Are your crooked teeth impacting your bite? Do you want a more even smile? The team at MAC Dental treats patients with crooked and misaligned teeth. Over time, crooked teeth can lead to bite problems. Uneven bites increase the chance of developing TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders put pressure and stress on the teeth, jaw, and facial muscles. It is also difficult to clean between crooked teeth. Because of this, patients are at risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Dr. Jacob McLauchlin provides Invisalign as a cosmetic solution to patients in Nixa, MO. He helps his patients realign their smiles for healthier teeth and gums.
Invisalign Q&A in Nixa, MO
Do you want to learn about Invisalign? Read answers to common questions about this modern orthodontic treatment below:
How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten the smile. Metal braces are not removable and less discreet. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can thoroughly brush and floss their natural teeth. In addition, our Invisalign patients can eat without dietary restrictions. Patients with metal braces cannot eat hard, sticky, or chewy foods as they can damage or get stuck in their metal wires. Invisalign allows patients the freedom of eating what they want.
What is my Invisalign treatment time?
Every patient is different, which means that treatment times vary from patient to patient. The average Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months. We also recommend that patients wear their aligners for about 22 hours a day.
How do you care for Invisalign aligners?
To keep your clear aligners fresh, remove them to eat and drink. You may also brush them afterward. Patients can drink water with Invisalign on, but we do not recommend any other foods or beverages as they can damage or stain the aligners. Additionally, place your aligners in their case to protect them when they are not in your mouth. Caring for your aligners in this way will ensure that you’re on track for a straighter smile.
Is treatment with Invisalign painful?
No, when compared to metal braces, Invisalign is a much less painful orthodontic treatment. Invisalign uses aligners that gradually shift the teeth into a straighter position. Each aligner is different. Because of this, it may take a day or two for Invisalign patients to get used to each new pair of aligners. They may feel soreness in their teeth as they receive each new aligner. However, patients will not feel the tooth pain associated with metal braces. At routine appointments, dentists tighten metal braces brackets. The wires that are added to these brackets can also irritate the gum tissue. Invisalign is a much more comfortable alternative.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Are you interested in Invisalign? Do you have remaining questions about Invisalign treatment? Call MAC Dental at 417.202.0932. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. McLauchlin on our website. Feel free to voice questions and concerns at your next dental visit and our team will be glad to help you get the answers you need.