Did you know that metal braces are not the only option to help teens and adults enjoy a more even and straight smile? Your Des Moines, IA, dentist can create a series of aligners to help correct the position of your teeth, offering a new smile in as little as one year with the Invisalign® system. Let’s look at how we correct misalignment with our metal-free and clear orthodontics!
Why Do Uneven Smiles Need Correction?
What makes misalignment such a pressing oral health concern? Without treatment, crooked or crowded teeth could mean difficulty properly brushing and flossing, allowing bits of food to stay trapped between the teeth. Bacteria will then break down these particles, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Poor alignment also impacts bite balance and places pressure on the jaw joints, leading to painful disorders like TMD or bruxism. Finally, you may feel embarrassed about the appearance of your smile, and desire a more attractive one free of misalignment!
Creating Invisible Aligners
How do we craft your clear aligners? To begin, we need to gather detailed impressions and images of your smile and oral structures. We use this information to design and create the aligners, using a BPA-free acrylic material. The resulting aligners will be worn daily to help improve the overall alignment of your smile. Being clear means they are barely visible when worn, so they don’t impact your professional appearance. They will also fit comfortably and help you avoid the gum and cheek irritation reported with metal braces. Treatment requires fewer office visits and the total treatment period is often shorter than the time require for metal braces to correct misalignment!
The Treatment Process
Each day, you will need to wear a set for about 20 to 22 hours. After around two weeks, you will upgrade to the next set in the series. You will continue this process over a period of about a year, as your teeth shift to more optimal positions and misalignment is corrected. You can remove them before you eat, so no need to worry about food becoming trapped in your aligner and causing cavities. Taking them out before you brush and floss means caring for your smile is easier too. As long as you wear them as prescribed, you can also take them out for special occasions, such as a graduation or job interview. If you have any questions about our clear aligners, or if you would like to see if Invisalign® is right for you, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Cosmetic Braces?
Our team can help you enjoy a straighter and more attractive smile with our clear orthodontics. To learn more about our cosmetic treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.