How Does Invisalign Work?
While traditional braces use wires and brackets to exert pressure on the teeth and bring them into alignment, Invisalign treatment uses a series of thin plastic aligner trays to achieve orthodontic results. These trays are custom-made for each patient, and you’ll switch to a new Invisalign aligner about every two weeks as your treatment progresses.
It usually takes 12–18 months to achieve the best results with Invisalign. You’ll attend monthly checkups with our dentist in Vicksburg so he can keep an eye on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
The Benefits of Invisalign Treatment
A Discreet Orthodontic Option
The thought of wearing highly visible metal braces may make you hesitate to receive treatment. Fortunately, Invisalign offers a subtle and effective alternative. These aligners are made of thin, translucent plastic, which makes them practically invisible in your mouth. You can discreetly carry out your treatment at home, in the office, or when out with friends.
More Comfortable Than Braces
Traditional braces can irritate the inside of your mouth, and having them tightened by a dentist or orthodontist can make orthodontic treatment uncomfortable. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic, which means they won’t scrape or rub up against the inside of your lips. These aligners are safe to wear during any activity, even contact sports.
Improves Dental Health and Appearance
Straightening your teeth can do much more than boost your confidence when you look in the mirror. Proper tooth alignment also offers significant benefits for your dental health. With a well-aligned smile, practicing good dental hygiene becomes much easier, as you won’t have to struggle to reach tight spots. Maintaining your oral health can save you time and money on dentistry down the line.
Work With Your Trusted Dentist
Many patients believe that they have to visit an orthodontist to straighten their teeth, but when you have access to a dentist like Dr. Measells, this isn’t the case. Like an orthodontist, Dr. Measells has extensive experience treating orthodontic patients with both Invisalign and traditional braces. He can successfully straighten your smile without referring you to another practice.
Achieve Your Smile Goals With Invisalign
You don’t have to live with a misaligned smile forever, even if braces are an unrealistic treatment option at this point in your life. Our dentist, Jay Measells, has used his orthodontic experience to help many patients just like you transform their smiles with Invisalign. Your aligner treatment can give you the same great results as braces, but without the discomfort and obvious look.
If you’re interested in what clear aligners can do for your smile, request an Invisalign consultation at our Vicksburg, MS, practice.
Which Issues Can Invisalign Address?
These clear aligners can do wonders for a number of common orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked Teeth
- Crowded Teeth
- Gapped Teeth
- Bite Issues
Candidacy for Invisalign
Invisalign has helped millions of patients straighten their smiles, but clear aligners aren’t the best orthodontic treatment method for everyone. Here are some important factors your dentist will consider when assessing your candidacy for Invisalign:
Good Oral Health
A healthy smile is the best foundation for any orthodontic treatment. If you’re dealing with dental health issues like tooth decay or gum disease, they’ll have to be addressed before we can move forward with your clear aligners. Fortunately, our dentist performs a wide range of dentistry services that can restore your oral health, including gentle teeth cleanings and effective periodontal care.
Mild to Moderate Misalignment
Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate tooth alignment issues. In some cases, we can use Invisalign attachments to address more complex issues, but we usually recommend a traditional braces treatment plan for severe cases. If your alignment issues are especially mild, a few veneers may be enough to conceal them. We offer both veneers and traditional braces at our Vicksburg practice.
Commitment to Treatment
You’ll need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day to enjoy the best possible results from your treatment. We recommend that patients only remove their aligners to eat, brush their teeth, or clean the aligners themselves, making sure to put them back in before bed. If you’re concerned that clear aligner treatment may not work for your schedule or lifestyle, braces may be the best choice for you.
The Invisalign Treatment Timeline
In most cases, Invisalign treatment plans take about 12–18 months to complete. Be sure to attend regular checkups with your dentist so he can track your progress.
Initial Consultation
Visit our office in Vicksburg, MS, for a consultation with Dr. Measells. He’ll thoroughly assess your smile to determine the best way to address your misalignment issues. If he determines that Invisalign is right for you, he’ll begin work on a custom aligner treatment plan.
Taking Impressions
Our dentist will take detailed impressions of your teeth and oral structures. These will be used as blueprints for the fabrication of your aligners.
Aligner Fabrication
We’ll send your impressions to an Invisalign lab, where trained technicians will create your custom aligners. This process generally takes a few weeks.
Begin Treatment
Once your aligners are ready, we’ll invite you back to our office for a fitting. Dr. Measells will ensure your aligners fit snugly and comfortably before you leave to begin your treatment.
Is Invisalign Covered by Dental Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans that offer orthodontic benefits will cover Invisalign in the same way they cover braces. We accept a wide variety of dental insurance plans. A member of our staff can file a claim on your behalf and work with your provider to maximize your coverage.
If you are uninsured or have high out-of-pocket costs, it doesn’t have to prevent you from receiving the orthodontic treatment you’re looking for. Our Vicksburg, MS, dental practice gladly accepts financing through CareCredit®. You can secure a loan with little or no interest, repayable in manageable monthly installments. We’re also pleased to offer a 5% discount on Invisalign when you pay for your treatment upfront.