Dr. Richard C. Ribeiro wants to give his patients options when it comes to orthodontics, which is why he offers Invisalign® at our Clarksville, TN, office. Invisalign is an inconspicuous and comfortable way to straighten your smile. The orthodontic system features clear, BPA-free aligners that are smooth and removable. With Invisalign, you never have to worry about whether certain foods are off-limits, because you take the aligners out to eat as well as to clean your teeth.
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign has become a popular treatment option, particularly for teens and young adults, because the clear aligners are so discreet. Patients can get a straighter smile without obvious metal brackets. The treatment time is usually also shorter. Most traditional braces cases take two years or longer, while most Invisalign treatments can be completed within nine to 18 months.
Conditions Invisalign Can Treat
Invisalign works best on patients with mild to moderate misalignment, including:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Crowding
- Gaps
Patients with more pronounced cases of the above conditions may require traditional orthodontics as Invisalign is not appropriate for severe misalignment.
Phases of Treatment
First, you will meet with Dr. Ribeiro for an orthodontic consultation. He will examine your teeth and gums, taking a series of x-rays and other scans. If he determines you are a good candidate for Invisalign, he will take impressions of your teeth.
These impressions are used to design your treatment plan and create a series of aligners that you will use throughout your treatment. Dr. Ribeiro will explain how to wear your aligners and how to care for them. You must wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
The orthodontic system features clear, BPA-free aligners that are comfortable and removable.
Every two weeks, you will advance to the next set of aligners in your treatment plan. Every six weeks or so, you will come in to our office for a check-up. Dr. Ribeiro will make note of your progress and give you the next aligners in your treatment plan. Over the course of your prescribed treatment, your teeth will gradually move into their proper position. As with traditional braces, you will wear a retainer after your treatment is complete to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their former position.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces for many patients. The clear aligners are so comfortable, you may forget you are wearing them. You can easily remove them to brush and floss your teeth—no pesky brackets to work around! You can also remove them for every meal, so there are no diet restrictions with Invisalign.
Best of all, they are virtually invisible. Even up close, Invisalign is difficult to see, so you never have to feel self-conscious about your braces. As your smile gets straighter, you may find yourself showing it off more and more. Invisalign can be a real confidence booster for both teens and adults.