What Is Invisalign?
If you would like to straighten your teeth and improve your bite without the look of traditional braces, Invisalign may be an excellent choice for you. This popular technique moves teeth comfortably using custom-made aligners that are virtually invisible. This type of aligner is generally more comfortable than traditional metal wires and brackets and treats a range of orthodontic conditions.
Dr. Block is a board-certified orthodontist and expert in the Invisalign system. We’ve helped many patients achieve a straighter, more confident smile with this remarkable orthodontic treatment. If you’re ready for a straighter smile and seek an alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires, contact us to learn more about Invisalign in Metairie, LA.
What Conditions Does Invisalign Treat?
As orthodontic technology continues to advance, the range of problems that Invisalign can treat is also expanding. If you experience these orthodontic issues, Invisalign may be able to help:
- Gapped teeth
- Tooth crowding
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works by exerting mild to moderate pressure on your teeth to gently shift them into alignment. With special align technology, you can straighten your teeth without the restrictions and appearance of metal braces. Your clear aligners can be removed while eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
An Invisalign aligner is worn for about 2 weeks. Then, Dr. Block will provide you with a new aligner slightly different than the previous one. Over time, your teeth will shift into the desired positions.
Treatment time typically lasts about 15 months, using a total of 18–30 aligners. Once your treatment has begun, you will need to visit our office every 6–8 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as expected. Invisalign is highly personalized for your mouth and condition. The total treatment time and the number of aligners vary from patient to patient.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional braces, including:
- You don’t have to work around brackets or wires, making your aligners easier to clean and giving you full access to cleaning around teeth and gums
- Fewer office visits
- No dietary restrictions
- Most people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing Invisalign because the aligners are virtually invisible
- Invisalign is generally more comfortable than braces, which can cause oral sores
- See results in as little as 6 months
- Great for kids, teens, and adults
What to Expect During Your Invisalign Appointment
Your first step to Invisalign is a comprehensive exam with your orthodontist. Our team will use a handheld scanner to take 3D images of your teeth. These images allow us to create the customized series of aligners you will be wearing. We will discuss your treatment options and get you started on your journey to straighter teeth.
Once the scans are finalized, Invisalign experts will fabricate your aligners. When they are ready, you will return to our office and Dr. Block will make sure they fit properly and comfortably in your mouth.
How Long Will I Have to Wear Invisalign?
The more often you wear your aligners, the faster you will achieve the desired results. You should wear your clear aligners for 20–22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, brush your teeth, or play sports.
Parents, Invisalign makes it easy to monitor how often your child is wearing the aligners. There is a blue indicator on the aligner to make sure your child is wearing their aligners. This technology helps your child stay on track to achieving a straight smile.
Invisalign in Metairie, LA
Invisalign is used on patients of all ages to create a straighter smile you can feel confident about. If you are interested in Invisalign, contact our office in Metairie, LA, to schedule a consultation with our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Block. Children, teenagers, and adults can all benefit from a healthier, straighter smile with Invisalign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take off my Invisalign aligners while playing sports?
Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment tool, but they can also become damaged in the event of a sports injury. You should remove your Invisalign aligners when playing sports and wear a fitted mouth guard to protect your teeth. After practice or a game is over, simply put your aligners back in.
How will the Invisalign treatment affect my life?
With Invisalign, you continue living your life uninterrupted by orthodontic care. Enjoy coffee with friends, playing sports, and eating your favorite foods. Just remove your aligners before eating, drinking, or playing sports, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. There are no brackets or wires that can become damaged, resulting in fewer orthodontic emergencies.
How do I take care of my Invisalign clear aligners?
Every night, rinse your aligners and use your toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush them. This will remove any leftover food and bacteria, and keep your aligners fresh and clean.
What is the cost of Invisalign in Metairie, LA?
Some insurance plans will cover all or some of the cost of Invisalign. Contact your insurance provider directly to find out the details of your coverage.
You can also apply for a LendingPoint Virtual Card, a fixed-rate installment loan. LendingPoint is a partner of Invisalign and offers monthly payments to cover your orthodontic treatment. To find out how much Invisalign would cost for you, contact our practice for a consultation.
