Crooked teeth are not only a cosmetic issue but a dental health issue as well. Food can get trapped between two teeth that are so close, you cannot floss between them. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. At Aventura Dental Center, we offer one of the best advances in orthodontic technology: Invisalign clear braces. These braces correct misaligned teeth and provide a more pleasing cosmetic than traditional metal braces. Aventura, FL dentist Dr. David Bistritz can perform a full assessment during a one-on-one consultation at our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Call our front desk today to schedule an appointment.

Invisalign became one of the most popular teeth-straightening treatments soon after dentists began using it. Since its inception, this treatment has evolved to increase its capacity for addressing various types of misalignment, too. That is just one benefit of Invisalign; that it is versatile. The primary reason that patients seek this treatment is that it works without having to have brackets cemented to each tooth. Invisalign is probably the most discreet and comfortable method of correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues to ever be developed! It’s efficient, it doesn’t poke into the soft tissue of the mouth, and it can even be removed so you can enjoy your favorite foods! There is a lot to love about Invisalign, and we can help you get started now.

Your Invisalign treatment is tailored to your needs. You might wear Invisalign clear aligners for months. You may wear them for over a year. During your consultation, Dr. Bistritz will perform a thorough examination of your alignment and bite. He’ll talk with you about your goals and about what to expect. He will also explain what’s needed to make Invisalign an efficient process to getting the smile of your dreams, including how often and how long you’ll need to wear your aligners to achieve the best results.

Absolutely! If you previously completed orthodontic treatment, you were fitted with a retainer that you needed to wear for many months, even years, to stabilize your teeth in their new position. It takes a long time for teeth to become embedded in their new place in the jawbone. If you didn’t wear your retainer for as long as was needed, which is quite common, you may now be dealing with orthodontic relapse. Many of the patients who visit us for Invisalign are in this very situation. Their teeth have shifted back to some degree, and they want to reclaim their straight smile. If you’ve had braces and your teeth are crooked, turned, overlapped, or spaced too far apart again, you may be an excellent candidate for Invisalign.

Each set of Invisalign aligners is worn for only two weeks. Still, you can develop habits that keep your aligners clear and odor-free! Fortunately, it’s easy to maintain your aligners in good condition. We recommend rinsing your aligners every time you remove them. When you brush your teeth, you can use a bit of your non-abrasive toothpaste on a finger or soft-bristled toothbrush to very gently clean your aligners as well. You might also simply soak them in an approved cleaning solution. You should not eat or drink anything but water with your aligners inserted. When you remove your aligners, place them in a protective case so they do not accidentally get damaged or thrown away.

Invisalign is devised to work similarly to braces. Both methods work by exerting pressure on your teeth to reposition them. Invisalign does this with custom-made clear aligners, whereas braces involve cementing metal or “clear” brackets onto your teeth. Brackets protrude out from your teeth and can catch on your lip or cheek. Invisalign aligners are made to fit entirely over your teeth. You can liken your aligners to the mouthguard that would be worn by an athlete. The brackets of braces are always in place, which means you must learn to brush around them, as well as the wire that runs through them. The challenge of brushing and flossing with braces can increase the risk of cavities and gingivitis even with diligent oral care. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, can be removed so you have zero obstructions when you brush and floss. Your aligners can also be taken out so you can eat whatever you’d like while you’re going through your teeth-straightening program. Invisalign can correct many of the misalignment issues that have historically been treated with braces. This system does so more discreetly, more comfortably, and more conveniently!

If you and Dr. Bistritz decide that Invisalign is right for you, your treatment will start with digital x-rays and dental impressions that will be used to create your first set of teeth aligners. Dr. Bistritz will help you understand how to wear and care for your aligners, as well as when and how long you can remove them (Invisalign should be worn 20 – 22 hours per day). Most aligners will be worn for two weeks before you switch to a new set, but this can vary based on your progress and treatment plan. Dental visits should be scheduled about every six weeks to check the fit of the current aligners and take impressions for new trays. During your treatment, Dr. Bistritz will be able to give you a better estimate of how much longer you will be wearing Invisalign, but the average patient wears aligners for about one year.

Once the teeth are in proper alignment, it is important to use a Vivera retainer to maintain the results. A retainer does not need to be worn as many hours a day as Invisalign teeth aligners (most patients only wear their retainer at night), but this will be determined by Dr. Bistritz. You should continue to visit our office twice a year for professional dental cleanings and exams, and follow a good home oral care routine to keep your newly straightened teeth healthy.

The total cost of Invisalign will depend on the complexity of the patient’s case and how many different sets of aligners are created during the treatment period. Dental insurance may cover some of the cost of Invisalign, but this varies greatly depending on the insurance company and policy. Our front office can contact your insurance to calculate what they will cover and what will be billed directly to you. We can also help make Invisalign more affordable through our payment options and financing plans.

For adults and older teens who have nice teeth but need a little extra help getting to a perfectly straight and beautiful smile, Invisalign clear teeth aligners can help you get to your goal in comfort and style. With a series of clear aligners that can be easily removed when needed, you can have your best smile without cumbersome, unattractive metal braces. Talk to your dentist about your teeth straightening concerns and decide if Invisalign is right for you.

“Dr. Bistritz has been my one and only dentist for 19 years! His work is excellent and his staff is kind, especially his hygienist Grizelle.”

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models. Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.