Do you want to straighten your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile without metal braces? Invisalign® is a modern, innovative way to straighten teeth using a clear aligner system instead of metal wires or brackets. Over time, the aligners shift your teeth to meet your dental health needs and help you meet your cosmetic goals. Invisalign is often the perfect solution for adults needing treatment for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns and orthodontic relapse. Dr. Rita Tempel is a Gettysburg Invisalign provider and helps patients achieve straighter and healthier smiles with clear aligners.
Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable treatment option. Clear aligners let you enjoy your favorite foods and socialize confidently without feeling self-conscious, like you might with metal braces. What could Invisalign do for your smile?
Invisalign Treatment in Gettysburg, PA
Dr. Tempel will take X-rays to begin treatment. She uses these X-rays to view the bone and root structure. Then, she takes dental impressions to create personalized trays. Next, she sends these dental impressions to a dental lab, where they create the Invisalign aligners.
You’ll return to Gettysburg Smiles once your aligners are complete. Dr. Tempel will ensure the first pair fits perfectly. She’ll also provide a case and multiple pairs of aligners.
We recommend that you wear Invisalign for about 22 hours every day, even when you sleep. This helps make sure your teeth move as planned. When it’s time to eat or clean your teeth, you should take the aligners out.
Every six weeks, you’ll come to see Dr. Tempel for a check-up. During these visits, she will give you your next set of replacement aligners and offer tips to help you stay on track with your treatment. Following this schedule keeps you on track to complete treatment on time.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Clear Invisalign aligners and metal braces are two of the most popular options for straightening crooked teeth. But many patients prefer Invisalign over traditional metal braces. The benefits of Invisalign make it a great option for teens and adults.
Discreet Appearance
One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is its nearly invisible appearance. The clear plastic aligners are designed to fit snugly over teeth and are hard to notice. This is a big benefit for patients who feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment.
Comfort and Fit
Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, which is much more comfortable than traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires. Metal braces can irritate the cheeks and gums when wires poke or shift. Invisalign eliminates this issue and provides a more comfortable experience.
The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth so they sit securely without causing unnecessary discomfort. It’s normal to feel some pressure as your teeth begin to move. But since Invisalign has no sharp edges or metal parts, it offers a gentler option to straighten your teeth.
Fewer Dietary Restrictions
One of the most frustrating parts of traditional braces is the list of foods you can’t eat. Sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods can damage brackets and wires, leading to inconvenient repairs. Invisalign eliminates these restrictions since you remove the aligners to eat. You can enjoy your favorite meals and snacks without damaging your orthodontic appliance.
Improved Oral Health
Traditional braces can make it hard to maintain good oral hygiene. Food and plaque can easily get trapped around the brackets and wires. Trapped food can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can brush and floss without anything in the way. Removable aligners keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Shorter and Fewer Appointments
Invisalign often requires fewer and shorter visits to the dentist than metal braces. Traditional braces need regular adjustments to tighten the wires and ensure they work properly. But Invisalign patients receive a series of aligners in advance and visit their provider every 6 to 8 weeks for progress checks.
This can be a huge time-saver for busy adults or parents managing their children’s schedules. Fewer appointments also mean less time in the dental chair and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Taking good care of your aligners helps them function properly. If you don’t clean them regularly or if they get damaged, it can slow down your treatment. Dirty or broken aligners may not move your teeth correctly, which means it could take longer to get the results you want. Follow these tips to stay on track with your smile goals:
- Brush and Floss: Start by cleaning the aligners daily whenever you take them out of your mouth. Use lukewarm water, gentle antibacterial soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them thoroughly. You can also use specialized Invisalign-specific cleaners. Avoid abrasive products because they can scratch or damage the plastic.
- Remove the Aligners: Take your aligners out whenever you eat or drink anything that’s not water. Eating with the aligners can cause serious damage. Even if you just scratch your aligners, bacteria can get into these scratches. It makes it easier for them to discolor. Drinking things like wine or coffee will stain the plastic over time.
- Store Them Properly: When you’re not wearing your aligners, keep them in a ventilated case. This lets you know where they are at all times. It’s easy to take them out of your mouth to eat, put them in a napkin, and accidentally throw the aligners away with the napkin when you’re finished with your meal. You want to avoid a warm, wet environment that encourages bacterial growth.
- Avoid Heat: Since the aligners are made of plastic, avoid situations where they’re in excessive heat. When they’re in their case, make sure they’re out of sunlight and aren’t too close to a heating source. Even cleaning them with hot water can warp the material and impact the fit.
You can complete treatment one time when you care for your aligners. Please let us know if you have questions during treatment. Dr. Tempel can also give you tips on Invisalign care in her office.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We’re here to help you learn more about Invisalign treatment in our Gettysburg, PA, dentist office. We welcome you to read answers to questions that patients commonly ask.
How long is Invisalign treatment?
Although every patient’s treatment time will vary, Invisalign can take 6 to 18 months for routine cases. You’re more likely to complete your treatment on time if you wear aligners at least 22 hours a day and care for them properly. You also want to switch out each pair every two weeks.
Can I drink water with Invisalign?
Yes, you can wear your Invisalign aligners while you drink water. Water won’t harm the aligners or cause any stains, so it’s safe to drink without taking them out.
However, you should always remove your aligners before you eat or drink anything other than water. Drinks like juice, soda, coffee, and tea can stain or damage the plastic and make the aligners less clear and less effective. To keep your aligners clean and looking good, it’s best to only wear them when you drink plain cool water.
Do I have to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes, you need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. A retainer keeps your teeth in their new, correct position. Without a retainer, your teeth might slowly shift back to how they were before. This is called orthodontic relapse. Dr. Tempel will talk with you about when and how long to wear your retainer for the first few months after your treatment.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
You must clean your aligners by gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. You can also use official Invisalign cleaning products. Don’t use toothpaste because it can be too abrasive and may scratch the plastic.
Then rinse your aligners thoroughly with lukewarm water. You must clean your aligners daily to prevent odors and bacterial buildup. Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth before you put the aligners back in your mouth.
Will my dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Your dental insurance may or may not offer partial coverage of Invisalign. Many different types of insurance are available, and the coverage they offer varies. Some offer partial coverage, similar to what they offer for traditional braces.
The extent of your coverage will depend on your plan type and benefits. We recommend that you check with your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
If you lose or break an aligner, call our office as soon as you can. We may tell you to wear your last set of aligners or move on to the next set, depending on where you are in your treatment. In some cases, we can order a replacement aligner. Wear your aligners as directed and let us know if there’s a problem.
Can Invisalign fix severe orthodontic issues?
Invisalign is an effective orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate cases of crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. If your orthodontic problems are severe, you might need stronger treatment like traditional braces. A visit with Dr. Tempel can help find the best treatment for you.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Most people find Invisalign treatment to be less painful than traditional metal braces. When you begin to wear a new set of aligners, you might feel some pressure or mild discomfort. This happens because the aligners are gently moving your teeth into their new positions. While this can feel a bit uncomfortable at first, it usually goes away within a few days. It also means the treatment is working to straighten your teeth.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you want straighter teeth? Try Invisalign. Request a dental appointment at Gettysburg Smiles online or call (717) 853-1552. Let us know if you have questions. We’re here to help.