Novato, CA Dentist Explains the Benefits of Invisalign® Treatment

Written by Dr. McConnell on Oct 13, 2015

Patients who are interested in orthodontic treatment ask the Novato, CA Dentist about the options for straightening teeth without a lot of inconvenience.  impact traditional metal braces will have on their smile. It can be very discouraging to consider the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time. Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens your teeth fast without any metal.

How is Invisalign different from traditional braces?

Invisalign® corrects many of the same issues as traditional metal braces. However, Invisalign® trays are nearly invisible to the naked eye and can easily be removed for eating, and brushing and flossing. 

Some of the problems that can be corrected with Invisalign® are:

  • Overcrowding – Overcrowding occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth, causing tooth decay and increasing the likelihood of gum disease.
  • Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
  • Crossbite – This common dental problem occurs when one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
  • Overbite – Overbite occurs when the upper teeth project further than the lower teeth.
  • Underbite – The opposite of the overbite where lower teeth project further than the upper teeth.

How does Invisalign work?

We begin the process by developing a treatment plan after taking three-dimensional digital images of your entire jaw at our Novato, CA Dentist office.These images allow us to alter the appearance of specific teeth on the screen and allow us to view the jaw from different angles. This technology gives you a clear picture of how Invisalign® trays will change your appearance. Once a treatment plan is developed, a set of customized aligners will be created just for you.

What do I need to know about Invisalign® trays?

Invisalign trays should be worn at all times, except when eating and drinking. Removing the trays is important because food or drink can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay. You’ll change your aligners every two weeks, and the progress will be noticeable every time you move to the next set of trays.

Please contact our office if you have any questions about Invisalign® clear braces and how they may benefit you.