Invisalign Clear Braces in Paoli, PA
Most people who want to straighten their teeth aren't interested in extensive orthodontic treatment. Their goal is to achieve a more attractive and symmetrical smile in the most convenient, discreet way possible, and with Invisalign clear aligners, we can help them!
You're Never Too Old for a Straight Smile!
At M Shah DMD & Associates, we offer Invisalign treatment for patients of all ages, starting with teens. If you are over 60 and think the time has passed for orthodontic treatment, however, you should know that there's no upper age limit for getting a straighter smile.
Orthodontics can move your teeth at any point in your life, and Dr. Shah has seen many patients in their 70s and older enjoy the beautiful results of Invisalign treatment.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign
Traditional braces are still a good choice in several cases, such as correcting a severe overbite or significantly rotated teeth. However, if you are a good candidate for clear aligner therapy, you can expect many benefits compared to treatment with metal brackets and wires:
- More comfortable
- Less noticeable
- Removable for meals and oral hygiene
- Fewer office visits
- Fits comfortably into the adult lifestyle
Orthodontic Problems We Treat with Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners make orthodontic treatment easy and convenient, but they address most of the same issues as traditional metal braces:
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
Getting Started with Invisalign
The first step in getting Invisalign is determining if you are a good candidate. This process involves taking x-rays and digital impressions of your mouth.
To create a treatment plan, our dentists use Invisalign software to obtain a 3-D image of all your teeth and plan how they will move through each treatment stage. An Invisalign lab uses your treatment plan to fabricate a series of clear aligner trays and design each set to create specific tooth movement.
Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners
You should wear each set of clear aligners 22 hours per day for 1–2 weeks, then switch to the next set series. Following this pattern, you'll continue to wear and switch aligners until you've worn them all and your treatment is finished.
Our dental team will have you visit us about every six weeks for a progress check and to give you your next set of aligners. Your teeth start responding to treatment immediately, and as you switch out your aligners, you will gradually notice the difference in how they feel.
It's easier to stay motivated this way because you can see and feel the progress and start to envision the effects your straighter smile will have on your appearance. Treatment times vary depending on how much tooth movement we need to create. Some patients complete treatment in a few months but most fall in the 12–18 month range.
Oral Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
The cosmetic benefits of straight teeth are obvious, and Invisalign treatment will leave you with an even, symmetrical smile that you're proud to share. However, there are also oral health benefits to orthodontic treatment.
Reduces Your Risk for Cavities and Gum Disease
Brushing and flossing between tightly spaced or overlapped teeth can be difficult or impossible, which increases your risk for cavities and gum disease. Evenly spaced teeth are much easier to clean, contributing to better oral health.
Minimize Dental Wear and Tear
A misaligned dental bite or teeth that aren't in proper alignment creates uneven chewing forces that cause discomfort, dental erosion, cracked and broken teeth, and TMJ pain and problems (TMD). By properly aligning your teeth, we restore the balance of your bite, and chewing forces distribute evenly.
Are You a Good Invisalign Candidate?
Our friendly dental team would be happy to help you schedule a convenient appointment if you'd like to see if you're a good candidate for Invisalign. We'll answer your questions at that time and discuss Invisalign costs and treatment times.
Please call our Paoli, PA, dental office at (610) 647-1666 to get started. We also serve patients in all surrounding communities in Chester County, including Malvern, Berwyn, Wayne, Frazer, Whitehorse Farms, and Devault.
