Do you want to address crooked or misaligned teeth? Try Invisalign. Invisalign uses clear aligners to gradually realign the smile. Sometimes, it is important for patients to address an uneven smile to prevent further oral health problems. Patients with crooked teeth are more prone to developing temporomandibular joint disorders. TMJ disorders put pressure on the jaw joints and lead to teeth grinding, tooth wear, and headaches.
It can also be difficult to clean between crooked teeth. Patients may miss spaces between their teeth where bacteria grow. As a result, patients may develop tooth decay or gum disease. Dr. Tom Trinkner offers Invisalign in his Columbia, SC dental office. Invisalign is a great option for patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic needs and who want to comfortably realign their smiles.
Q&A: Invisalign in Columbia, SC
If you’re interested in Invisalign but want to know more, read answers to commonly asked questions about this cosmetic dental option:
What Is Invisalign treatment like?
Prior to treatment, we will take x-rays and scans of your teeth. We will send your tooth scans to a dental lab, where technicians will create the Invisalign aligners. Once the aligners are complete, patients wear each pair of aligners for about two weeks. After two weeks, they swap out their aligners for a new pair. Each aligner is different and will gradually create a straighter smile.
How does Invisalign compare to metal braces?
Metal braces use wires and brackets to move the teeth into a straighter position. With braces, patients need to visit the orthodontist so they can regularly tighten these brackets and replace wires as needed. This can be painful for patients, and the new wires can poke the gums. Patients must also avoid overly chewy, crunchy, or sticky foods with braces.
Alternatively, Invisalign uses many clear aligners to straighten teeth over time. Because these aligners can be removed to eat or brush, patients are free to enjoy the foods they love and thoroughly clean their smiles. Invisalign patients require fewer dental or orthodontic visits. We provide patients with their aligners and will regularly examine their progress.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Some patients may feel soreness as they adjust to each new aligner. However, this quickly fades as they adjust to the fit of their appliance. Many patients will not feel any further pain with their Invisalign aligners because they are created to conform to the smile.
How long do you have to wear Invisalign?
Patients need to wear their aligners for 22 hours a day. This means that patients will also need to wear their aligners during sleep. However, patients can remove their aligners to eat and drink. Overall, Invisalign treatment time varies from patient to patient. After we examine your smile and create your treatment plan, we will give you an estimated treatment time.
Get a Straighter Smile Today
Do you want to try Invisalign? Contact our office today. New patients can call 803-400-8729, and current patients may call 803-772-9628. Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Trinkner on our website.