If you’re not happy with how your teeth are aligned and want a straighter smile, Invisalign® could be the answer. It’s a cosmetic dental treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to fix crooked teeth and misaligned bites. With Invisalign, there’s no need for metal braces, and you get a more comfortable and convenient way to straighten your teeth.
Why Choose Invisalign?
When teeth are crooked, it’s hard to clean between them. This is where bacteria and plaque often build up. Invisalign aligners can be removed, making it easier to clean your teeth. Not only does Invisalign improve how your teeth look, but it also helps your overall dental health by reducing the chances of decay and infection.
Both adults and teens can benefit from Invisalign. Dr. Drew Shulman, a dentist in the Philadelphia area, is highly trained in fitting patients with these aligners. He will create custom aligners that fit your teeth perfectly and gradually shift them into the right position. Invisalign is a safe choice for both kids and adults.
Invisalign® v.s. Metal Braces
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are smooth and clear, so they don’t irritate your gums or mouth. Patients with metal braces have to avoid foods like popcorn, sticky candies, or nuts, but Invisalign has no food restrictions. Another plus is that metal braces can sometimes leave stains on your teeth, while Invisalign doesn’t cause this issue.
When you remove your aligners, you can easily clean all parts of your teeth, helping prevent stains and buildup. Compared to metal braces, here are some key benefits of Invisalign:
- Shorter treatment times
- No food restrictions
- More comfortable to wear
- Clear and discreet
- No risk of staining your teeth
- Easy to remove
- Smooth material, so no mouth sores
One thing to remember is to take your aligners out when drinking anything other than water. Beverages can stain the aligners, and hot drinks can warp them.
The Invisalign® Process at Dr. Shulman’s Office
Invisalign can help with several dental problems, like overcrowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. If you’re interested in Invisalign, visit Dr. Shulman’s office to see if it’s right for you.
The process starts with an initial consultation, where Dr. Shulman will check your teeth and decide if you’re a good candidate. If you are, a set of custom aligners will be made just for you. You will wear each set of aligners in a specific order to gradually shift your teeth into place. The aligners are easy to remove for meals, brushing, and special events.
Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, 22 hours a day. As you move through each set of aligners, your teeth will slowly shift. By the time you finish the treatment, your teeth will be straight.
You’ll visit Dr. Shulman about every six weeks to check that everything is going as planned. Treatment time usually takes between 9 and 15 months, and you’ll likely go through 18 to 30 sets of aligners.
Once your treatment is done, Dr. Shulman will give you a retainer. This will keep your smile straight and prevent your teeth from moving back out of place. A retainer is key to keeping your new smile for years to come. Here’s what you can expect during the Invisalign process:
- Schedule a Consultation: The first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shulman, an Invisalign-certified dentist. During this visit, he will examine your teeth and help you decide on the best treatment plan. He will take bite impressions and send them to Invisalign, along with detailed instructions for making your aligners.
- Creating Custom Aligners: Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging technology to create your aligners. These aligners are custom-made based on your bite impressions. You may get between 12 and 48 aligners, depending on your treatment plan.
- You Receive Your First Set of Aligners: At your next visit, you’ll receive your first set of aligners. Dr. Shulman will give you a few sets to wear before your next check-up.
- Wear Your Aligners: You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks. You should only remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Treatment time usually lasts between 9 and 15 months, but this varies depending on each person. Every six weeks, you’ll check in with Dr. Shulman to make sure your treatment is on track.
- Completing Your Treatment: Once you finish wearing all of your aligners, your treatment is complete! Congratulations, you now have the straight smile you’ve always wanted.
Invisalign offers a clear, comfortable, and effective way to straighten your teeth. By the end of your treatment, you’ll have a healthy, beautiful smile, all without the hassle of traditional braces. If you’re interested in Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shulman today and take the first step toward the smile of your dreams!
Taking Care of Your Invisalign Aligners
To get the best results from your Invisalign aligners, it’s important to take care of them properly. This means regular check-ups with your dentist and keeping them clean at home. When you maintain your aligners the right way, they can help you achieve the straight smile you want. Here are some tips to keep your clear aligners in good shape:
- Rinse your aligners in cool water whenever you take them out.
- Soak them in a mild denture cleaner every now and then.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
- Use a soft toothbrush and antibacterial soap to gently clean your aligners.
Starting Invisalign treatment in the Philadelphia area is easy. After you visit Dr. Shulman, you’ll be on your way to a straighter smile within weeks.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign aligners are a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. Our team is here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Here are some common questions about Invisalign and their answers to help you learn more about the process.
How quickly can Invisalign straighten my teeth?
The time it takes to straighten your teeth with Invisalign depends on how crooked your teeth are and how well you follow the treatment plan. Most treatments last between six months and three years. For those with only a few crooked teeth, treatment may be shorter. If you have bite issues like an overbite, treatment may take longer.
Will Invisalign damage my teeth?
No, Invisalign won’t harm your teeth or gums. The aligners are made of a safe material and are free of dyes or harmful chemicals. As long as you wear them as directed, they will not cause cavities, stains, or damage to your teeth.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans will help cover the cost of Invisalign if it is needed for orthodontic reasons. If you are getting Invisalign purely for cosmetic reasons, your insurance may not pay for it. Our team can help you check your dental insurance plan to see if you can get some help with the costs.
What is the difference between Invisalign and braces?
The biggest difference is how they look. Both are used to straighten teeth, but Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, while braces are metal brackets and wires. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate issues, while braces are better for more serious problems like a severe overbite or underbite.
Should I remove my Invisalign to eat?
Yes, you should take your aligners out before eating. This helps prevent damage to them. Many people use a case to store their aligners while they eat. After eating, it’s a good idea to clean your teeth and your aligners before putting them back in.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign can be a little uncomfortable for the first few days of wearing each new set of aligners. You might feel some tightness as your teeth start to move. Most people describe the discomfort as mild and say it goes away after a short time.
Can I drink while wearing Invisalign?
You should not drink anything other than water while wearing your aligners. Drinks like coffee, tea, or wine can stain the clear aligners, making your teeth look discolored while you’re wearing them. It’s best to take your aligners out before drinking anything other than water.
Visit Us For A Consultation Today
Dr. Shulman is a trusted Invisalign dentist in Philadelphia. Our team provides affordable and effective Invisalign treatments to help you get the smile you want. Say goodbye to metal braces and enjoy the benefits of clear aligners. To schedule an appointment, call Dr. Drew A. Shulman’s office at (215) 372-1142 today.