If you’ve ever wanted to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile of your dreams, this could be the best time to make it happen! Today’s world of incredible orthodontic technology allows doctors to skip those “goopy” impressions and make your smile gleam from ear to ear. The awesome part is, you may not even need brackets and wires to do it!
Invisalign clear plastic aligners have been available for tooth movement since the early 2000’s and with improved techniques and practice experience, orthodontists can create amazing smiles for even the most crooked and crowded teeth.
Meet Cristy!
Cristy had a space that developed between her front teeth as she got older. She had relatively straight teeth until they started drifting apart (as can be seen in the photo). While Cristy was not interested in braces to correct her problem, she was excited to learn that we could use Invisalign clear plastic aligners to close her space and regain her amazing smile! She was even more amazed when she found out it would take less than a year to make this all happen.
After taking appropriate diagnostic X-rays and completing an orthodontic exam, Cristy needed a 3-D scan of her teeth to create the digital “mock-up” of her tooth movement. That’s right…no dental impressions needed! The orthodontist then communicates the desired tooth movements to the lab technician at Invisalign and the aligners are printed and shipped to the doctor. Most patients like Cristy wear the aligners 22 hours per day and change them every week or two depending on the doctor’s recommendation.
Before choosing to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, it’s important to consider a few things. Some general dentists provide aligner treatment, but an orthodontist has two to three years of schooling beyond dental school and is generally the best option to be sure you achieve the outcome you deserve. Additionally, there are some “at home” tooth movement services for purchase, but this type of treatment can be dangerous and cause harm to your teeth as they are not directed by an appropriately trained doctor.
You will need “attachments” bonded to your teeth so that the plastic aligners can grip your teeth and move them appropriately. Attachments are small shapes of tooth-colored adhesive that stay on during the majority of treatment, and simply polish off when you are finished. Similar to braces treatment, you may also need elastics or rubber bands to correct bite problems, and these generally attach easily to the aligners.
When choosing an orthodontist, you’ll want to be sure they have adequate experience with Invisalign plastic aligners for tooth movement. Some doctors have a fellowship or other type of degree showing their enhanced level of knowledge using plastic to move teeth. Additionally, you want to be sure you are comfortable with the office environment and the team members that will be working with you. Ultimately, your experience and result is completely dependent on the skill level of the doctor and the team, so be sure to seek out reviews using Google, Facebook and other media networks prior to making your decision. .
Cristy’s final result was exactly what she had hoped, and she shows it off everywhere she goes!
Dr. Ben Gregg established Gregg Orthodontics in Ashland, Ohio, in 2008, with the mission to change lives while creating confidence, and building trusting relationships with each person he meets. His practice is focused on modern and aesthetic treatment options using clear braces and clear aligners to create amazing smiles for children and adults.
