is the best choice for you. Invisalign® is commonly used to treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including:
- Mild to moderate bite issues
Caring for Your Invisalign® Aligners
Proper care of your Invisalign® aligners is essential to ensure effective treatment and maintain good oral hygiene. Here are some tips for caring for your aligners:
- Clean Regularly: Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush to remove any food particles and plaque. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the aligners.
- Remove for Eating: Always remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining and damage to the aligners.
- Store Safely: When not wearing your aligners, store them in their protective case to keep them clean and prevent loss or damage.
Schedule Your Invisalign® Consultation
If you’re ready to achieve a straighter, more confident smile with Invisalign®, contact Dental Partners of Creve Coeur to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sartaj Singh. Our team is here to guide you through the process and provide you with the highest quality care. Discover the benefits of Invisalign® and start your journey to a beautiful, aligned smile today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before progressing to the next one in the series, with each set moving your teeth a small, precise amount. Because the aligners are removable and virtually invisible, most people around you won’t know you’re in treatment at all.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign works well for a wide range of common orthodontic issues including crowded teeth, gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and mild to moderate bite problems. It’s a popular choice for both adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without the look and feel of traditional metal braces. Dr. Singh will evaluate your teeth and bite at your consultation and give you a straightforward answer about whether Invisalign is the right fit for your specific case.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most patients complete their Invisalign journey somewhere between 12 and 18 months. Simpler cases with minor crowding or spacing issues can sometimes be completed in less time, while more involved bite corrections may take longer. At your consultation, Dr. Singh will use 3D imaging technology to map out your treatment plan and give you a realistic estimate of your timeline before you commit to anything.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
For Invisalign to work effectively, the aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. That means they stay in during sleep and throughout most of the day, and are only removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in whether treatment finishes on schedule, so this is something Dr. Singh will talk through with you to make sure you’re set up for success from the start.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is generally much more comfortable than traditional braces because there are no brackets or wires to irritate the inside of your mouth. When you switch to a new set of aligners, it’s normal to feel some pressure or mild soreness for the first day or two as your teeth begin to adjust. This is a sign the aligners are working and it typically fades quickly. Most patients describe the sensation as noticeable but very manageable, especially compared to the discomfort associated with tightening traditional braces.
How do I take care of my aligners?
Aligner care is simple and takes just a couple of minutes a day. Rinse them with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush whenever you take them out. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect the fit. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent staining and damage. When they’re not in your mouth, store them in the protective case they come with so they don’t get lost or accidentally thrown away.
What happens after I finish Invisalign treatment?
Once you’ve worked through your full series of aligners, Dr. Singh will do a final check to confirm your teeth have moved as planned and that your bite is properly aligned. To keep your results long-term, he’ll recommend wearing a retainer, which prevents teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions over time. Retainer wear is a normal and important part of any orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Singh will walk you through exactly what to expect before you complete treatment.
Does insurance cover Invisalign and what does it cost?
Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits will apply that coverage toward Invisalign just as they would toward traditional braces. The amount covered varies by plan, so it’s worth checking your specific benefits before your consultation. For any out-of-pocket portion, we offer flexible payment options to help make treatment accessible. Call our office at (314) 432-0960 and our team will verify your coverage and walk you through cost expectations so you have a clear picture going in.
