If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, several options are available to resolve this issue. Many patients think that traditional metal braces are the only way to straighten their smiles. The food restrictions and cleaning challenges of metal braces can discourage some patients from pursuing treatment.
Gwaltney Dental proudly offers Invisalign, an invisible alternative to traditional braces. Invisible aligners let you straighten your smile without anyone noticing. They are a clear, comfortable alternative to metal brackets and wires.
Our doctors and dental care team are here to help you achieve your dream smile with our cosmetic dentistry services. Learn more about Invisalign below.
Invisalign for Teens and Adults in Suffolk, VA
Dr. Steve Gwaltney, Dr. J. Ryland Gwaltney, and Dr. Whitney Gwaltney offer experienced cosmetic dentistry services in Suffolk, VA. They have helped many patients straighten their smiles using Invisalign. Invisalign is a system of clear, plastic aligners worn over your teeth throughout the day.
We’ll provide you with all of your aligners upfront. Your doctor will instruct you when to change to a new set of aligners (usually every two weeks). For the best results, wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. This keeps your treatment on track.
Invisalign offers patients many benefits to consider, such as:
Removability – The plastic aligners are easy to put on and take off. Like a retainer, the aligners fit snugly against your dental structures while in use. You should only remove your aligners to eat, drink, or brush your teeth.
The ability to remove your aligners makes cleaning them simple. It also allows you to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine without the hassle of metal braces.
No dietary restrictions – Traditional braces require you to avoid chewy or crunchy foods. You also need to be careful while chewing, as these foods can break the brackets and wires.. With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners before you eat. This means you can eat anything without worrying about damaging your aligners or prolonging your treatment.
Discreet use – Many people choose Invisalign because it’s more convenient and discreet than braces. The aligners are clear plastic, so they’re hard to notice. Unless you remove your aligners in front of someone, no one should be able to tell that you are undergoing treatment. This makes special occasions like weddings, job interviews, and family reunions a lot easier to feel confident about.
How the Invisalign Process Works
Getting Invisalign is a step-by-step process that helps straighten your teeth without metal braces. Here’s what happens at each stage:
- First Consultation: Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss if Invisalign is right for you. We will collect digital images and X-rays to create a custom treatment plan.
- Custom Treatment Plan: If you move forward, the dentist will create a custom plan showing how your teeth will shift. We can even show you a preview of your new smile before starting.
- Getting Your First Aligners: Once your clear aligners are ready, you’ll pick them up and try them on. They may feel tight at first, but that’s normal. You’ll wear them at least 22 hours a day. You can remove your clear aligners to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. We will provide you with instructions on how to care for them.
- Switching Aligners: Every one to two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners that gently move your teeth. You may feel slight pressure for a few days, but it gets easier over time.
- Checkups: You will need to visit our dental practice every six to eight weeks to ensure your teeth are moving correctly. We will adjust your plan accordingly if needed.
- Finishing Treatment: Once your teeth are in place, we will provide you with a retainer to keep them from shifting back. Your dentist will tell you how often to wear it.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. While a beautiful smile is a great result, straightening your teeth offers important health benefits you can’t see. Straightening crooked teeth improves dental function, prevents long-term oral problems, and boosts overall well-being.
Improved Oral Health
Crooked or crowded teeth create tight spaces that are difficult to clean properly with brushing and flossing. When plaque and food particles accumulate in these areas, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases.
Straightening your teeth makes it easier to remove plaque effectively, helping you maintain better oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to clean. Your toothbrush and floss can reach all surfaces, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and tartar buildup.
Additionally, crooked teeth can cause uneven enamel wear. When teeth do not fit together correctly, certain teeth may experience excessive pressure during chewing. Over time, this can lead to cracks, chips, or premature enamel erosion. Straightening your teeth balances your bite, helping distribute chewing forces evenly and protecting your enamel from unnecessary damage.
Better Jaw Alignment and Comfort
Misaligned teeth often cause bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites. An uneven bite puts extra stress on your jaw muscles and joints. This can lead to discomfort, headaches, or a condition known as TMJ disorder. Straightening crooked teeth helps align your bite, reducing jaw tension and promoting more natural, comfortable movement.
Proper alignment also improves chewing efficiency. Properly aligned teeth make it easy to chew food thoroughly. This not only aids digestion but also prevents unnecessary stress on your jaw.
Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem
A straight, healthy smile can have a powerful impact on your confidence. People with crooked teeth often feel self-conscious about their appearance and may avoid smiling or speaking in public. Straightening your teeth enhances your facial aesthetics and gives you the confidence to smile freely.
Beyond physical appearance, a confident smile can influence your social and professional life. Studies show that people perceive those with straighter teeth as more approachable, trustworthy, and successful. Orthodontic treatment can, therefore, positively affect both your self-image and how others perceive you.
Long-Term Oral Stability
When teeth are crooked, they can shift further out of alignment over time, especially if wisdom teeth or bone loss occur. Straightening your teeth provides better stability and helps preserve your smile’s structure for the long term. Properly aligned teeth help prevent future issues. This includes uneven wear, teeth shifting out of place, and even tooth loss.
Improved Speech and Function
In some cases, misaligned teeth can affect your speech by altering tongue placement or airflow. Straightening your teeth can improve pronunciation and clarity, helping you speak more confidently. It can also correct biting and chewing issues, making eating more comfortable and enjoyable.
Invisalign FAQs
When considering Invisalign as a teeth-straightening option, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. Our dentist office aims to clarify and address common questions in our FAQ section. Here, you’ll find complete answers to popular questions about Invisalign. Our team is committed to ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
Is Invisalign painful?
No. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is not painful. However, some patients might feel discomfort for the first time. This is likely due to the pressure exerted on the teeth and gums. Overall, Invisalign is an effective way to straighten teeth without braces; most patients don’t experience pain.
Can you sleep with Invisalign?
Yes, you can sleep with Invisalign. Invisalign benefits you most when you wear them for more than 20 hours a day. Removing Invisalign before you go to sleep can affect the straightening process.
Can Invisalign close gaps in teeth?
Yes, Invisalign can close gaps between teeth. It is a good option for adults who want to close teeth gaps. Larger gaps in teeth may take longer to correct.
These patients might need to wear Invisalign for up to two years. Your Invisalign treatment plan will also vary depending on your gap size.
Does Invisalign cause bad breath?
There is no evidence that Invisalign treatment itself causes bad breath. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath. You must clean your aligners often. Most dentists recommend cleaning your aligners at least every two weeks.
You must also brush and floss your teeth regularly during your Invisalign treatment. You should drink plenty of water and clean your aligners after meals.
Can you get Invisalign with a broken tooth?
Yes, you can get Invisalign with a broken tooth. However, most dentists will strongly recommend that you fix your tooth first. After the dentist repairs the tooth, you can start Invisalign treatment.
Is there an age limit for Invisalign treatment?
There is no upper age limit for Invisalign treatment. It can be effective for teenagers and adults with healthy gums and teeth. Most dentists recommend that younger patients wait until their teeth have fully erupted.
This usually happens between the ages of 12 and 14. Your dentist can determine if Invisalign is suitable for you by assessing the health of your teeth and gums.
Request a Dental Exam to get Started with Invisalign in Suffolk, VA
It is never too late to pursue your dream smile. We can treat adults and teens with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns using Invisalign. If you want to learn more about Invisalign, please schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.