Invisalign

Getting teeth straightened isn't just for kids anymore

Many adults would like to have straight teeth but don't want to wear ugly metal braces. Invisalign is changing all that! Nearly invisible custom-made clear plastic aligners gently move the teeth in the Invisalign process. Other people can't even tell you're wearing them. What a great way to a healthy and more attractive smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign™ is a type of orthodontics. Instead of using metal wires and brackets on your teeth, Invisalign™ uses a series of custom-made clear removable aligners to move the teeth gently into position. Orthodontics works by continually pushing or pulling on teeth until they've moved where desired. This pressure on teeth can be accomplished with conventional metal braces or with Invisalign™ clear plastic. Both methods can give great looking results.

How is Invisalign™ different?

The most obvious difference is visibility. Invisalign™ is nearly undetectable on your teeth. You are straightening your teeth but no one can see it happening. Another very big difference is Invisalign™ is removable. You simply take out the aligners for eating and brushing and flossing, so cleaning your teeth is easy.

How is Invisalign™ made?

The dentist will take impressions and digital photographs of your teeth. This information along with very specific detailed instructions is sent to Invisalign™ and is used to create a computer model of your teeth. This virtual model is used to simulate the movement of your teeth from start to finish. After adjustment and approval by your dentist, a set of custom aligners is fabricated just for you using a very high-tech, state of the art manufacturing process.

How long does treatment take?

The time spent in treatment varies depending on the complexity of the problems being treated. The average time in treatment is usually less than 12 months. Aligners are worn 24/7. They must only be removed to eat, brush, and floss. If they are not worn all day and all night they will not work. After two full weeks you remove the old aligners and wear the next set in the series. This process continues until treatment is complete. You will need to see the dentist for short visits every few weeks to make sure thing are going smoothly. One very important point needs to be stressed: after treatment, teeth will need to be retained in position. Teeth have "memory" and they'll want to shift back to where they used to be. Wearing a retainer (usually only while you sleep) will prevent this.

Will Invisalign™ work for everyone?

Unfortunately not everyone is a candidate. Some people have more complex problems and Invisalign™ may not be the appropriate choice. Invisalign is also not indicated for kids unless all of their adult teeth are fully in.See some before and after photos

Would Invisalign™ work for me?

The best way to find out is to talk with an Invisalign™-certified dentist. At Weith Dental Care we've been certified since 2002 and have helped people with all kinds of poorly aligned teeth. Dr. William Weith believes so strongly in Invisalign™ that he became an Invisalign™ patient himself. Invisalign™ can really provide some amazing results, and it might be just what you're looking for!

Return from Invisalign to Tampa Cosmetic Dentistry