Invisalign®
Our dentists are proud to be Invisalign® providers in Grandville, MI, serving patients throughout Greater Grand Rapids. They’re also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to determine if you’re a .
How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?
is an orthodontic system that utilizes clear aligners rather than conventional metal braces to correct tooth position in order to improve a patient’s smile or bite. Using Invisalign aligners, we are able to correct a number of dental conditions including open bite, overbite, crossbite, spaces between teeth, and crowded or crooked teeth.
What are the Advantages of Invisalign Aligners?
Advantages of Invisalign treatment include:
- Improved confidence and self-esteem – both during and after treatment
- Clear aligners that are nearly invisible
- A more esthetic and pleasing resulting smile
- A more comfortable resulting bite
- Increased dental hygiene due to straighter and more easily maintainable teeth
- The ability to remove aligners to clean teeth during treatment
What Can I Expect During Invisalign Treatment?
Before beginning treatment, interested patients are seen first for a records appointment. At this visit, a thorough orthodontic evaluation is completed along with impressions and photographs of the teeth. Using this information, our Grandville Invisalign dentists will plan the course of treatment and the clear aligners are then developed.
The second visit involves placement of bonded tooth attachments, try-in of the first aligners, and review with the patient of how to use and maintain the aligners. Attachments are small, invisible bumps made of composite resin (the same material used for white bonded fillings) that allow the aligners to move teeth more effectively. The patient will be given the first several aligner sets to take home.
Each aligner is generally worn for one week before moving on to the next set. The patient will have a number of aligner sets at home, so it is not required to come into the office for each aligner change.
The clear orthodontic aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day and generally are removed only for eating, drinking, and brushing the teeth. They are easily cleaned by simply brushing with water only.
From there, patients will come into the office periodically for follow-up appointments to ensure their treatment is proceeding properly and to receive further sets of aligners. These are generally quick appointments, but they are important for ensuring the teeth are moving as planned.
Once Invisalign treatment is complete, the attachments are removed and retainers are made. After any , retainers are an important component to ensuring the new smile and bite are maintained. There are a number of different retainer types available for use today. The best retainer style will depend on each individual case.
How Do Invisalign Aligners Compare to Metal Braces?
Invisalign is similar to traditional metal braces in the sense that they are both methods for changing the position of teeth in the jaw. Successful orthodontics involves the placement of a consistent but light force in a certain direction in order to influence tooth movement. Invisalign aligners and braces are both ways of applying such forces, but they differ in how the force is applied to the teeth.
Each custom printed Invisalign aligner stage is just slightly different than the stage before it, which lightly pushes the teeth in the desired direction. With conventional orthodontics using braces, forces are applied to teeth using metal brackets and wires, which work together to move teeth in the desired direction. The end goal is the same – an improved smile and bite for lifelong confidence and comfort.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The overall varies depending on each individual patient’s unique circumstances and goals. For very minor movements, such as the correction of a single front tooth, treatment may be completed in as little as a few weeks using five to 10 aligners. More involved tooth movements may take over a year.
Request an Appointment with 44 West
Our , are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile. To schedule a consultation and learn if you’re a candidate for Invisalign aligners, please call 44 West Dental Professionals at (616) 530-2200. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.