Crooked teeth, over or underbites, and gaps can pose many problems — physically and emotionally. Having a crooked smile can affect your well-being, and if you’re experiencing this issue, why haven’t you corrected it yet? Maybe the idea of braces frightens you.
If you’re part of the Woodridge, Illinois, community, you’re in luck. Dr. Hannah Baek of Healthy Smile Dental is a certified expert in the Invisalign® treatment system.
Invisalign is a series of clear plastic trays that can gradually shift the position of your teeth. They’re custom-made to fit your mouth and work in a manner similar to braces, except you can remove them and they’re essentially invisible.
Dr. Baek first examines your teeth to decide if Invisalign is the right option for correcting your smile. While Invisalign is convenient, it’s not ideal for treating severe issues. After your initial exam, Dr. Baek begins working on a plan to correct your misaligned teeth.
Your Invisalign trays are designed specifically for you; the trays are created from dental impressions of your teeth. Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Baek may have you come in every few weeks for a new set of aligners.
Metal braces can fix a wide range of teeth problems, from mild to severe. Invisalign can fix most alignment problems, with the exception of the most severe. With Invisalign, though, you can expect great results with more convenience, like:
Since the aligners are created from a mold of your mouth, the system allows Dr. Baek to predict the movement of your teeth, which gives you an idea of what to expect when your treatment is completed.
Another benefit of Invisalign is it can inspire better oral hygiene after your treatment. Whenever you remove your trays to eat, you must brush and floss before putting them back in. This habit can stick with you long after your treatment, leading to a healthier smile and less staining.
Since Invisalign trays are clear, you may need to limit certain foods, drinks, or habits. Beverages like coffee, soft drinks, and red wine are known for staining teeth. You may need to limit how much of these you drink — if any — to avoid staining.
Be careful when you remove your aligners. Put them in their case to avoid damaging or losing them.
You should wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day for the best results, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Baek can discuss this with you when she goes over your treatment plan.
Invisalign is best for adults or teenagers with mild to moderate problems. Severe bites, gaps, or spaces or jaw problems may require a different method.
Are you interested in using Invisalign for your crowded teeth? Schedule an appointment using our online booking tool or contact our office by phone.
