Plymouth Invisalign Experts
Kottemann Orthodontics are the experts in straightening smiles for patients of all ages in Plymouth, Orono, Maple Grove, Watertown, Chaska, and the surrounding communities. For teens and adults who want the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but more freedom and flexibility, Invisalign could be the answer.
What is Invisalign?
The Invisalign clear aligner system helps to align teeth and improve oral health by using a series of nearly invisible aligners that are also removable. Using x-rays and digital impressions, we create a precise 3D image of the teeth. From this, we are able to build a customized aligner specific to each patient. These trays are constructed of a smooth, comfortable material that is fitted to be worn over each patient’s teeth, and they are switched out weekly to keep up with the movement of the teeth throughout the orthodontic process.
When used as directed, Invisalign has been proven to be just as effective as traditional braces at treating many of the most common orthodontic issues. As the most popular alternative to braces, Invisalign is used by over 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada, including Kottemann Orthodontics. In fact, we are a Top 1% Invisalign provider! This means our practice has treated at least 800 cases with the Invisalign system, and we continue to treat 200+ every year. As you can see, it’s a treatment option we believe in and stand behind!
What are the benefits of choosing Plymouth Invisalign treatment?
One of the best things about Invisalign is how easy it is to maintain the aligners and oral hygiene. Plymouth Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water, so there’s never any problem with food getting stuck in the brackets or wires. They’re also meant to be removed before brushing and flossing, making it much easier to access the teeth and maintain an excellent dental hygiene routine. This is important all the time, but especially when undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Another benefit of the aligners’ removability is the lack of any food restrictions. This can be one of the biggest learning curves with traditional braces, but with Invisalign, there aren’t any off-limit treats or favorite foods to avoid! Aligners do need to be removed before all meals in order to avoid staining, and should be cleaned and rinsed out with warm water at least once or twice a day.
Because Plymouth Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth plastic, there are no wires or brackets to poke out and irritate the mouth. This lack of metal makes visits a little easier, too, since there are no adjustments that have to be made. Invisalign wearers can expect to attend follow-up visits about every 8-12 weeks, which tends to add up to fewer overall visits throughout the course of treatment.
How does the Plymouth Invisalign system work?
Invisalign is a fairly straightforward process. Every set of customized aligners are worn for about a week, and should be removed only to eat, drink, brush, or floss. As each aligner is replaced with the next one in the series, the teeth will begin to move gradually, until they reach their final desired positions.
During visits with Kottemann Orthodontics, we will check to make sure treatment is progressing as planned. Patients must keep up with changing the aligners on time, and must also wear them as directed. This is the most critical element to success with Plymouth Invisalign! The trays are custom designed to fit the unique dental needs of every patient, and are changed as frequently as they are in order to keep up with the shifting of the teeth as they begin to straighten. Skipping appointments or not changing aligners as scheduled can quickly undo any progress that’s been made.
Because Invisalign works in a slightly different and less invasive way than braces to straighten the teeth, we generally don’t have concrete answers as to how long a patient will need to wear them before seeing results. The average tends to be somewhere between 6 and 18 months, but this can vary widely from case to case. Keep in mind that this average is calculated based on the patient following the recommended guidelines for wearing the aligners at least 20-22 hours every single day, throughout the entire course of treatment. Any deviation from this, however small, can add time to the overall process. The Invisalign system only works if patients stick to the program!
To learn more about Plymouth Invisalign, or to find out if you are a good candidate for the system, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.