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For decades, there was one option for patients with crooked, spaced-out, and otherwise misaligned teeth: metal braces. We’re happy to report that’s no longer the case. With Invisalign clear aligners, our patients in Lancaster can achieve the smiles of their dreams without any metal at all. Sound like the orthodontic treatment you’ve been waiting for? Then don’t wait – schedule a consultation with us today!
To move your teeth and your bite into proper alignment, we will take impressions of your teeth and create a custom series of trays from there. Each one is designed to be worn for a week or two, applying gradual, consistent pressure in the process. The next set of aligners will pick up where those left off, and the process will repeat itself until the desired results are achieved. Since the trays are clear and removable, you’ll be able to watch your smile transform before your very eyes!
Invisalign has helped millions of patients around the world, so there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate! The best way to find out is by scheduling an appointment with our dedicated orthodontist, Dr. Han. Until then, read on; you can learn more on the topic right here.
Do your crooked teeth make it difficult to smile confidently or chew properly? If so, schedule a consultation at our office to find out if Invisalign is an option! If it is, your journey to a straight smile will involve clear, comfortable aligners instead of noticeable, metal components.
Both small gaps throughout your mouth and a large gap between your two front teeth can take a toll on your self-esteem. The good news is that this common orthodontic problem can often be fixed with clear aligners. Not only that, but the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months!
We don’t just want to give you a pretty smile. We want to give you a healthy and functional one too! Fortunately, Invisalign can fix overbites, crossbites, and several other common bite problems (if they aren’t too severe).
Here are a few of the many reasons Invisalign continues to be so popular:
Are you having trouble finding the cost of Invisalign online? That’s because each treatment plan is custom-made, so the price varies! In order to give you an accurate estimate, we need to know more about your case, including how many aligners need to be made and the type of retainer you need. Once we have that information, we will provide you with an estimate of the cost, review the financial solutions available, and answer any questions you have.
As you may already know, Invisalign treatment plans often include orthodontic accessories, like attachments. These give your aligners something to grip onto, which is why they are often used for more complex cases of malocclusion. Whether or not you need attachments (and how many you need, if you do) will ultimately depend on factors like the level of misalignment and the complexity of the tooth movement involved, which we will discuss with you at your initial consultation.
Naturally, infants, toddlers, and very young children are not candidates for Invisalign. Clear aligner treatment also isn’t ideal for patients who have severely misaligned teeth or who are unwilling to give up unhealthy habits, like smoking. Ultimately, your candidacy will come down to factors like the state of your oral health, the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and your willingness to follow the treatment guidelines, like wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day.
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, there won’t be too many disruptions to your diet. That said, there are a few recommendations we give our patients. The first is steering clear of sticky, chewy, and sugary foods, like gummy worms and marshmallows, since they are packed with sugar and can stick to your enamel. The second is crunchy snacks, like popcorn, tortilla chips, and hard pretzels. In addition to chipping your teeth, these have the potential to break an attachment, which warrants an immediate visit to our office. In short, it’s best to fill your plate with oatmeal, plain yogurt, low-sugar applesauce, hard-boiled eggs, vegetable soup, and other foods that are softer and more nutrient-dense.
Using tobacco products can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. With Invisalign, there’s another problem: the aligners can quickly get stained and smelly. For all of those reasons, patients are encouraged to quit smoking prior to their orthodontic treatment. Of course, this is sometimes easier said than done. If quitting has proven to be difficult in the past, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re not here to judge; we’re here to help!
Since retainers are crucial in preventing orthodontic relapse, the answer is “yes!” At the end of your orthodontic treatment, our Lancaster dental team will take impressions of your teeth so a custom retainer can be made. Once we receive it, you’ll return to our office, and we will give you instructions on when to wear it. We will also share tips on how to avoid losing or breaking it so you don’t need to purchase a replacement within a year or two.
Note: If you do accidentally misplace or break your retainer, contact us right away so we can repair it or, if necessary, replace it.