Not everyone is born with a perfectly aligned smile, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one. Countless patients come to our Amarillo, TX office for Invisalign®, a clear and convenient alternative to braces and traditional orthodontics
. Thanks to Invisalign®, patients can laugh, smile, and speak while they are having their teeth straightened. With Invisalign®, no one realizes that you are undergoing orthodontic care.
Dr. Eddy Sauer and Dr. Nathaniel Avirett have used Invisalign® to address all kinds of issues affecting dental alignment. Right now, the team at Shemen Dental Group would like to consider how Invisalign® can treat tooth gaps and why it can be an effective treatment option.
Problems Caused by Tooth Gaps
If you have major gap between your teeth, they’re bound to cause problems with the aesthetics of your smile as well as your dental health.
In terms of smile aesthetics, gaps between teeth can be unsightly, causing you to feel self-conscious about laughing, speaking, and smiling, even around people you have known for years. If your job involves a lot of public speaking or interactions, these both gaps can impact your performance.
Regarding dental health, tooth gaps are often a sign of poor overall dental alignment. That means an increased risk of teeth grinding (bruxism), pain while biting and chewing, and TMJ disorders (TMD). Improving tooth alignment reduces the risk of these problems.
How Invisalign® Works
The Invisalign® system uses clear plastic aligner trays for the teeth instead of brackets and wires like braces. They are, essentially, custom-made retainers. Patients wear their Invisalign® aligners at all times save for when eating, drinking, or cleaning their teeth. After two weeks, they discard their current aligner and start wearing the next Invisalign® aligner in sequence. The process continues like this until the patient’s teeth are straight.
Yes, Invisalign® is as simple as that.
Good Candidates for Invisalign®
Good candidates for Invisalign® are people who have tooth gaps that are generally not too wide. The gaps should be due to the position of the teeth per se rather than problems with the shape of the dental arch or the structure of the jawbone.
For patients with major gaps and/or dental arch issues that contribute to their tooth gaps and spacing issues, other orthodontic treatments will be recommended.
The Results of Invisalign® Treatment
After completing Invisalign® treatment, patients should have smiles that are nicely aligned, with teeth that are evenly spaced. Gaps should be closed significantly, allowing patients to smile with confidence and reduced feelings of self-consciousness.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
Overall, Invisalign® treatment takes about one year to two years. This is roughly the same amount of time that a patient would wear traditional braces. Thanks to the unique advantages of the Invisalign® system and how it works, patients essentially get all the benefits of braces with practically none of the drawbacks.
Learn More About Straightening Your Smile
For more information about Invisalign®, straightening your teeth, and having the healthiest smile possible, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. We at Shemen Dental Group are here to help you. You can reach our practice by phone at (806) 358-2472.
