Invisalign®
What Is Invisalign Orthodontics?
Invisalign is a clear or invisible way to straighten your teeth. Dr. Christine Grant custom designs a series of clear, removable trays or aligners that move your teeth little by little until the desired outcome is attained. You wear each tray or aligner for two weeks and only remove them to eat or drink. They are easy to wear and are not noticeable. No-one will be able to tell you are wearing invisible aligners. The total number of aligners varies with each patient. Invisalign orthodontic movement is controlled by two factors- the amount of force and the timing of the force. These movements will dictate the total number of aligners needed to obtain the final result. Dr. Grant will map out your unique Invisalign treatment plan so that you can have the beautiful, radiant smile you’ve always wanted.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Compared to Traditional Orthodontics?
- Aligners are clear and invisible
- Aligners are comfortable and removable
- Easy to brush and floss
- Easy to eat and drink
- No metal brackets or wires
- Treatment time takes less on average
- Less irritation to gum tissues
- No damage to tooth enamel
- Utilizes a 3D-printer to fabricate aligners in advance
- Can preview virtual design of your final outcome
Advantages of Straight Teeth
Straighter teeth are easier to maintain by brushing and flossing than teeth that are crowded, rotated or spaced. With straighter teeth, you can avoid heavy tartar buildup with swelling and bleeding of the gums leading to better periodontal health.
QUICK AND EASY CLEANINGS- With properly aligned teeth, it is easier for patients to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth avoiding periodontal (gum) disease. In addition, it is easier to remove the bacteria that causes tooth decay thereby avoiding cavities.
Correcting mal-positioned teeth improves overall chewing and speech. Properly aligned teeth are straight and parallel allowing an even distribution of forces on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This helps patients chew evenly on all teeth. Straighter teeth allow for more normal positioning of the tongue in relation to the teeth allowing better speech.
Properly aligned teeth help prevent the chipping and breaking of tooth enamel and restorations by everyday habits such as chewing and grinding. When teeth are poorly positioned, it is easier to chip and break them because the teeth are not occluding with even forces. These uneven forces lead to abnormal wear and ultimately severe trauma of the teeth. Correcting your malocclusion improves both your esthetics and function of your teeth.
Straightening your teeth will not only improve the health and function of your teeth, but it will substantially improve your overall appearance as well. Before Invisalign, most patients don't smile as big and have a more shy and reserved smile. After Invisalign treatment, you will have a prettier, more confident smile. Others will notice and you will be smiling more broadly with a renewed sense of beauty and self-confidence.
Why Are Crooked Teeth a Problem?
Teeth that are not properly positioned in the mouth don’t function normally and create what is called a malocclusion. When teeth are not in alignment, uneven forces are applied to the teeth resulting in chipping, fractures and abnormal wear. Furthermore, a malocclusion can lead to more buildup of bacteria which inflames the gum tissues and can lead to bone loss. If left untreated, these debilitating conditions can result ultimately in tooth loss.
Fact: Malocclusion affects 74% of American adults.
To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment call The Hyde Park Center for Aesthetic Dentistry – Christine Grant D.M.D., P.A. in Tampa, Florida today at 813-251-1548.
Which of These Malocclusions Are Your Teeth?
Crowding
- Build up of plaque and tartar.
- Harbors harmful periodontal bacteria.
- Risk of periodontal disease, tooth and bone loss.
Spacing
- Food lodges between teeth.
- Risk of sore, tender gums.
- Risk of periodonta disease.
Deep Bite
- Over-erupted lower front teeth that can damage the palate.
- Premature wear and chipping of the lower front teeth.
Cross Bite
- Premature tooth wear and risk of chipped teeth.
- Abfraction – small notch in tooth at the gumline.
- Periodontal disease, tooth and bone loss.
Excessive Overjet
- Chipped or fractured front teeth.
- Trauma to front teeth.
Edge-to-Edge Bite
- Risk of teeth chipping and breaking.
- Jaw joint pain.
- Shortened or worn down front teeth.
Open Bite
- Abfraction – small notch in tooth at gumline.
- Gum recession, loose teeth and bone loss.
- Excessive, premature wear on back teeth.
Straightforward Solution
Straightening your teeth can make a significant impact on the health of your mouth and body. Ask Dr. Grant about straightening your teeth with Invisalign, a set of clear aligners that are custom-made to gradually straighten your teeth. Your smile and your health are clearly connected.
To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment call The Hyde Park Center for Aesthetic Dentistry – Christine Grant D.M.D., P.A. in Tampa, Florida today at 813-251-1548.