Invisalign Tempe AZ
Not too long ago, getting straight teeth meant wearing metal braces, often for three or more years. But thanks to the introduction of Invisalign® more than 20 years ago, that’s all changed. Tempe Invisalign’s aligners are crystal clear, and they’re also removable — two advances that have truly revolutionized what it means to have orthodontic treatment.
As simple as Invisalign treatment seems on the surface, it’s still a medical treatment, and that means that to get great results, you need to select a Tempe orthodontist with significant experience in providing customized care using Invisalign's clear aligners. At Dunn Orthodontics, we offer individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. In fact, our dedication to our patients’ outcomes is what’s made us a leading orthodontic practice in Tempe, AZ. If you’ve been wondering if Tempe Invisalign might be a good choice for you or for your child, here’s what you should know.
How Invisalign works
Braces use brackets connected by a special wire to move teeth during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign Tempe AZ uses the same underlying process, but replaces those brackets and wires with a series of custom-made clear aligners. Invisalign aligners are made of a special proprietary material called SmartTrackTM. SmartTrack is the product of a decade of research. Not only is the material crystal-clear, but it also works to improve and “speed up” treatment by creating a continual, gradual pressure that’s very effective in moving your teeth. Plus, it makes it very easy to take your aligners out and put them back in. Invisalign is the only clear aligner system that uses this unique material.
Invisalign’s aligners are created using computer-aided drafting technology, and each aligner has a slightly different shape. Those small differences in the contours of the aligners keep your teeth moving in the right directions. Most patients have between 20 and 30 sets (upper and lower) of aligners, but some may have as few as a dozen and others may need 50 or more to get the results they want. Each set is worn for about two weeks, then it’s swapped out for the next set in the series.
What Tempe Invisalign can treat
Tempe Invisalign can treat most of the same issues that are treated with braces, including:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Open bites
- Crossbites
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps and uneven spacing
- Alignment problems
Many people have more than one problem with their smile, and Tempe Invisalign offers additional features, like Smart Force, that enables the orthodontist to create a truly custom treatment plan to help every patient meet their unique goals.
Is Invisalign a good choice for all patients?
While Invisalign can be a great option for teens and adults who want to enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles, there are some very complex cases where braces are a better option. During your consultation visit, we’ll evaluate your teeth, your jaws and your bite mechanics to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign Tempe AZ or if braces might be a better choice to help you achieve your goals.
Benefits of Tempe Invisalign
You might think Tempe Invisalign’s clear design is its primary benefit, and it certainly is a big reason why it’s so popular. But there are plenty of other reasons to choose Invisalign over braces:
- The aligners are completely smooth. That means you won’t have sore spots that can occur with brackets and wires.
- You can eat whatever foods you like. While braces require certain food restrictions to avoid damaging the brackets and wires, with Invisalign, you take your aligners out for meals and snacks. That means you can eat whatever you like — even corn on the cob.
- You don’t have to learn new brushing and flossing techniques. As with meals, you take your aligners out when it’s time to brush and floss. And you can keep your aligners clean with a soft brush and regular toothpaste.
- You won’t need as many office visits. With braces, you need to come in at least once a month for adjustments. But with Invisalign Tempe AZ, you only visit us once every ten weeks or so for a check-up. Plus, since there are no wires, you won’t have the discomfort that often follows a braces adjustment.
- Your treatment will probably be faster. Thanks to the aligners’ unique design and SmartTrack material, Invisalign treatment can often be completed in under two years, and some patients can finish up in 12 to 18 months.
And of course, since your aligners will be custom-made for you, you can expect your aligners to be super comfortable.
Invisalign from a Tempe orthodontist
When you have your teeth straightened, it’s not just the visible crowns of your teeth that move; your tooth roots move, too. And since those roots are surrounded by jaw bone, any root movement causes the surrounding bone to change. In fact, while your teeth are moving, your jaw bone is continually remodeling to accommodate those root movements.
If a problem develops during your treatment and it’s not promptly addressed, you can wind up with serious issues with your teeth, jaws and bite mechanics. Regular visits to your orthodontist during treatment are critically important for making sure your treatment stays on track. And they’re also important because they enable your orthodontist to spot — and fix — tiny problems when they first develop, preventing them from turning into major problems later on. Considering the results of your treatment will last for the rest of your life, it makes a lot of sense to choose the treatment option that involves regular visits with a trained, skilled, experienced orthodontist.
Top-rated Invisalign Tempe, Arizona
Invisalign can be a great option for teens and adults who want to enjoy straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile, without turning to braces. As a top-ranked Invisalign provider in Arizona, Dunn Orthodontics is ready to create a custom Invisalign treatment plan just for you. To learn more about Invisalign Tempe AZ and to find out if it’s a good choice for you or your child, give us a call at 602-864-0004 and book an appointment at our Tempe office today.