Invisalign®
Invisalign may be the answer for you
Beautifully aligned teeth don’t just improve your appearance; they enhance the function and health of your mouth in Monterey, CA. Do you want to straighten your teeth, close gaps and align your bite, but hate the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires?
The Invisalign system is a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit your teeth. Over time, the virtually invisible aligners reposition your teeth into a smile you can be proud of. The system works like braces and in many cases can shift teeth even faster.
If you are interested in straightening your teeth, closing gaps and repositioning your bite but hate the idea of traditional braces, Invisalign could be the solution for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works by slowly moving your teeth through a series of molds, helping them to move into a better position, as discussed with your dentist. Before the molds are taken, detailed records are compiled from digital X-rays and photographs of your teeth, and face. Those records will be sent to Invisalign with detailed instructions regarding your teeth goals.
The custom-made clear aligners can take four to five weeks to arrive and each set (called a tray) works for one to two weeks. Each tray of aligners helps to move your teeth in small increments, so when a new one is used it will feel like pressure on your teeth till they adjust to their new position.
Invisalign Vs. Braces
The Invisalign treatment and braces in Monterey, CA have similar goals, but different ways of achieving them. It’s also important to remember that while Invisalign is an excellent tool to improve your smile, braces are still recommended for certain dental conditions. Dr. Frahm will discuss what is best for your dental needs and whether Invisalign is a good treatment for you or if braces are necessary. In many ways, it is the patient’s choice, and to help you make an informed decision, consider the following comparisons.
Comfort of the Treatment
Braces aren’t the most comfortable type of aligners to wear and they often cut into lips, cheeks, and hard-to-reach sores, as well as other annoyances while wearing them. Invisalign, on the other hand, has smooth edges and is custom-made, as well as removable.
Cleaning the Aligners
Keeping good dental hygiene while wearing braces is difficult, with the wires and pieces of metal blocking areas of your teeth, and holding food. There are picks and other types of oral hygiene tools to help you keep your teeth clean, but it is still an extra step that can be annoyingly difficult. As Invisalign consists of removable trays, it’s easy to clean and continue with your normal dental routine. Of course, you would need to keep the aligner trays clean as well in between wearing them.
Contact Us
Dr. Frahm completed advanced training with the Invisalign Corporation to become an Invisalign certified dentist. She has helped hundreds of people straighten crooked teeth, close gaps and realign their bites, improving the health and appearance of their smiles.
We invite you to learn more about how we can create a customized Invisalign program for you by visiting our office. With Dr. Sarah Frahm, smile consultations are always complimentary.