Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

McClellan Orthodontics

Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign! Invisalign clear aligners allow Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger to achieve the same results as traditional braces but without any brackets or wires. If you are thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces…Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners Made of? Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are far more comfortable than traditional metal braces.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Every six weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our Kenilworth office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces. However, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

How Long Does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your Invisalign treatment will take.

What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position.

There is a lot to love about Invisalign clear aligners, but Invisalign clear aligners are not always a good fit for every patient. If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give McClellan Orthodontics a call to schedule a consultation. Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger will assess your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are the right orthodontic option for you.

 

Teenagers and Braces

McClellan Orthodontics

At McClellan Orthodontics, we understand and respect the feelings teens have about braces. Our team members can relate to the concerns about how braces can affect appearance, interfere with eating our favorite foods, or restrict the playing of sports or other activities.

One of the best ways to help your teen get used to the idea of braces is to clearly explain the benefits of orthodontic treatment. When teeth are straight, they are easier to clean, which means less risk of developing cavities. Straight teeth also mean the jaw is properly aligned, which minimizes the likelihood of grinding or clenching teeth.

Most teenagers don’t realize that they do have options when it comes to braces. Options include:

Traditional Metal Braces - One of the most common types of braces for teens are metal braces. They hold the teeth together using metal brackets and wires. Our modern metal braces are smaller and less obvious as compared to older braces, but they work exactly the same way.

Clear Ceramic Braces - Clear braces are a popular choice for teens who want to make a less noticeable statement with their commitment to a healthier smile. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor. Their comfortable, sculptured design and attractive translucent appearance help provide the self-confidence that comes from wearing braces that look as good as they perform.

Invisalign Teen - Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You simply switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks to shift your teeth into the desired position. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

Dr. McClellan and Dr. Hedger use the most advanced technologies available to get your teen smiling faster than ever before! The average treatment time at our office is about 18 months but it varies for each patient.

Braces Are Far Easier to Wear Today Than They Once Were

• Today’s braces are much less noticeable than treatment used decades ago. 
• Today’s braces are specially designed to straighten teeth faster. 
• Today’s braces move teeth more gently, but just as effectively. 
• Today’s braces can be personalized using different color brackets and bands.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a straight smile. Give your teen a smile to last a lifetime...a smile they can be proud of! Visit our website to schedule your teen’s orthodontic appointment today.

Invisalign Teen

McClellan Orthodontics

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having to wear braces?

Invisalign Teen is a new generation of clear aligners that are more comfortable to wear and offer more options for our teen patients.

Invisalign Teen is an innovative orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen’s smile. The aligners are comfortable and durable. They fit in with any extracurricular activity. Whether swimming a 50-meter race, throwing the winner touch down, or playing the clarinet, your teen does not have to worry about braces getting in the way. And…unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means your teen can eat all the things they love without worrying about breaking a bracket bending a wire.

Braces can be inconvenient for teenagers who are always on the go, but Invisalign Teen makes it easy to keep up with dental care. Since the aligner trays are removable, cleaning is super easy.

Invisalign Teen can be used on teenagers with minor to complex malocclusions. Invisalign offers the best results for teenagers committed to straightening their smiles quickly and efficiently and are willing to wear their aligners as required. Invisalign Teen is a patient-centered treatment, which means that the success of treatment is dependent on the active participation of the patient. Ideally, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day with no exceptions. Failure to wear the trays the required number of hours daily could result in an extended treatment period.

The average length of Invisalign Teen treatment is between 12 and 18 months. However, the time frame depends on tooth misalignment severity, with severe alignment problems taking longer.

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle because the aligners are:

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Comfortable 
• Customized

The technology stands out as a clear alternative to traditional braces. If your teen is conscious of their appearance and distressed at the thought of wearing metal braces, Invisalign Teen may be the perfect solution.

Give McClellan Orthodontics a call to schedule an Invisalign consultation for your teen today!