Your wedding day is one you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and the photos taken will be a big part of that. Whether you have them printed on a canvas, carefully framed, or placed in an album, these images will tell your love story for years to come. When you look at them, the last thing you want is to feel self-conscious about your smile! Here at Bluebird Orthodontics, we can create a beautiful customized smile for you before your big day. Using Invisalign clear aligner therapy, we’re able to provide top-notch treatment with incredible results that last!
Brides.com has called Invisalign “the gold standard” when it comes to straightening your smile in time for your nuptials, and we couldn’t agree more. You may assume that once wedding planning has commenced, you won’t have time for orthodontic treatment, but Invisalign makes it easy! If you’re not familiar with this popular alternative to traditional braces, you might be wondering what exactly Invisalign is, and how it works to give you a beautifully aligned smile that’s fully functional. To learn more about this exciting and innovative treatment option, keep reading below!
What is Invisalign?
While traditional braces use brackets, bands, and wires to straighten smiles, the Invisalign system is made up of a series of clear aligners that are customized and removable. These aligners are created by generating a precise 3D image of the teeth using x-rays and digital impressions. Although they may look like simple plastic trays, Invisalign aligners are constructed of a special thermoplastic resin that’s strong enough to move your teeth into alignment over time. When worn as directed, Invisalign clear aligners have proven to be just as effective as traditional braces!
How does Invisalign work?
The first step in any orthodontic journey is a consultation. Bluebird Orthodontics is proud to offer this initial appointment free of charge! During this first visit, Dr. Frank will perform a complete examination of your teeth and jaws, discuss any notable issues, and determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign. She will then map out a precise treatment plan for you that is customized according to your specific orthodontic needs, preferences, and desired goals.
This plan includes all the movements we want your teeth to make, and an estimate of how long we expect your treatment to take. Dr. Frank will even show you what kind of correction you can expect by showing you photos and videos of similar cases!
If we find that your smile is a good fit for the Invisalign system, we’ll begin the process of custom designing aligners for you. Using a 3D scan of your teeth and gums as our guide, your aligners will be made to fit perfectly over your own teeth. The special SmartTrack material keeps the trays smooth, comfortable, and almost invisible. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how long treatment will take since every case is different, but the average total treatment time generally tends to be between 9-15 months. This could be shorter or longer, of course, depending on your own specific needs.
In order for the Invisalign system to work, patient compliance is a must. That means wearing your aligners 20-22 hours per day, every day. They will also need to be switched out regularly to keep up with the movements your teeth are making. This will usually be every 1-2 weeks. Ideally, aligners should only be removed when you’re eating or drinking anything other than water, or when you’re brushing and flossing. Invisalign depends on you to work! If you aren’t wearing your aligners as directed, you won’t be able to achieve the results you want.
Because there are typically no adjustments with Invisalign aligners, your regular checkups with us will tend to be shorter and less frequent.
What advantages does Invisalign have over traditional braces treatment?
Most patients are all about the clear aligners! Many Invisalign patients are teens and adults who want to straighten their smile discreetly. The system also has a number of other advantages thanks to the removability of the aligners. Both of these can be a big bonus for brides who may be taking engagement photos during treatment! Other benefits include:
No food restrictions
The food restrictions that accompany traditional braces can be one of the biggest learning curves to deal with. Patients must avoid anything that is too crunchy or chewy, and while the payoff is worth it in the end, having to forego some of your favorite foods can be frustrating. Because Invisalign uses removable aligners, you simply take them out anytime you eat! This gives you a little more freedom as you work towards a straighter smile.
An easier dental hygiene routine
A good oral hygiene routine is important to every smile, but it’s especially imperative when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. The wires and brackets that come with braces can trap food debris and bacteria, making brushing and flossing effectively a bit tricky, especially in the early days. It couldn’t be easier to keep your teeth free of bacteria and plaque with Invisalign! Since the aligners are designed to be removed before you begin brushing and flossing, your dental hygiene routine will be as easy as ever to maintain.
Cleaning your aligners is a simple process, as well. There are special kits available that are designed specifically to clean Invisalign aligners, or they can be gently cleaned using denture crystals and a soft toothbrush.
Are you a good candidate for Invisalign?
The Invisalign clear aligner system is designed to treat mild to moderate cases of the most common orthodontic issues. Cases that are particularly severe or complex may require more precise tooth control than a removable aligner can achieve. Once your complimentary consultation with Bluebird Orthodontics is complete, Dr.Frank will be able to determine if Invisalign would be a good fit for your orthodontic issues, or if a more traditional orthodontic approach would be more appropriate.
Invisalign is the clear winner for brides at Bluebird Orthodontics
There are so many decisions for you to make between saying “Yes!” and “I do.” You have to choose your dress, the flowers, make out a guest list, pick out a venue….with so much already on your plate, the last thing you want to worry about is having the perfect smile on your wedding day! Forget something blue – with all eyes on you, a confident smile can end up being one of your most important accessories. Invisalign treatment with Bluebird Orthodontics can give you a beautiful smile just in time for your big day!
If you’re in Commack, East Northport, Kings Park or any of the surrounding communities, we’d love to share more with you about how the Invisalign clear aligner system can change your smile before you walk down the aisle. To schedule your complimentary consultation, click here or call 631.499.7614.
