Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages and the best choice for straighter teeth. It offers a clear, comfortable, and easy way to get the smile you want. Flax Dental is proud to offer this cosmetic dentistry solution that has changed many smiles and lives. You no longer need to use traditional metal braces. Instead, you can enjoy a comfortable and almost invisible option with Invisalign from our Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, dental office.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the best way to straighten your teeth without anyone ever noticing. Instead of bulky braces, you get clear, BPA-free aligners made just for you. They’re great for fixing crooked teeth without all the metal wires. Invisalign is perfect for anyone looking to improve their smile and boost their confidence.
We offer this treatment for fixing minor to moderate dental issues, like:
- Crooked teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Misaligned teeth
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern option for treating crooked teeth. The benefits include being virtually invisible, removable, more efficient and precise. Learn more about the advantages you can look forward to:
- Subtle & Discreet: Invisalign aligners are a great choice to straighten your teeth without noticeable hardware. Since they’re clear, they’re popular with both adults and teens who want to avoid the look of metal braces. Plus, you can easily take the aligners out when you need to eat, drink, or clean them. You won’t have any food restrictions to worry about.
- Custom Fit For You: Each set of clear aligners will fit your teeth perfectly because they’re made just for you. They’re smooth and comfortable to wear all day. You don’t have to deal with the irritation that metal brackets and wires can cause on your gums and cheeks.
- Faster Results: Invisalign often works quicker than traditional braces. Many patients see their final results in 12 to 18 months. The exact timeline depends on how much correction your teeth need. Invisalign usually gets the job done faster for mild to moderate issues.
- Comfortable to Wear: Unlike braces that need regular tightening, Invisalign aligners gently move your teeth over time. This means much less discomfort throughout the process. These aligners don’t have any sharp edges or metal parts to irritate your mouth because they’re smooth.
- Fewer Office Visits: With Invisalign, you won’t need to visit the dentist as often as you would with braces. You’ll only need occasional check-ins to make sure everything is on track since the aligners don’t need tightening. This makes it easier to fit treatment into anyone’s busy schedule.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign process begins with a consultation and exam with Dr. Hugh Flax. At this visit, we use advanced technology to create a 3D digital image of your teeth. This allows us to plan the exact movements of your teeth and create a custom treatment plan just for you.
Based on this plan, we will make a series of clear aligners to fit your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for about 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, your teeth will slowly move into the right position. As you go through the series of aligners, you’ll see your smile change little by little without metal brackets or wires.
You will have check-up appointments with your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks. We will check your progress at these visits and give you your next set of aligners. Your teeth will be straighter and look great after you complete your treatment. We will provide a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position.
How to Maintain Your Invisalign Aligners
The proper care will keep you on track to complete your Invisalign treatment on time. Follow these simple steps to care for your aligners:
Clean Your Aligners
You can remove your aligners for cleaning. Clean the aligners with a soft toothbrush, gentle soap, or denture cleaner. Avoid using hot water on the aligners because excessive heat can warp the material and affect how they fit. Also, avoid using toothpaste to clean the aligners because it can damage them.
Good oral hygiene is essential to keep your teeth and aligners healthy during treatment. Brush and floss your teeth and clean the aligners before you put them back in your mouth.
Ensure you remove the aligners before you eat or drink anything other than water. Food particles and liquids can become trapped between the aligners and teeth, leading to decay and other dental issues.
Wear Your Aligners Every Day
Another essential aspect of treatment is to wear your Invisalign aligners as directed. Wear them for at least 22 hours daily to effectively straighten the teeth. This means you should remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can prolong treatment time and affect the overall results.
Protect your Aligners
Avoid exposing the aligners to heat, which can warp the material and affect the fit. Do not leave your aligners in hot cars or near hot surfaces. In addition, avoid drinking hot foods and drinks, chewing gum, or biting into hard foods while you wear the aligners. This can damage the aligners and affect the treatment process.
What are Retainers?
We’ll give you custom-made retainers after you finish your Invisalign treatment. These retainers will keep your teeth in the right position. After your teeth have moved to their new spots, it’s important to wear your retainers as instructed to keep them straight.
If you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth can start to move again. This problem is called orthodontic relapse. Your teeth might shift back to where they were before. At first, you might not notice the changes. But over time, they can become more obvious and all the work you put into your treatment could be undone.
We recommend that you wear your retainers for 20 to 22 hours each day, just like you did with your Invisalign aligners. Wearing them regularly helps keep your teeth in place while your mouth adjusts. You can take your retainers out when you eat, brush, and floss, which makes it easy to keep your mouth clean without affecting your results.
Make sure to follow our instructions about how long and when to wear your retainers. They keep your teeth aligned and support the gums and bone around your teeth as they adjust to the changes.
If you lose your retainer, contact our dental office as soon as possible for a replacement. You should also contact us if you damage your retainer. We will work with you to ensure you get a new retainer so your teeth don’t shift.
Invisalign FAQs
Read more about Invisalign in Atlanta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA:
Can I remove Invisalign for special events?
You can take your aligners out for a short time if you have a wedding, graduation, job interview, or another occasion.
But you want to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day to keep your treatment on track. If you remove them too often or for too long, it could slow down your progress. Remember to put them back in as soon as possible after your event so your teeth keep moving as planned.
Who is a candidate for Invisalign?
A good candidate for Invisalign is someone who has mild to moderate teeth alignment issues, like gaps, crowding, or bite problems. It works best for people who are responsible because the aligners need to be worn 20-22 hours a day and taken out only for eating, drinking, and brushing.
Teens and adults are usually the best candidates because their teeth have stopped growing. However, it might not be the best choice for severe dental issues that need traditional braces. Dr. Flax can help decide if Invisalign is right for you.
What is the Invisalign material?
Invisalign aligners are made from a special type of clear plastic called SmartTrack®. This material is designed to be strong, flexible, and comfortable while gently moving your teeth into the right position. Unlike regular plastic, SmartTrack® is made just for Invisalign, so it fits better and works more effectively.
Invisalign material is also BPA-free, meaning it is safe to wear in your mouth. Because the material is thin and clear, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing the aligners!
What happens if I break or lose an aligner?
If you break or lose an Invisalign aligner, go back to your previous aligner: If you still have the last set of aligners you were wearing, put those back in to keep your teeth from shifting.
Call Dr. Flax and he will tell you whether you need to move to the next set of aligners, get a replacement, or wait for a new one to be made. Don’t jump to the next set of aligners without asking because it could mess up your treatment plan.
What can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
You should always remove your Invisalign aligners before eating. This is because food can get stuck under the aligners, which can lead to cavities or damage the aligners. Plus, chewing with the aligners in can cause them to crack or warp.
You can drink water while wearing your Invisalign aligners. Water won’t harm the aligners or your teeth. Just make sure it’s plain water, not flavored, sparkling, or sugary.
What age is best for Invisalign?
Invisalign is most commonly used by teenagers and adults. By the teenage years, most people have all their permanent teeth, making it a good time to straighten them. Invisalign is also a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of metal braces. It’s never too late to improve your smile!
Invisalign is generally not recommended for younger children because their jaws and teeth are still growing and developing. However, there’s a special version called Invisalign First designed for kids as young as 6-10 years old.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Invisalign aligners fit snugly over your teeth, so your tongue and mouth need a little time to get used to them. At first, you might have a slight lisp or find it harder to pronounce certain words. This happens because your tongue is adjusting to the new shape in your mouth.
Most people adjust to Invisalign within a few days to a couple of weeks. Talking, reading aloud, or practicing tricky words can help your mouth get used to the aligners faster. The more you talk, the quicker your speech will return to normal.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign in Atlanta, GA, depends on how long you need treatment. If you have mild crowding or small gaps, your treatment may be shorter and less expensive. More severe misalignment or bite problems may require a longer treatment time, increasing the cost. The more aligners you need, the higher the overall cost.
Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
Are you ready for a beautiful smile without the hassle of traditional braces? Contact us for Invisalign in our Sandy Springs dental office in Northern Atlanta to transform your smile. Call 470-635-3604 or schedule an appointment online.
Under the expert care of Dr. Hugh Flax, you can expect a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals. Enjoy the confidence of a straighter smile with removable aligners that fit into your lifestyle.