Invisible Aligners for Teeth

Invisalign treatment consists of clear plastic aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. Each aligner has a specific amount of force it places on your teeth as you move through the series, slowly moving them into proper alignment. At Vose Family Dentistry, the aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat or brush your teeth. Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets to attach or wires to tighten. This makes them more comfortable than traditional braces but also eliminates the risk of injury to your mouth. Since they are clear, they will not affect the appearance of your smile as you wear them. 

The Invisalign Process

First, patients are asked to make digital impressions using the iTero® scanner. These will be sent to an Invisalign-certified lab, where a computer model will be made of the teeth. Every patient’s case is different and customized to fit their needs. Then, using advanced 3-D computer imaging technology, our dentist can create a series of clear plastic aligners to move the patient’s teeth into proper alignment over time. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks at a time and then move on to the next one in the series as their teeth gradually shift into place. 

The following steps include wearing each new set of aligners as directed and removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This process will slowly shift the teeth into their ideal final position. Patients will continue to check in with our team every few weeks to monitor progress and to receive additional sets of aligners until treatment is complete. 

The Advantages of Invisalign 

• Most patients find Invisalign to be more comfortable than traditional braces. Because there are no brackets or wires, there is no irritation of the inside of the lips and the cheeks. 
• Brushing and flossing are much more manageable with aligners than with braces. The aligners are removed to brush and floss so oral hygiene is better maintained throughout treatment. 
• With metal braces, certain foods must be avoided to prevent appliance damage and mouth area injury. With Invisalign, the aligners can be removed for eating and brushing, so there is no risk of damaging the aligners or causing injury from food caught in the braces. 
• Traditional braces can make it difficult to play certain sports, as the risk of serious injury from a fall increases. However, because Invisalign is removable, playing sports does not affect it. 
• It cannot be easy to keep the teeth clean when wearing traditional braces, as the appliances can be challenging. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay with traditional braces compared to when patients wear their aligners during aligner treatments.

For more information about Invisalign treatment and how it can benefit you, visit Vose Family Dentistry at 220 E Main St., Mankato, MN 56001, or call (507) 387-2255.