Smiling is a stress reliever and an important part of social interaction. If you hold back smiles because you are self-conscious about your misaligned teeth, your relationships, career, and general quality of life can suffer. One popular and effective method of straightening teeth is Invisalign®.
To find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign, you will need to consult an experienced dental professional like Dr. Jorge Paez. Through a comprehensive exam and gathering information about your lifestyle and goals for your treatment, Dr. Paez can help you select the best treatment option for the results you seek.
Understanding Invisalign Treatment
Qualified patients often choose Invisalign over conventional braces because they are more discreet, more comfortable, and can sometimes achieve results in less time. If you become an Invisalign patient, you will wear custom-made, clear or “invisible,” removable aligners. These trays will gradually shift your teeth into alignment. You should only take the aligners out before you eat, when you brush and floss your teeth, and when you clean them.
Every 2 weeks, you will use a new set of trays to build on the progress you’ve made. In some cases, you will have a corrected smile within 6-12 months.
Candidacy
Invisalign has worked for millions of teens and adults to date. It can be used to treat a range of dental issues, including:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Invisalign is most effective at addressing minor to moderate cases of these conditions. Extreme instances may require traditional braces or other techniques. Dr. Paez will assess your unique situation in order to determine if Invisalign is your best option.
Ideal Invisalign Patient
In addition to having one of the previously mentioned conditions, patients need to meet a few more criteria.
- Teeth must be fully developed – Your mouth is in a stage of development through your teenage years. We can best address your smile with Invisalign when all of your adult molars are present.
- Healthy gums and teeth – Any gum disease or tooth decay must be treated before getting Invisalign. Long term satisfaction with your smile requires ongoing home-hygiene like consistent brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist.
- Non-smoker – Smoking while wearing the aligners is not recommended. Discoloration and staining of the trays results in an unattractive look. Additionally, if you are frequently removing the trays to smoke, you will slow your results.
- Responsible and committed – Unlike traditional braces which are affixed to the teeth, Invisalign trays can be removed. For some, such as younger patients, it can be challenging to be consistent with wearing the aligners. A genuine desire for an improved smile is key to sticking with treatment from start to finish.
Contact Us for an Invisalign Consultation in Las Vegas
Dr. Paez and our team at Nevada Dental Esthetics are passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain beautiful smiles and good oral health. We serve patients in Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin, and the surrounding areas of Nevada. Call us today at 702-737-3553 to schedule a consultation.