Invisalign Clear Aligners

The Modern Solution to Straightening Teeth

If you've always wanted straighter teeth but hesitated because of traditional braces, Invisalign offers a modern alternative that works. Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position over time. They're virtually invisible, comfortable, and removable, making them the preferred choice for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without the visibility and discomfort of metal braces. At Lincoln Smiles Dental, we're experienced Invisalign providers who have helped hundreds of patients in Lincoln achieve their dream smiles.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that uses a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners to move your teeth gradually into the desired position. Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one, applying gentle, continuous pressure to shift specific teeth. You wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving to the next one in the series. Over the course of your treatment, which typically takes 6 to 18 months, your teeth progressively move into alignment.

Invisalign is based on the same fundamental principle as traditional braces: applying continuous pressure to teeth to move them. However, instead of fixed metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses removable aligners made from proprietary thermoplastic material that's virtually invisible when worn. This makes Invisalign a discreet option for people who want orthodontic treatment without the obvious look of braces.

How Invisalign Works

The Invisalign process begins with a detailed consultation and digital scanning of your teeth. We use advanced 3D imaging technology to capture a precise digital model of your teeth. This technology has evolved significantly over the years, and current Invisalign scanners create incredibly accurate images that allow us to plan your entire treatment digitally.

Using computer software, we map out the movement of your teeth step-by-step from their current position to their final position. You'll see a digital preview of how your teeth will move throughout treatment and what your final result should look like. This gives you a clear picture of what to expect before treatment even begins. Once you approve the plan, your custom aligners are manufactured at the Invisalign laboratory.

Your aligners are made from a medical-grade thermoplastic material that's durable yet flexible enough to apply gentle pressure to your teeth. You wear each set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day (you can remove them to eat and clean your teeth). Every two weeks, you move to the next set of aligners, which continue the gradual movement of your teeth. Throughout treatment, we monitor your progress with periodic check-up appointments to ensure everything is moving as planned.

Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

The primary advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are virtually invisible. Most people won't even notice you're wearing them unless you tell them. For adults concerned about the appearance of braces in professional or social settings, this is game-changing. You can straighten your teeth without the obvious look of orthodontic treatment. Many patients say Invisalign allowed them to pursue orthodontic treatment when they wouldn't have considered traditional braces.

Invisalign aligners are also removable, which means you can take them out to eat your favorite foods. With braces, you have to avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy foods. With Invisalign, you simply remove the aligners, eat normally, then put them back in. This makes treatment much more convenient and means you don't have to change your diet. Similarly, you remove the aligners to brush and floss your teeth, making oral hygiene much easier than with braces.

Comfort is another significant advantage. Invisalign aligners have smooth edges that won't irritate your mouth like the sharp brackets and wires of traditional braces can. There are no wires poking your cheeks or brackets cutting your gums. Many patients report that Invisalign is significantly more comfortable than braces. Additionally, you have fewer appointments with Invisalign. While braces require monthly adjustments, Invisalign typically requires check-ups every 4 to 6 weeks.

Finally, treatment time is often comparable or even faster with Invisalign compared to traditional braces. Most Invisalign treatments take 6 to 18 months, while traditional braces typically take 18 to 24 months. For many patients, Invisalign delivers results faster than braces while being more comfortable and much less visible.

What Invisalign Can Treat

Invisalign can treat a wide variety of orthodontic problems. It's effective for correcting crowded teeth, spacing issues (gaps between teeth), bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite), and various tooth alignment issues. Invisalign has advanced significantly since its introduction, and modern Invisalign can handle most cases that traditional braces can treat. However, some extremely complex cases may still be better suited to traditional braces or a combination approach.

During your consultation, Dr. Sepi will evaluate your specific orthodontic needs and determine whether Invisalign is the best option for you. If your case is complex or might benefit from a combination approach, she'll discuss alternative options and help you make the best decision for your situation.

Invisalign for Teens

Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for teenage patients with unique needs. It includes the same great features as regular Invisalign but with special considerations for growing mouths. One key feature of Invisalign Teen is that the aligners have compliance indicators - small dots that fade as the aligners are worn, helping to ensure the wearer is complying with the 20-hour daily wear requirement.

Teenagers often appreciate Invisalign because it's nearly invisible, which is particularly important during school and social activities. They can maintain their normal diet and continue playing sports and musical instruments. The removable aligners mean no restrictions on activities or dietary choices. For many teens, Invisalign is the perfect balance between getting orthodontic treatment and maintaining their lifestyle.

Of course, Invisalign does require commitment and responsibility. Wearing aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and keeping them clean requires discipline. But many teens appreciate the autonomy of being responsible for their own treatment. If you have a teenager considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is definitely worth discussing.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

The journey with Invisalign starts with a thorough consultation. During this appointment, we'll discuss your orthodontic goals, examine your teeth and bite, and take digital scans or impressions. If you're a good candidate for Invisalign, we'll move forward with creating your customized treatment plan. We'll show you a digital preview of your expected treatment progress and final result so you know exactly what to expect.

Once we've finalized your treatment plan and you approve it, your aligners are manufactured. You'll return for your set-up appointment where we provide your first set of aligners and detailed instructions on wearing and caring for them. It's important to follow all instructions carefully for optimal results. We'll show you proper insertion and removal techniques and discuss the importance of wearing them for 20 to 22 hours daily.

Throughout treatment, you'll have periodic check-up appointments approximately every 4 to 6 weeks. During these visits, we ensure your teeth are moving as planned and address any questions or concerns. These appointments are shorter and simpler than traditional braces appointments because there are no adjustments to make. We're simply monitoring your progress and providing you with your next sets of aligners.

Once your final aligners are completed and your teeth have reached their ideal position, you'll transition to wearing a retainer to maintain your results. This retainer might be a fixed wire bonded to the back of your teeth, a custom clear retainer similar to Invisalign aligners, or both. Proper retention is crucial for keeping your teeth in their new position permanently.

Caring for Your Aligners

Keeping your aligners clean is important for both hygiene and comfort. We recommend rinsing your aligners daily with warm water. You can also clean them using the Invisalign cleaning system or a gentle denture cleaner. Never use hot water, as it can warp the aligners. Keep your aligners in their case when you're not wearing them to protect them from damage and loss.

Since you remove your aligners to eat, you should always brush and floss after meals before reinserting them. This maintains good oral hygiene and prevents trapped food particles between your teeth and the aligners. Good oral hygiene habits during Invisalign treatment are just as important as your orthodontic care.

Invisalign Cost and Financing

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Invisalign is generally comparable to traditional braces in cost. Some insurance plans provide orthodontic coverage that applies to Invisalign, and we will help you maximize any benefits you are entitled to. We also offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make Invisalign accessible. Contact us for a personalized cost estimate.

During your consultation, we'll provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific treatment plan. We believe that an investment in a beautiful, confident smile is an investment in your quality of life, and we work to make that investment affordable for our patients.

Results and Long-Term Success

Invisalign consistently delivers excellent results. Studies show that Invisalign is as effective as traditional braces for most orthodontic problems. Patients typically see significant improvement within the first few months of treatment, with continued progress throughout the treatment period. Many patients are amazed at the transformation in their smile.

Long-term success depends on wearing your retainer as directed after treatment. Your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original position, so retainers are essential for maintaining your results. Patients who properly use their retainers enjoy lasting results for years. Invisalign provides a life-changing treatment option that gives you straighter teeth, greater confidence, and a smile you'll love.