What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear alternative to braces, used to straighten your smile and correct crowding or bite issues. It's comparable to traditional braces in terms of treatment time, and is an option for those who don't want traditional wire and bracket orthodontic treatment.
How does Invisalign compare with traditional braces?
Invisalign treatment time is slightly faster than traditional braces. It also allows you to eat the foods you want without worrying about them getting stuck in wires and brackets. Invisalign also makes your oral hygiene routine easier, as you can simply remove them to brush and floss.
Why is Invisalign often considered more comfortable than braces?
Invisalign is made of smooth plastic material that slides over your teeth. Traditional braces can sometimes irritate the gums or lips due to protruding brackets, a problem you won't have with Invisalign.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
The treatment time for Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces and varies from patient to patient. However, many patients find that their treatment is completed faster with Invisalign.
What is the process involving Invisalign treatment?
The Invisalign process starts with a 3D scan of your teeth in our office. I then write a personalized prescription for your smile transformation and send it off to Invisalign. Your aligners are delivered back to us in a few weeks, at which point we attach tooth-colored attachments to your teeth and provide you with all necessary instructions. You'll then come in periodically for me to check your progress.
What are Invisalign trays and how many will I need?
Invisalign trays are made of a clear, durable plastic material. The number of trays needed varies by case, but we can discuss this in detail during your treatment.
Do I sleep with Invisalign?
Yes, you should sleep with your Invisalign aligners in. They should be worn for 22 hours a day to be effective.
Is there anything that could disqualify me from using Invisalign?
While most patients can use Invisalign, those with a major bite discrepancy or skeletal malocclusion may not be suitable candidates.
Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?
Yes, Invisalign can fix a crossbite, open bite, severely crowded teeth, and severe spacing.
Is Invisalign painful?
No, Invisalign is not painful at all. It's very comfortable. I don't know how else to emphasize this. That's all I have to say on this matter for now.
Does most dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?
Some dental insurances do cover Invisalign. Coverage varies, with some insurances having age limits on orthodontic coverage. We can check these benefits for you at your appointment.
Does Medicaid cover Invisalign?
I don't believe Medicaid covers Invisalign. However, I should clarify that I don't accept Medicaid, so let's disregard this question.
How can I schedule an appointment to talk with a dentist about Invisalign?
You can schedule a free consultation with us at any time by calling (586) 800-2250. I will personally see you, we'll do your 3D scan, and we will go over all of your Invisalign treatment options.
I am particularly passionate about Invisalign. Given the choice and assuming Invisalign can achieve the desired result, I will always recommend it over traditional braces. The reason being, it is much easier to maintain oral hygiene with Invisalign. There are no traditional wires and brackets to navigate around while flossing or cleaning, reducing the risk of cavities. Moreover, Invisalign aligners can be removed while eating, making it simpler to keep clean. I've noticed excellent compliance from patients using Invisalign, which ultimately leads to better outcomes. It is definitely one of my favorite aspects of my profession.
Crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious and affect your oral health, but many patients are reluctant to try traditional orthodontics. At Bailey Dental Group in Richmond, MI, Dr. Cynthia Bailey offers Invisalign®, a convenient and discreet orthodontic option. So what makes Invisalign unique?
Invisalign Treatment
More Convenient Than Conventional Orthodontics
Virtually Invisible
The clear aligners provided by Invisalign are made from a BPA-free plastic. The clear dental material makes the trays almost invisible, so those around you may not even notice you are wearing them.
More Comfortable
Our dentist will carefully design your dental aligners so they fit comfortably over your teeth. In addition, the smooth material means less irritation on your lips and gums during the orthodontic process.
No Restrictions
Invisalign clear aligners are removable, allowing you to eat all your favorite foods. It's also easier to keep your teeth clean during Invisalign treatment since you can brush and floss normally.
Other Benefits of treatment
Appearance
The benefits of Invisalign extend beyond the advantages they offer over braces; they also offer the perks of other orthodontic treatment plans. People with straight teeth and a balanced bite experience an improved dental appearance.
Oral Health
They are also less likely to develop gum disease or jaw disorders later on in life. Orthodontic treatment can also protect your teeth from the dental damage that can result from grinding or misalignment.
Ready to Straighten Your Smile?
Call Our Richmond, MI, Office Today!
Our goal is to give patients healthy teeth and gums that last a lifetime and a gorgeous, straight smile to match. With a combined 40 years of dentistry experience and Gold Invisalign Provider status, Drs. Bailey and Finley can discreetly and effectively create the straight smile you've been dreaming of. Whether you're a teenager looking to straighten your smile for prom or an adult who doesn't want to be seen wearing braces, our doctors can design a customized treatment plan to meet your needs. Call our Richmond, MI, office or send a request online to schedule your Invisalign consultation.
Request an Appointment with our office
What concerns can Invisalign treat?
The dentists at our Richmond office use Invisalign to treat a variety of functional and aesthetic dentistry concerns. Similar to braces, Invisalign can solve the following problems:
- Overcrowding
- Gaps in a Smile
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open Bite
- Crossbite
Why choose us for Invisalign?
Comprehensive Options
We offer a comprehensive range of options to straighten your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. Traditional Invisalign, Invisalign Express, and Invisalign attachments all offer unique benefits to qualifying patients. During your appointment, your dentist will determine which approach will best meet your needs.
Gold Invisalign Provider Status
Dr. Bailey has achieved Gold Invisalign Provider status, which means that she completes 25 cases each year. Prior to Invisalign changing their provider status names, we were considered a preferred provider of Invisalign since 2005. This has provided Dr. Bailey with extensive experience in providing this clear aligner option.
Convenient Payment Options
We are committed to accepting a range of convenient payment options at our Richmond, MI, dental practice. Our office staff can process payments from CareCredit® financing and all major credit cards. We will also check with your insurance provider to see how we can best utilize your dental insurance and get coverage to straighten your smile.
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Invisalign Candidacy
Good Oral Health
Patients should be free of decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns before beginning Invisalign treatment. These conditions may worsen with aligner treatment or interfere with the Invisalign process. Our team can offer care like root canal therapy, fillings for cavities, and other restorative and general treatments to correct these concerns before you start the Invisalign process.
Mild to Moderate Misalignment
Invisalign treatment is ideal for patients with mild to moderate rather than severe misalignment issues. For instance, patients with serious overcrowding and crooked teeth may need treatment that applies more force than Invisalign can provide. During a consultation, our dentists can determine if Invisalign or traditional braces are the right treatment for your case.
Dedicated to Change
Invisalign patients should wear their aligners for over 20-22 hours a day to get the most out of their treatment with the quickest timeline. If you're dedicated to changing your teeth and can accept the responsibilities of a removable orthodontic treatment, Invisalign may be a suitable method for you. If not, braces may be able to treat your misalignment with more efficiency.
With a customized treatment plan, our dental team can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. During your consultation at our Richmond office, we can determine if you're a candidate for Invisalign. Whether Invisalign or traditional orthodontics are better suited for you, our team will be with you every step of the way. Call us on (586) 800-2250 to get started with a consultation.
Find out if you're a candidate
The treatment process
The Invisalign system works in the same basic way as traditional braces, but instead of using wires that are tightened to move brackets, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made plastic aligners to slowly shift your teeth. The aligners snugly wrap around your dental arch and are made of completely clear plastic, meaning your smile will continue to look natural as you undergo treatment.
1. Exam
During your first Invisalign appointment at our Richmond, MI, dentistry office, your dentist will use a combination of pictures, impressions, and X-rays of your teeth to create a 3D digital representation of your upper and lower teeth. We do a 3D digital impression scan eliminating the need for traditional impressions.
2. Planning
Your doctor can use this model to create a treatment plan and show you what you can expect your results to look like.
3. Fabrication
This model and plan are then sent to a lab where Invisalign technicians create your set of custom aligners.
4. Starting Treatment
In most cases, your dentist will provide you with three sets of custom aligners at a time and you will be instructed to wear each set for two weeks. Each of the aligners is designed to shift your teeth a certain amount. Invisalign requires your cooperation, so you will need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, brush, and floss.
5. Follow-Up Visits
About every six weeks, you will return to our dental office in Richmond, MI, for a check-up so we can check on your progress and provide you with new aligners.
How do I care for my Invisalign?
Your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your clear aligners, but below are some best practices to follow:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good dental hygiene is the best way to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy while wearing your clear aligners. Continuing to brush twice daily and flossing once daily will help prevent unwanted acids and sugars from sitting in your aligners, which can lead to cavities and decay.
Brush Your Teeth After Eating
In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, you will also need to brush after every meal before reinserting your aligners. Food particles left on your teeth under the aligners can contribute to cavity formation, and certain foods can stain the clear aligners.
Cleaning System
To clean your aligners, you can use the Invisalign Cleaning System. Denture cleaner is a great alternative. Aligners can be brushed, but because they are made of plastic, brushing too hard or using abrasive toothpaste can leave them scratched or clouded. This makes them more visible when worn.
Always Use Lukewarm Water
Invisalign aligners are made of plastic, which means extreme temperatures can warp the material. Always use lukewarm water when rinsing or cleaning your aligners. If your aligners become warped, it could affect the way your teeth move, delaying the results of your treatment.
Put Your Aligners in a Safe Space
Since the aligners are removable, they are easy to clean but also easy to lose. Only remove your aligners in a safe space where they cannot get damaged, lost, or stolen by a pet. If you drop them in an unsanitary area, clean them thoroughly right away.
Lost or Damaged Aligner
Immediately contact your dental professional if your aligner is lost or damaged. To ensure your dental treatment stays on track, they may have you wear your previous aligner until a replacement can be delivered, or move you to your next aligner.
Achieve Your Dream Smile With Bailey Dental Group
A Straighter Smile Is Just a Phone Call Away!
We know the dentist can be intimidating, which is why our Richmond, MI, office strives to make all our patients as comfortable as possible. Our staff is friendly and welcoming the moment you walk through our door, and our doctors take the time to get to know each patient and their needs. Bailey Dental Group utilizes the most sophisticated technology to plan and create your customized Invisalign treatment plan.
Take the first step towards getting the smile of your dreams. Contact us online or call our Richmond, MI, office to schedule your Invisalign appointment.
Request an Invisalign consultation
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Adults
For adults, it generally takes about a year to complete an Invisalign adjustment, though more difficult cases may take longer.
Teenagers
Teenagers typically require treatment which is comparable to the length of time required for traditional braces.
What if I had braces or other dental treatments?
One of the great things about Invisalign is that it can be used in conjunction with other dental treatments, even braces. You could still benefit from Invisalign if you:
Currently Wear Braces
Some patients' dental needs require traditional braces before the use of Invisalign. If you would like to make the transition, speak with your dentist to see if Invisalign could be a future straightening option for you.
Your Teeth Have Shifted After Braces
Invisalign can treat simple to complex straightening issues. If your teeth shifted after having your braces removed, talk with your dentist to see if Invisalign can offer a discreet solution to get your teeth back in line.
Have Veneers or Dental Crowns
Invisalign candidacy depends on how many veneers or dental crowns you have had placed. Your dentist will be able to tell you if Invisalign is a good straightening option for your treated teeth.
Invisalign Alternatives
It is important to understand that Invisalign may not be suitable for patients who need a more significant amount of adjustment. Dr. Bailey has decades of experience in traditional orthodontics, and offers braces as an option for patients with more complex cases.
Invisalign vs. Braces
There are pros and cons to both Invisalign and traditional braces: one might be more suited for you than the other. During a consultation at our Richmond, MI, practice, your dentist will evaluate your needs and advise you on which treatment will be best for you.
Invisalign
The main draw to Invisalign is that it is a discreet way to straighten your teeth. Most people will not notice your clear aligners, which can give you the confidence to go throughout your day as normal. Since they are removable, they are easier to keep clean, which lowers the risk of cavities and teeth staining. While Invisalign can fix mild to moderate straightening issues, some patients may have orthodontic issues that surpass the scope of what Invisalign can accomplish.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces can fix mild to severe orthodontic issues. Some patients start with metal braces and then transition to Invisalign to finish their treatment. Braces are only removable by a dental professional so cleaning them is not as easy as cleaning their Invisalign counterparts. Also, certain foods like sticky candies are not recommended while wearing braces because they can get stuck in the brackets and sit on your teeth, potentially causing cavities and tooth staining.