At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we offer modern cosmetic dentistry solutions for achieving a beautiful, straight smile. Our clear aligners provide a discreet and effective way to correct orthodontic issues. Dr. Chris Hardin provides clear aligners in Indianapolis, IN, so you can straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made, removable plastic trays designed to straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, they’re nearly invisible. Clear aligners are a popular choice for teens and adults who want to improve their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal brackets and wires.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before you move on to the next set. Invisalign is known for its comfort and flexibility, allowing you to remove the aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing.
One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smile. Especially for adults, the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging. Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal.
You can also temporarily remove Invisalign® aligning trays for important occasions. Many patients report complete satisfaction with the Invisalign® treatment and the stunning results.
What kind of bite problems can Invisalign® correct?
Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces. The only difference is that Invisalign® trays are removable and almost invisible to the naked eye.
We can correct these orthodontic problems with Invisalign®:
- Overcrowding: This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth. Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
- Large gaps between teeth: This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
- Crossbite: This common dental problem happens when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Uneven tooth wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
- Overbite: This problem occurs when the upper teeth project over or completely cover the lower teeth. You can often feel jaw pain or develop TMJ if you have an overbite.
- Underbite: This is the inverse of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth.
What advantages does Invisalign® offer over traditional braces and veneers?
Traditional dental braces, Invisalign® aligning trays, and dental veneers are three different ways to perfect tooth alignment. Many considerations must be made when deciding which treatment will be best, and each option works better in certain situations.
Invisalign® differs from traditional braces because aligning trays are fully removable. This means you must be committed to wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. This isn’t usually a problem since the trays are comfortable and nearly invisible. You can get almost identical results from either treatment.
Invisalign® is preferable to veneers in many cases because unlike veneers, Invisalign® actually straightens the teeth. Veneers are thin covers that Dr. Hardin permanently affixes to the teeth. He must etch your teeth before treatment. If you get a replacement for veneers, you must continue to cover your teeth. Veneers can be more expensive and often last for less than 20 years.
What does Invisalign® treatment involve?
First, Dr. Hardin will devise an initial treatment plan before creating the special aligning trays. He takes hree-dimensional digital images of the entire jaw. These images allow him to move specific teeth on the screen and view the jaw from different angles. You can also see a mockup of what your Invisalign results will look like after treatment. This technology can show how Invisalign® trays will change the facial aesthetics.
Once planning is complete, Dr. Hardin takes dental impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental lab. Technicians create unique sets of aligners. The total amount of aligners required varies with each individual case, but 20-29 sets per arch is typical.
What are some considerations when wearing Invisalign® trays?
Life with Invisalign® aligning trays may take several weeks to get used to. The trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking. Removing the trays when consuming food or drink is important because food can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay. Usually, new trays are necessary every two weeks, and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Initial Consultation: Your journey with clear aligners begins with a consultation at Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry. During this visit, our experienced team will assess your dental needs and determine if Invisalign is the right option for you.
- Custom Treatment Plan: If clear aligners are suitable for you, we will create a custom treatment plan using advanced 3D imaging technology. This allows us to map out the precise movements of your teeth and show you a preview of your new smile.
- Wearing Your Aligners: For Invisalign, you’ll receive a series of aligners that you will change every two weeks. You want to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results.
- Treatment Duration: The length of your treatment will depend on the complexity of your case. Invisalign treatments typically last between 6 to 18 months.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a discreet look. The clear design of the aligners makes them nearly invisible so you can smile confidently throughout your treatment. Made from smooth plastic, clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces, with no metal wires or brackets to irritate your mouth. You can also remove the aligners for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth, so you can maintain good oral hygiene.
With advanced technology, we can predict the movement of your teeth and provide a clear timeline for your treatment.
At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams with our clear aligner options. Our team will guide you every step of the way to ensure a comfortable and successful treatment experience.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you ready to transform your smile? Call us at 317-830-0073 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online to take the first step towards a straighter, more confident smile!