Adults who missed the chance to have their crooked or misaligned teeth treated when they were younger may assume that orthodontic treatment is just for teenagers. Thanks to Invisalign, that is no longer true. You can get the smile you want and improve your oral health without having to wear traditional metal braces.
What many people don’t understand is that having crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth is a strong predictor for gum disease. The same is true for overbites and underbites. One reason for this is that teeth are difficult to keep clean under these circumstances. Unfortunately, untreated gum disease can have a major impact on how well your teeth function. Invisalign takes advantage of modern technology to straighten your teeth.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the brand name for a set of aligner trays made from smooth plastic. The customized trays fit comfortably over your teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position. Dr. Jason Dulgarian creates a treatment plan for you based on an oral exam, X-rays, and impressions of your teeth. He provides this data to our dental laboratory to create your upper and lower mouth trays.
We provide you with a set of customized trays at the beginning of your orthodontic treatment that you should change approximately every two weeks. For the fastest and most effective treatment, it is important to keep the aligners in your mouth except when you are eating or cleaning them. This includes wearing them overnight. Dr. Dulgarian checks the progress of your teeth movement approximately every six weeks when you come in for a check-up.
Invisalign Benefits
Since Invisalign trays are clear, they are far less noticeable to others than traditional metal braces are. This is especially important for adults who want to continue to look attractive and professional. The total treatment time for Invisalign averages 18 months, a full six months shorter than the typical length of treatment with metal and wire braces. You also have the option of removing the trays from your mouth if needed. However, we recommend limiting this practice so it doesn’t interfere with your progress.
An Individualized Treatment Plan
If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Dulgarian at Mesa Smiles. He will let you know if you’re a good candidate after completing the exam. Assuming that you are, he will create a treatment plan based on his findings.
Our staff will also go over the cost of treatment and the various options you have to pay for it. We are happy to accept all major credit cards and Care Credit at the time of service. Most insurance companies cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment as well, but we encourage you to check your individual benefits.