Invisalign is a method of straightening teeth that is used as an alternative to traditional braces. Using clear, plastic straighteners, the patient’s teeth are slowly and “invisibly” moved into proper alignment. Whereas braces are bulky, awkward, and require bimonthly trips into an orthodontist’s office; Invisalign straightening can be conducted at home and the aligners can be removed for eating and special occasions.
Patients who would like to use Invisalign don’t have to visit an orthodontist to be fitted. There are specialized Invisalign dentists in Las Vegas who offer this treatment. Dr. Kevin of BaaBee Dentistry is trained to be able to offer patients Invisalign. This means that you can have your teeth cared for and straightened by the same doctor, and if you require special dental care during your treatment, you won’t have to make extra appointments to find out if your procedure will affect your tooth alignment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works rather simply. Dr. Kevin will take impressions and measurements of your mouth. He may also conduct x-rays to get a full and complete picture of your teeth so that the lab can create aligners perfectly designed to fit your teeth. He can also take these photos and show you how your teeth will progress over the course of your treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
Once the aligners are ready, you will come back into the BaaBee Dentistry offices to learn how to place the aligners and care for them. You will wear a set of aligners for two weeks, then move on to the next set. The aligners are designed to slowly and progressively shift your teeth into proper alignment.
You will have to return to the office for periodic visits so that Dr. K can evaluate your progress and make any adjustments that may be required.
The Biggest Barrier To Successful Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign has a very high success rate. It works just as well as traditional braces, but the biggest barrier to success when it comes to using Invisalign is you. Patients who opt for traditional braces can’t remove them. The brackets are literally cemented onto the teeth, which means even if you don’t use your rubber bands or external orthodontic devices, your teeth are still being straightened.
Invisalign, on the other hand, can be removed at any time. In fact, they must be removed to eat, clean the aligners, floss and brush your teeth. You have to remember to put the aligners back on as soon as you are finished, otherwise your teeth aren’t being straightened. Just 4 to 5 hours of time without an aligner can negate an entire day of treatment. Nobody will be standing over you to remind you to put the aligners back in, so active participation in treatment is the true to key to success.
It is also critical that you maintain your bi-annual cleaning and dental checkups with Dr. Kevin. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy will ensure successful Invisalign orthodontics treatment. If you neglect your oral hygiene and care over the course of your treatment, you may end up requiring dental procedures that could alter the shape or size of one or more of your teeth. If that happens, you will likely have to have new impressions made and essentially begin your treatment from scratch. Clean and healthy teeth will help make your Invisalign treatment a success.
Tobacco users will want to plan to quit before they start Invisalign. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the mouth, which puts users at risk for tooth decay and gum disease (and of course, cancer). While your teeth are aligning, you want to have plenty of healthy blood and oxygen flow getting into the gums to ensure the teeth have room to move properly.
Choosing A Las Vegas Invisalign Dentist
Invisalign treatment is a commitment of many months, sometimes up to two years or even longer. You want to be as comfortable with your dentist as possible, because you’re going to be seeing a lot of him over the course of your treatment. Dr. Kevin and his team at BaaBee Dentistry have a reputation for excellent patient care. They believe in keeping patients informed, and they go out of their way to ensure patients are comfortable while they are in the office. He has successfully treated hundreds of Las Vegas residents with Invisalign orthodontics and continues to stay on the cutting edge of dental treatments. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and don’t want to go the route of traditional braces, consider learning more about Invisalign.