A Discreet Way to Straighten Your Smile
Your smile has the power to leave a lasting impression. However, not everyone was born with a perfect smile. Orthodontic treatment can help resolve crooked or unevenly spaced teeth, but solutions like traditional metal braces tend to be a clunky, unattractive option. For an orthodontic treatment that’ll straighten your teeth without sacrificing your beautiful smile, consider undergoing treatment with Invisalign®.
Dr. Kim is one of four Diamond Plus Invisalign providers in Michigan and is a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. As a top practitioner of Invisalign orthodontics, our East Lansing dentist is the best choice for all your orthodontic needs. We are proud to provide the best Invisalign orthodontics care to patients located in Meridian, Okemos, and Bath, MI.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that can help you discreetly straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Using a series of customized clear aligners created to fit your teeth perfectly with SmartTrack® technology, you won’t have to worry about dietary restrictions or painful metal wires.
The clear aligners will gradually shift your teeth into place half the time as metal braces. Best of all, you can remove your aligners for mealtimes, cleanings, and activities to live your life while achieving the straight smile you deserve.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a host of unique advantages over traditional orthodontic treatments, such as:
- Short Treatment Time: Invisalign treatment is typically completed in one year, depending on your oral health needs, whereas traditional braces usually require two years.
- Customized Treatment: Designed using advanced SmartTrack technology for a precise and comfortable fit.
- Discreet Appearance: No one can tell you’re wearing your clear aligners, allowing you to smile confidently.
- No Restrictions: Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them when necessary. Easy Maintenance: Remove your aligners before brushing and flossing for a thorough cleaning.
Candidacy for Invisalign
Our Invisalign dentist in Lansing may recommend Invisalign for patients looking to correct:
- Misaligned teeth
- Unevenly spaced teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Open Bites
Patients with missing or baby teeth and poor oral health are not good candidates for Invisalign treatment. They may experience difficulty with long-term results and be deemed ineligible. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim to learn if Invisalign is right for you.
The Invisalign Process
You’ll attend an initial consultation with Dr. Kim, where she’ll evaluate your oral health to determine if Invisalign will be an effective treatment for you. Using our iTero digital scanner, she’ll be able to create your customized treatment plan to ensure a comfortable and precise aligner fit.
Your digital scans will be sent to an offsite lab, where Invisalign professionals will use the scans as blueprints in creating your customized sets of aligners. Once we receive your aligners, you’ll return to our office to have them fitted.
Invisalign aligners must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day to ensure a successful treatment. You’ll move on to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Patients typically receive 18 to 30 sets of aligners, but you may receive more depending on your oral health needs.
You can remove your aligners to eat, drink something other than water, and clean your teeth as normal. It’s crucial to clean both your mouth and aligner before re-inserting them to eliminate any unhealthy bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
While removing your braces to begin treatment with Invisalign is possible, it may not be ideal for every patient. Making the switch from braces to aligners depends on several factors, such as the state of your oral health and the severity of your orthodontic condition. It’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim so she can determine if removing your braces and starting Invisalign is an ideal solution.
When compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a comfortable alternative and doesn’t require any painful tightening appointments or metal wires. It’s normal for patients to experience mild discomfort as they get used to wearing their aligners, but any pain should fade within a few days. It’s also common to experience a slight lisp in the first week of treatment.
Caring for your aligners is crucial to avoid the collection of unhealthy bacteria. You should thoroughly rinse your aligner before placing them into your mouth to eliminate any airborne bacteria.
Dr. Kim also recommends cleaning them in the morning and at night with water, antibacterial soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hot water or mouthwash may damage your aligners, however.
Schedule an Appointment With Your East Lansing Dentist
As one of the best Invisalign providers in Michigan, Ingham County dentist Dr. Kim is equipped to provide you with a comfortable and effective orthodontic treatment. Invisalign will allow you to go about your daily life without restrictions or embarrassment.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim by calling (517) 332-8665 to learn why she’s one of the best Invisalign providers in East Lansing, Meridian, and Okemos, MI. You can also fill out our convenient online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.