Are your crooked teeth impacting the look of your smile? Address misaligned teeth with Invisalign. Invisalign is a cosmetic dentistry option for mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Invisalign offers comfortable care with proven results as a modern alternative to metal braces.
Dr. Jennifer Kalochie provides Invisalign treatment for teen and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic needs. She works with her patients individually to evaluate their oral health needs and ensure that Invisalign is the right solution to meet their goals.
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually create a straighter, balanced smile. It can also reposition crooked teeth and treat a range of malocclusion issues for a healthier bite.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are a common dental problem. Some cases are more severe than others. You may think crooked teeth are just a cosmetic issue, but many oral health problems come with crooked teeth, too. Crooked teeth are a lot harder to clean than straight teeth.
They’re usually cramped and jumbled together. Getting the floss in between the teeth is hard, and areas may overlap. Those overlapping areas might not get successfully cleaned at all.
You’re at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease when you can’t properly remove built-up plaque and tartar. Tooth decay causes rot and infection in your teeth; gum disease can carry inflammation and infection throughout the body. It’s crucial to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
Crooked teeth also give you an uneven bite. When you close down your teeth, the pressure isn’t evenly distributed throughout your smile. Certain teeth will wear down faster than others and may chip or break. TMJ is another problem that comes up when you have an uneven bite.
The jaw joint doesn’t track smoothly, and the disc that helps it do so wears down. As a result, you can experience problems with chewing and even with your ability to open and close your mouth.
Invisalign Treatment in Yardley, PA
To begin treatment, Dr. Kalochie will take dental impressions to create a blueprint for your Invisalign treatment. She then sends images of the teeth to a dental lab, creating multiple pairs of aligners. Each pair is different, as it slightly shifts the teeth into a straighter position.
When the aligners are complete, Dr. Kalochie will ensure that the first pair fits comfortably. You will wear each pair of aligners for two weeks. After two weeks, you can switch out your aligners for a new set.
You can soak your aligners in a denture or mouthguard cleaner to clean them. Do not wear your aligners when eating or drinking; this can stain or damage the appliance. When not in use, keep your aligners in their ventilated case. Also, brush your teeth before placing them back in your mouth.
Treatment is carried out over a series of months. Your dentist will determine how long your Invisalign treatment will take. On average, it typically takes 12-18 months. More severe cases may take a little bit longer. If you don’t follow the treatment plan properly and don’t wear the aligners as long as you need to, the treatment will also take longer.
Invisalign FAQs
Discover more about treatment with Invisalign by reading common answers to these questions:
How does Invisalign compare to metal braces?
Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires that create a more even smile. Patients with braces cannot eat sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that may damage the braces. However, braces can benefit patients who have more complex orthodontic needs. Invisalign uses clear and discreet plastic aligners. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can eat and drink what they want without restrictions. Invisalign treatment also benefits patients who have a misaligned smile.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign is an excellent braces alternative for teens and adults. We will recommend Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate problems with crooked teeth, tooth gaps, underbites, or overbites. If you only have one or two crooked teeth that cause cosmetic issues for your smile, Dr. Kalochie may recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers. These cosmetic options cover the front of the tooth enamel to improve the smile’s alignment.
How long is Invisalign treatment?
The average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months. However, each patient is different, so your treatment time will vary. For the best results, patients should wear their Invisalign aligners for about 22 hours daily.
Can I speed up my Invisalign treatment?
No, and it’s dangerous to try. Each time you switch out your aligners, your mouth takes some time to adjust. Your teeth will be sore for the first few days in the new aligners. When you recover from this soreness, you cannot immediately switch to the next set. All of your oral structures need time to adjust. If you try too quickly, your teeth can become loose and fall out.
Is Invisalign treatment permanent?
Teeth straightening is designed to be permanent. However, many things can change your results. If you don’t wear your retainer properly, your teeth can return to improper alignment. Things like wisdom tooth eruption or trauma can also change the alignment of your teeth. Oral health conditions like gum disease can change your smile and teeth alignment.
Can I eat or drink with Invisalign?
The only thing you can consume with your aligners is water. They can stain the aligners if you drink things like coffee or red wine when you have your clear aligners in. A big benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are transparent on your teeth. They’re no longer invisible when they’re stained. Hot drinks can warp the material, and eating food with the aligners can scratch and damage them.
Straighten Your Smile Today
Are you looking for a comfortable way to realign crooked teeth? Ask about Invisalign treatment today. Request a dental consultation with Dr. Kalochie on our website. You may also call her for an appointment at 267-592-3552.
Do you have any remaining questions about Invisalign? Let us know at your next dental visit.