Are you dealing with crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth? Clear aligners are a great way to straighten your smile with custom, see-through trays. At 615 Smile Design Studio in Nashville, TN, we offer Invisalign® aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place without metal braces. Made from safe, BPA-free plastic, these aligners are both effective and subtle. Read on to learn more about how clear aligners can help you.
Orthodontic Problems Are More Than Cosmetic Issues
Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overcrowding are more than cosmetic concerns. These bite issues can put uneven pressure on different teeth, leading to pain while chewing. Over time, this can even result in TMJ pain (pain in the jaw joint). Having crooked or overlapping teeth also makes it harder to clean them properly, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Clear aligners not only help straighten your teeth for a better-looking smile, but they also make it easier to keep your teeth clean. With a more balanced bite, you’ll reduce your risk of TMJ pain, headaches, and even teeth clenching.
Treatment with Clear Aligners in Nashville, TN
When you come in for clear aligners at our Nashville dental office, we’ll start by taking X-rays and a scan of your teeth. This helps us see your bite, bone structure, and tooth roots so we can plan the best treatment for you. We use these scans to make a series of custom aligners, each designed to gradually move your teeth into a new position.
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll come back for a fitting. We’ll trim the aligners to ensure they fit comfortably, and then we’ll go over how to wear and care for them. You’ll get your first set of aligners, along with a carrying case, so you can keep them safe when not in use.
During treatment, you’ll come in every six to eight weeks so we can monitor your progress. You’ll change to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, allowing your teeth to slowly shift into the correct position.
Some people feel slight discomfort with each new set, but it usually eases within a day or two. It’s important not to force aligners onto your teeth. Each set will fit at that stage of the treatment.
Why Choose Invisalign® Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a good option for adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues who prefer a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. Invisalign aligners, which fit like mouthguards, slowly shift your teeth into the right position. Here’s what makes Invisalign a popular choice:
- Comfort: Invisalign aligners don’t have metal brackets or wires, so they don’t irritate your gums or the inside your mouth. You may feel some gentle pressure on your teeth when you switch to a new set of aligners, but this feeling fades after a day or two.
- No Food Restrictions: Since aligners are removable, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without worry. You only need to remove your aligners before eating, then put them back in afterward.
- Easier Oral Hygiene: Taking out your aligners to brush and floss helps you keep up with good dental hygiene. Food particles can get trapped in metal braces, which may lead to cavities or gum issues. With Invisalign, you can brush and floss as usual to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Quicker Treatment: Many patients find that Invisalign treatment can be faster than traditional braces, with treatment lasting around 12 months for most people. However, treatment time depends on the severity of your alignment issues. Invisalign works well for cases like mild to moderate crookedness, gaps, and bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite).
Who’s a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign works well for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
- Relapsed orthodontic cases, or teeth shifting after braces
However, Invisalign isn’t ideal for severe bite issues or complex tooth movements that need traditional braces. During your consultation, we’ll assess your teeth, discuss your goals, and decide if Invisalign is the best fit for you. We also provide second opinions.
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Caring for Your Aligners
To get the best results, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. Remove them only when you eat, brush, or floss. Not wearing your aligners enough can make your treatment take longer.
Clean your aligners daily to keep them fresh and prevent staining. You can use a special soak, like Invisalign crystals, to keep them clear. When you’re not wearing them, always put your aligners in their case instead of wrapping them in a napkin or tissue. Many people accidentally throw them away when they’re not stored properly.
Only drink water while wearing your aligners, as other drinks can stain or damage them. By keeping up with daily cleaning and proper use, you’ll ensure that your aligners stay clear and your mouth stays fresh.
Do You Need a Retainer After Invisalign?
Yes, you will need a retainer to keep your new smile in place after finishing Invisalign treatment. Retainers are clear, mouthguard-like devices that keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. At first, you’ll wear your retainer all the time, but after a while, you’ll only need to wear it at night.
Similar to aligners, you should remove your retainer for meals and clean it regularly. Soaking it in a mouthguard solution is a good way to keep it clean and fresh. Wearing a retainer helps prevent orthodontic relapse, which is when teeth move back to their original positions.
If you lose your retainer, reach out to us right away so we can get you a replacement. Waiting too long without a retainer can cause your teeth to start shifting back. If you don’t wear your retainer as advised, you might eventually need more orthodontic treatment to fix any shifts, gaps, or crowding that develops.
Schedule a Dental Visit Today
For a more subtle, comfortable way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign might be the perfect choice for you. Reach out to 615 Smile Design Studio in Nashville, TN, at (615) 637-2878, or request an appointment online with Dr. Sivaneri and Dr. Whetsell. We’re here to answer any questions you have about clear aligners and help you find the best path to a healthier, straighter smile.