We know that a straighter smile is also a healthier smile. Reliance Dental offers orthodontic treatment for patients with mild to moderate concerns to straighten teeth and improve the function of the bite. Invisalign clear aligners in Edmonton, AB, are a popular orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth without using traditional metal braces.
Many patients choose clear aligners not only for health benefits but also as part of cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of their smile. Clear aligners make orthodontic treatment more discreet, convenient, and comfortable. It offers a perfect solution for adult patients who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of metal braces.
Schedule a visit if you’d like to explore your treatment options. You can discuss your needs with one of our Edmonton dentists.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular way to straighten teeth without metal braces, but it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Whether you’re a good candidate depends on your specific dental needs and lifestyle.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crowded teeth, small gaps, or minor bite problems. If you have more complex alignment issues, like a severe overbite or underbite, traditional braces might be a better option. Our dentist will examine your teeth and let you know if Invisalign can give you the results you want.
Good candidates for Invisalign are responsible about wearing their aligners as directed. Since the trays need to be worn at least 20-22 hours a day, you’ll need to stick to a consistent routine. If you often forget to put them back in after meals or skip wearing them, your treatment won’t be as effective.
Teens and adults are the most common Invisalign patients because they can follow the care instructions. Younger children with baby teeth usually aren’t good candidates since their jaws are still growing and their teeth are still shifting.
If you’re considering Invisalign, the best way to find out if it’s right for you is to schedule a consultation with our dentist. Dr. Chandy will check your teeth and discuss your goals. He can help you decide if invisible aligners are the best option for you.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign has transformed orthodontics so many people can get a straighter smile with discreet care. The clear aligners are comfortable to wear and virtually unnoticeable. The smooth plastic does not irritate the gums and soft tissues in the mouth.
Another key benefit of Invisalign in our Edmonton, AB office is that you can continue enjoying your normal diet. You can easily remove the aligners to eat and drink. You can also remove them so you can brush and floss.
In some cases, Invisalign can achieve results more quickly than traditional braces, depending on the complexity of the case. Patients also enjoy the ability to “see the future of their smile” with our CAD/CAM software used for treatment planning. Our team can give you a digital preview of how the aligners will reposition your teeth and change the look of your smile.
The Invisalign Process in Edmonton, AB
You can get Invisalign in several visits to our dental office. The steps to Invisalign treatment ensure you get aligners customized to your smile goals.
Consultation and Treatment Plan
Your Invisalign journey starts with a consultation. During this visit, Dr. Chandy will take a close look at your teeth and ask about your goals. He’ll check to make sure Invisalign is a good fit for your smile.
If you’re a good candidate, we’ll take digital scans or impressions of your teeth. We use these scans to create a 3D model of your mouth. This model helps us plan your treatment step by step so your teeth move in the best way possible. It also creates a smile simulator so you can see what your teeth look like after the Invisalign process.
Making Your Aligners
Once your treatment plan is ready, we send your smile specifications to an Invisalign lab. The lab will use 3D printing technology to make your custom aligners. Each set of aligners is slightly different and designed to move your teeth little by little. These aligners are clear, smooth, and fit snugly over your teeth. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Wearing Your Aligners
You’ll return to Reliance Dental after several weeks so Dr. Chandy can check the fit of your aligners. He’ll also give you an aligner case for safekeeping.
You need to wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day. You only need to remove your aligners when you eat, drink anything other than water, or brush and floss your teeth.
You’ll switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. Each new set will continue to gently shift your teeth closer to their final position. Visit our office every 6 to 8 weeks so we can check your progress and make any needed changes.
Wearing Retainers
Your treatment isn’t quite done after you finish your last set of aligners. You’ll get a retainer to wear, usually at night, to help keep your teeth in their new position. Wearing your retainer as directed is the best way to protect your results and keep your teeth straight for life.
How to Care for Invisalign Aligners
Taking good care of your Invisalign aligners helps keep them clean, clear, and effective in straightening your teeth. Follow these simple steps to maintain your aligners.
Remove Your Aligners To Eat and Drink
Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water. Food particles and sugary drinks can get trapped under the aligners, leading to stains or cavities. When you take them out, rinse them with lukewarm water to prevent saliva from drying on them and causing odors.
Keep Them Clean
Clean your aligners every day using a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap. Avoid toothpaste because it can be too abrasive and scratch the plastic. It can also make the aligners look cloudy. Never use hot water since heat can warp the plastic and ruin the fit.
Store your aligners in their protective case when you’re not wearing them. Leaving them out on a napkin or in your pocket makes them easy to lose or damage. Also, keep them away from pets. Dogs especially like to chew on them!
Be Consistent
Wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day to stay on track with your treatment. The more consistently you wear them, the better your results will be. Always put them back in after brushing your teeth to keep your smile fresh and avoid trapping bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about Invisalign in our Edmonton, AB, dental office.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of your Invisalign treatment depends on your individual needs and how much your teeth need to move. Every smile is different, so treatment time can vary from person to person. On average, most patients complete Invisalign treatment in about 12 to 18 months.
Some patients may start seeing noticeable improvements in just a few weeks, while others with more complex alignment issues may need a little longer. Wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day and following your dentist’s instructions can help you stay on track and finish treatment as quickly as possible.
How do I care for my retainers after I get Invisalign?
We’ll provide retainers once you complete Invisalign treatment. You can care for retainers just like your Invisalign aligners. Rinse them with cool water after each use and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush to remove any plaque or buildup.
When you’re not wearing your retainers, store them in their protective case to keep them safe and clean. You can also soak them in a retainer or denture cleaning solution a few times a week to keep them fresh.
Does it hurt to get Invisalign?
In general, Invisalign treatment is more comfortable than metal braces. The only discomfort you can feel during treatment is when you get accustomed to each new set of aligners. Your teeth and gum tissues need time to get used to the new position.
What happens if I lose or break an aligner?
Contact us as soon as possible. We can help you schedule a time to come in so we can get you replacement aligners as soon as possible. In some cases, we may recommend that you move on to the next set of aligners while waiting for a replacement.
Start Your Journey Today
Are you ready to enjoy straighter and healthier teeth? Call 587-840-9984 or request an appointment at Reliance Dental, your Invisalign provider in Edmonton, AB. Our dental care team will meet with you to discuss your needs and explore treatment options.