With new advances taking place every day in the field of cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, there are now more options beyond traditional metal braces. Our Ottawa Dentists at Parkdale Dental Centre are proud to offer a different way to achieve straight teeth with a system known as Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Developed by Align Technology, Invisalign is a form of orthodontics that has made it possible to straighten teeth without braces. This system uses a series of aligners that look similar to a whitening tray or retainer.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works by using the rigid aligners to gently and slowly move your teeth into their new position. At the beginning of your treatment, you will have a series of aligners made. Each pair will vary slightly from the next, each new shape is the transition that your teeth will take.
What Does Invisalign Fix
Invisalign can fix malocclusions from the simplest to more complex issues including the following:
Crowded Teeth
A narrow arch can prevent your teeth from having enough room, causing misalignment issues. This results in crowded teeth that are bunched up, overlapped, twisted, and sometimes pushed to the front or back.
This condition makes it difficult to brush and floss your teeth properly. Crowded teeth are prone to more plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria build-up, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
Gap Teeth
Having a gapped smile can cause food to get packed between your teeth and make it difficult to clean. Gum tissue soreness can develop. It is also a cosmetic concern.
Overbite
An overbite is the vertical overlap of your upper front teeth over your lower front teeth. A little bit of an overbite is ideal, but when the overbite is too much it can cause problems.
Also known as a deep bite, this condition can cause excessive wear on your teeth and possible pain in your jaw/TMJ.
Underbite / Crossbite
An underbite or anterior crossbite is the opposite of an overbite. It occurs when your lower front teeth sit in front of your upper teeth in a biting position.
This condition can make it hard to chew properly and speak clearly. It also can cause excessive wear on your teeth.
While severe underbites may require surgery to fix, Invisalign can improve some more limited cases.
Open Bite
When you close your teeth together, if there is an opening between your top and bottom front teeth, then you have an open bite. This condition makes it nearly impossible to bite into foods with your front teeth.
Phase 1 Treatment in Children
If your growing child starts showing signs that they’re heading toward malocclusion (misaligned bite) a phase 1 orthodontic intervention may be required.
Putting your child through Phase 1 Invisalign while they still have some of their baby teeth can fix potential problems and get them on the right track to continue developing a more ideal smile through improved growth patterns.
Crooked Teeth
If your bite is ideal but you have a crooked smile, Invisalign can straighten your teeth.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign comes with many advantages over traditional braces.
Many people, especially those that feel self-conscious and don’t want to wear metal braces, find that Invisalign is a great, discreet way to fix their misaligned teeth. It allows you can achieve a beautiful smile with clear aligners that look virtually invisible.
Since the aligners are removable, you’ll be able to brush your teeth like normal. You won’t have to worry with maneuvering floss into difficult places or need any special hygiene tools.
Even clear braces still have wires and brackets that are hard to clean. Invisalign is even better than any kind of invisible braces when it comes to hygiene!
Invisalign is even great for teens and has developed a specific treatment option for these young adults. Invisalign Teen helps busy teenagers keep better track of their progress, reminding them to wear their aligners and make straightening their teeth a priority.
Patients who want to straighten their crooked teeth but can’t afford expensive cosmetic dentistry treatments may find that Invisalign is a great alternative.
Before eating you’ll need to take your aligners out. However, you’ll be glad you can because you’ll be able to eat whatever you’d like and not feel restricted to certain foods like with traditional braces.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The length of time Invisalign takes varies for each individual. When treatment planning how long your tooth movement will take, we must consider the extent of your current condition.
The aligners come in pairs, one fits over the top arch of your teeth, and one goes on the lower arch. Each pair of aligners are worn for one week before moving on to the next ones.
In order to determine how long your Invisalign treatment will be, we’ll first need to determine how many aligners it will take to get the desired result.
Invisalign Cost: How Much Does It Cost in Ottawa?
The cost of Invisalign treatment in Ottawa is similar to that of braces. The complexity of your case and time that you’re in treatment will factor into the final cost.
To make your Invisalign treatment more affordable, we accept most dental insurance plans and there are flexible payment options available.
Where to Get Invisalign in Ottawa, Ontario?
When it comes to your smile, you want to make sure that you have an excellent team by your side. When you’re a patient of Parkdale Dental Centre you have just that! If you’re interested in getting clear aligners to straighten your teeth, then call our Ottawa Invisalign dentist today. We look forward to being a part of your transformation!