Invisalign – Natick, MA

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear braces consist of a series of virtually invisible plastic aligners that straighten teeth comfortably and gently—in twelve months or less. Each aligner is custom-made to move your teeth into the ideal position. Your aligners will represent the smile one step closer to the desired end result. Every two weeks, you switch out one set of aligners for the next in the series. Since Invisalign clear braces don’t need adjustments, you’ll spend less time at our Natick restorative dental office. However, you will need to visit us every six to eight weeks for checkups. These short visits give us a chance to make sure your smile is shifting into position according to our detailed Invisalign treatment plan. We’ll visually examine your smile, and if we’re ever concerned your treatment is not progressing according to plan, we may capture diagnostic images in order to make adjustments to your overall treatment to get your smile alignment back on track. The majority of patients complete their treatment plans in eight to eighteen months. Thanks to advances in Invisalign technologies, materials, and treatment methods, that includes treatments for patients with advanced alignment concerns like over, under, and crossbite.

What are the Benefits of the Invisalign Clear Braces System?

Every orthodontic treatment has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and no treatment is right for every patient. If you and the Papageorgiou Dental Associates team decide that Invisalign is right for you, you can expect numerous benefits, including:

• Since the aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic, no one will notice your “braces.” You can speak and smile with complete confidence throughout your Invisalign treatment plan.
• Brushing and flossing are easier because you can take out the aligners and complete a normal oral hygiene routine. Traditional braces require patients to use specialized flossing tools and take extra care to clean around brackets and wires, and they can discolor the surfaces of teeth when not properly cleaned.
• The aligners are removable, which means you can eat or drink whatever you want, any time you want. There are no dietary changes or limitations required when you’re straightening your smile with Invisalign clear braces.
• Cleaning the aligners is as simple as brushing them with cool water at least once a day. You should also rinse the aligners before replacing them after meals or tooth brushing and flossing.
• You’ll save time throughout the course of Invisalign treatment with fewer checkup visits than are necessary for traditional braces. You’ll also save time overall with most plans completed within twelve months.
• Invisalign trays improve treatment comfort since they do not have brackets and wires that can irritate soft tissue. Instead, the smooth surfaces of Invisalign trays allow you to straighten smiles without damage or irritation to soft tissues.

Who Should Consider Invisalign?

Thanks to the ever advancing techniques used to offer Invisalign orthodontics, more patients than ever before can receive alignment tray orthodontic treatment. During a smile alignment consultation, our team will evaluate your smile and help you determine whether or not Invisalign is a good treatment option for you. Some of the patients who most benefit from Invisalign orthodontics include:

• Patients who are too busy to keep up with frequent orthodontic adjustments
• Patients who have allergies or sensitivities to metal
• Patients who want to maintain a professional image during orthodontic treatment
• Patients who play a wind instrument and want to avoid changes to embouchure caused by bracket and wire braces
• Patients who play contact sports who would be at greater risk for injury with bracket and wire braces
• Patients who have sensitive teeth and/or gums

What Happens After my Invisalign Treatment?

Following your Invisalign orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer. When teeth shift into a new position, the supportive bone and gum tissue need time to reattach in order to hold the teeth firmly in their new alignment. The good news is that we are often able to use clear retainers that closely resemble your Invisalign trays, so you can continue to look and feel your best.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The average duration of an Invisalign treatment is about 12 months; however, there are several factors that influence the length of time it takes to fix your alignment issues. If your orthodontic concerns are minor, you can be finished with your treatment in only a few months, but if your needs are more complex, it will take a bit longer. To ensure nothing slows your progress, it is important to follow your treatment plan correctly.

Learn More About Invisalign Treatment

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Invisalign is more affordable than you might think. Dr. Papageorgiou provides you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation. The amount you pay is determined by your individual treatment plan. There are several factors that influence the cost, such as the number of aligners needed. Dr. Papageorgiou takes the time to discuss the specific costs of your treatment and your payment options to keep your new smile affordable, such as using your dental insurance.

Learn More about the Cost of Invisalign

Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions

It’s hard to believe that it’s possible to get a straighter smile without wearing braces; however, that’s exactly what Invisalign can achieve for patients. There is probably a lot more you’d like to know about this innovative treatment, so we’ve compiled some common Invisalign questions for you here so you’ll have all the information you need to make an educated decision about Invisalign treatment.