Invisalign® Clear Aligners In Andover, MA
Andover Orthodontics provides Invisalign services in Andover, MA. Call 978-475-0450 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Traditional metal braces work well, but it’s hard not to notice them. Many patients want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their smiles in the process. For these patients, Invisalign® is an ideal treatment option.
Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually correct bites and straighten teeth. The aligners are custom designed by Dr. Broccoli to address your unique needs; when treatment is complete, you’ll have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Why Choose Invisalign®?
Invisalign aligners have many advantages over traditional metal braces. Patients choose Invisalign because:
They’re Virtually Invisible
No one will even realize you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment because your aligners are made with clear SmartTrack® material that is virtually invisible.
They’re Comfortable and Convenient
Your aligners can be removed, so no foods are off-limits and both brushing and flossing are a breeze. With no brackets or wires, Invisalign aligners are much more comfortable than metal braces.
They’re More Effective Than Ever
Invisalign technology has advanced to the point where it can achieve results as fast as, or in some cases even faster than traditional metal braces. When patients wear their aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day, treatment time is typically between 9 and 18 months. Invisalign’s SmartTrack material and SmartForce® features can be used to treat crossbite, crowding, open-bites, gapped teeth, overbites, and underbites in a predictable, controlled manner.
Invisalign® Treatment Process
Although every patient’s Invisalign treatment is customized, the overall process is the same. Here’s what you can expect:
Scan Your Smile
The first step in the Invisalign process is taking imaging so we can create a 3D model of your smile. We use an iTero scanner to create digital impressions of your mouth––no messy impression material needed.
Create a Treatment Plan
We use Invisalign’s ClinCheck® software to create your unique treatment plan to transform your smile.
Preview your Smile
Using the 3D model created by our iTero scanner, we can preview how your teeth will shift throughout your treatment and show you what your smile will look like once treatment is complete.
Create your Aligners
When we’ve finalized your treatment plan, your custom aligners will be fabricated using a state-of-the-art 3D printing process. Most patients require between 20 and 40 sets of aligners. Often, we will do a “refinement” scan around ⅔ of the way through treatment to make sure all the teeth are aligned perfectly.
Wear Your Aligners
In order for treatment to be effective, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. Every few weeks as directed, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners and your teeth will gradually shift into alignment. We will check your progress in our office every 6 to 8 weeks to make sure your teeth are moving correctly and your treatment is on the right track.
Maintain Your Results
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, you’ll be given a set of retainers for your top and bottom teeth to help you maintain your results for the long-term. Most patients will wear their retainers all day in the first few weeks after treatment, and then gradually switch to only wearing them overnight.
Call 978-475-0450 to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
Do You Need To See An Orthodontist For Invisalign?
An Orthodontist is a dentist who has completed 2 to 3 years of additional training to learn how to move teeth. Moving teeth can be very complicated. The teeth need to be positioned properly so they not only look good, but function correctly. Poorly placed teeth can alter your bite making it difficult to close your teeth together, and can even affect the health of your teeth and gums. Having an Orthodontist closely monitoring your tooth movement, and available to answer all your questions, is the fastest and most effective way to get that smile you have always wanted.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Treatment cost varies with the complexity of a case. Invisalign treatment typically costs between $2500 and $6500. Limited treatment, just addressing 1 or 2 teeth can cost as little as $300.00 using in house aligners. Consultations at our office are always free so it is worth making an appointment to discuss your concerns and treatment options with an experienced orthodontist.
Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Right For You?
Many patients love that Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, and are easily removed when cleaning your teeth. Some patients like that traditional braces are always on their teeth so they don’t have to worry about remembering to wear their aligners, or losing an aligner. Most cases can be treated with Invisalign or traditional braces. It is free and easy to make an appointment at our office to learn your treatment options.
What Exactly Is Invisalign, And How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a proprietary system of clear aligners that do an excellent job of straightening teeth in most case types. The orthodontist takes a digital scan of your teeth and using Invisalign’s software designs your treatment. The orthodontist decides how much to move the teeth, and how they will fit into your bite. When the orthodontist is happy with the treatment design they will have Invisalign manufacture the aligners. Once manufactured, the orthodontist will add any necessary “attachments” to your teeth and place the aligners. You wear the aligners as directed, change them at scheduled intervals, and see your orthodontist regularly to monitor your tooth movement.
Am I A Candidate For Invisalign?
Most cases can be treated with Invisalign. Please call our office for your free consultation and we will discuss all your treatment options.
Are there alternatives to Invisalign?
Invisalign is a proprietary system of clear aligners that can work even in complicated cases. Fixed braces, whether metal or clear, can be used in complicated cases as well. There are other aligner systems out there with various price points, which may or may not be as effective in certain situations. We can often offer in house aligners for minor tooth movement which are very cost effective. Your best bet is to come in for a free consultation and discuss your options with the orthodontist.
Is it difficult to talk with Invisalign?
When you first receive your aligners it typically takes 2 to 5 days to get used to how the aligners and attachments feel, and how it affects your speech. Everyone is different, but usually by the end of your first week everything feels fine and there are no problems talking with the aligners in.
Can you eat and drink with Invisalign?
Yes, you can eat and drink with aligners in your mouth. Most people remove the aligners for their major meals, but if you are just popping something in your mouth it is fine to have the aligners in. What we want to be aware of is not allowing food or surgary drinks to stay trapped in the aligner for long periods of time. This can damage your enamel and lead to decalcification and tooth decay. So, don’t take little sips of soda or a sports drink over a long period of time. Just have your drink and when you are able to, go to the bathroom and rinse out your aligners and mouth.
How long will Invisalign treatment take?
This depends on how many teeth we are moving, and if we have to correct your bite or not. Most full mouth Invisalign treatments take from 10 to 18 months. Many cases get a first set of aligners for 8 months, and then get a second set or “refinement” for the last 4 months. If you are really diligent about wearing your aligners you can change your trays more quickly and speed up your treatment. Limited treatments meaning straightening just a few front teeth can be completed in 3 to 6 months.
