Invisalign^® in Phoenix

What is Invisalign® made of?

One of the major innovations of Invisalign® is the material that composes the aligners. It’s called SmartTrack®, a unique type of clear plastic that is both thin and flexible. This allows for a comfortable (and discreet) fit over the teeth.

How noticeable is Invisalign®?

Since there are no visible wires or brackets required for Invisalign® treatment, the clear aligners should be almost completely undetectable on the teeth—even at close range. While the visual aspects of Invisalign® should be virtually unnoticeable, you will likely experience an audible lisp during the first few days of wearing the aligners. This is normal and should progressively fade as your mouth continues to adjust to the Invisalign® appliance.

What can I eat and drink with Invisalign®?

Most individuals can eat and drink whatever they wish while undergoing Invisalign® treatment! Since Invisalign® does not require brackets and wires, the need for food restrictions is virtually eliminated. That said, it’s good to exercise a few precautions. For example: don’t forget to remove the aligners before eating foods or drinking beverages that can stain (like berries, coffee, wine, or tea), and remember to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back on. If a toothbrush isn’t handy, be sure to at least give your teeth a good rinse. It’s also important to remove the Invisalign® appliances before drinking anything hot (even if it’s just water) because high temperatures can warp their shape.

Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign®?

An orthodontic retainer will likely be required once the Invisalign® treatment is complete; however, after several months, most patients will only need to wear the retainer while sleeping. The use of a retainer following the primary orthodontic treatment is essential for maintaining the new and improved position of the teeth, so please be sure to wear your retainer for the length of time recommended by Dr. Murphy!

Can I chew gum with Invisalign®?

In general, chewing gum with the Invisalign® aligners still on the teeth is not a good idea. Gum and food may damage or warp the aligners while chewing, which is why we recommend removing the aligners at mealtimes and while chewing gum. It’s also important to note that gum containing sugar may lead to a buildup of bacteria, and may create stains on the aligners, which are additional reasons to avoid chewing gum while wearing them.

Can I smoke with Invisalign®?

Chemicals in cigarettes can very quickly produce a stained or discolored appearance on the Invisalign® aligners, making them more noticeable on the teeth. It’s best not to smoke while the aligners are in place (and needless to say, it’s best not to smoke at all!)

How often will I need to visit Dr. Murphy for a check-in appointment?

For most adult patients, Invisalign® follow-up appointments will be scheduled about once every six weeks. These are typically very quick, routine check-ins just to monitor your progress and see if any slight adjustments need to be made. Dr. Murphy can talk more with you about the follow-up schedule once your treatment plan is in place.

I have braces now; can I switch to Invisalign®?

The answer to this question can be different among individuals, depending on certain factors. In many cases, a patient who is currently wearing braces to correct their orthodontic concerns and would like to switch to the Invisalign® treatment method is able to do that. For some patients, however, it may not be possible to switch to Invisalign® in the midst of braces treatment and still be able to effectively achieve one’s initial goals. If you are considering making the switch from braces to Invisalign®, our orthodontist can perform an evaluation to determine if this can be done effectively. In some orthodontic treatment plans, the switch is already built in: the patient has braces placed for the first part of the treatment and then Invisalign® for the remainder of the treatment. Switches like those are often more ideal because they are strategically planned out in advance based on the patient’s individual needs and desires; however, in all cases, the best treatment plan will ultimately depend on the severity of the orthodontic concerns and the treatment that offers the best chance of successfully achieving optimal results.

Does Invisalign® work faster than braces?

For many patients, Invisalign® is able to produce optimal results at a faster rate when compared with traditional braces. In fact, patients are often able to achieve their goals in about 15 months or less with Invisalign®, whereas braces may need to stay on for at least 18 months to two years. That said, the total treatment time for Invisalign® varies among patients depending on their ultimate goals and the severity of the orthodontic conditions being addressed. Additionally, it is important to note that braces are designed to treat more severe orthodontic concerns, which is one reason why braces typically take longer than Invisalign® to yield the best results.

What can Invisalign® not fix?

While Invisalign® is capable of correcting many common orthodontic concerns, there are some issues for which this treatment is simply not capable of fixing. For instance, Invisalign® may not be significantly effective on teeth that are in a severely rotated position in the mouth, and it cannot raise or lower teeth that appear excessively short or long. It is also important to remember that Invisalign® can be an ideal option for patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic issues, but more severe problems—such as excessively large spaces between the teeth or deeply pronounced bite irregularities—are often better-served by braces.

With all of this in mind, it is also important to remember that Invisalign® can fix numerous orthodontic concerns. The best way to determine whether Invisalign® or another orthodontic treatment is right for your needs is to have an orthodontic evaluation that can identify the nature and severity of your condition.

How does Invisalign® move teeth?

Invisalign® is designed to add a light amount of pressure on the teeth to move them into a new position in the mouth. In some ways, this is similar to how traditional braces move teeth; however, the methodology is very different. Braces use a system of wires and brackets fixed on the teeth to shift them into a new position, while Invisalign® uses flexible and removable plastic aligners to accomplish this goal. The aligners are changed out once every two weeks or so, and each aligner is designed with slight modifications from the previous one in order to progressively move the teeth at a gentle, yet effective rate. For the treatment to work, patients must be sure to wear their aligners in the proper order and as often as recommended to obtain optimal results.

What are the differences between Invisalign® and DIY / Direct-to-Consumer teeth-straightening systems?

DIY (“do-it-yourself”) teeth-straightening systems that are marketed directly to consumers are essentially mail-order options that individuals can use at home. There is a major difference between these options and Invisalign®, and it’s very important to understand the distinction. Some DIY teeth-straightening systems may not require patients to see an orthodontist or a dentist for an in-person evaluation, promising that the entire treatment process can be done on a remote basis. We believe that this puts patients at a particular disadvantage. Invisalign® involves a treatment program that is monitored by a professional orthodontist or dentist. We feel this oversight is vital to reducing risks and achieving the best possible treatment outcomes. Plus, in-person examinations and follow-ups can help Invisalign® providers precisely evaluate how well the treatment is working and make modifications, if necessary.

While some direct-to-consumer teeth straightening systems may offer options that cost a bit less than Invisalign®, remember that Invisalign® is often covered under dental insurance policies that offer coverage for orthodontic treatment. Plus, our practice accepts many convenient payment methods, and we work with financing companies that offer qualified applicants the ability to pay for their treatment in installments.

Our team believes that it is always better to meet in-person with a qualified orthodontist for any type of orthodontic treatment so that you can increase the chance of successful results and minimize potential risks.

Who invented Invisalign®?

Invisalign® was invented by Zia Chishti. A graduate student at Sanford, Chishti was an orthodontic patient who envisioned the concept of plastic, removable oral appliances to correct orthodontic concerns rather than prominently visible braces. He then worked with three other students to establish Align Technology, LTD in the late 1990s. Invisalign® obtained approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in1998, and the treatment remains one of the most popular alternatives to traditional braces today!

If you have additional questions about Invisalign® or other advanced treatments available from Murphy Orthodontics, please contact our office today.