Invisalign – Lincoln, NE
Straight Teeth. No Metal.
Everyone would love to have a perfectly straight smile, but nature doesn’t seem to give them out very often. Fortunately for those looking to correct their crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, there is a well-known way to do it: traditional metal braces. However, due to concerns about how they look and feel, many people avoid getting braces and simply put up with their compromised smile for years, even decades.
Fortunately, dentistry has stepped up to give patients another, more cosmetically-minded option: Invisalign. With this discreet and effective orthodontic treatment, our dentist in Lincoln can give you the straighter smile you’ve always wanted – without leaving you with a mouthful of metal. If you’re interested in learning more, then give us a call to schedule a consultation or read on!
Why Choose Smile Specialists For Invisalign?
- Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
- Experienced and Caring Dental Team
- Dental Insurance Welcome
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that completely throws out the conventional wire and bracket system. Rather, it uses a series of custom-designed clear plastic aligner trays to gently and precisely straighten the teeth. All a patient has to do is wear the trays in the correct order for about 22 hours a day for 2 weeks each. After they have gone through the entire series, their smile should be completely straight. It's just that simple, and the results always bring a look of jubilant surprise to our patients’ faces.
Who Invisalign Can Help
Of course, the best way to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign is to simply come see your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, Dr. Jennifer Reed. She’ll quickly be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for clear aligner treatment. In the meantime, you can read on for a brief overview of the orthodontic problems that Invisalign can correct.
Crowded Teeth
Good news: Invisalign can help patients who are looking to straighten crooked or crowded teeth in order to enhance their smile’s overall appearance and health. If you have any other outstanding oral health issues, such as cavities or gum disease, those will need to be addressed beforehand. Don’t worry – we can easily add the necessary restorative care to your treatment plan, ensuring the final result is a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful.
Gaps Between Teeth
If your teeth are spread apart, then you know first-hand that food can easily get stuck. Plus, the gaps can make it difficult to enunciate clearly, resulting in low self-esteem. Invisalign has proven time and time again to be an effective solution for patients with mild to moderate misalignment. So, if you don’t want to wear metal braces, there’s a good chance you won’t have to!
Bite Alignment
Invisalign can improve both the alignment of your teeth and the alignment of your bite. So, if you are struggling with an overbite, underbite, or another common bite problem, don’t just assume your only treatment option is traditional braces. With a custom series of clear aligners, we can give you a healthier bite, improving your appearance and your oral health in the process.
The Benefits of Invisalign
More and more people are choosing to straighten their smiles with Invisalign instead of braces due to its numerous benefits:
- Subtle Appearance: The clear trays are practically invisible when they are worn on the teeth, meaning that the only people who will actually know that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment are you and your dentist! In the end, the only thing people will really notice is your beautiful smile.
- Convenience: Unlike braces, the trays actually slip on and off the teeth, so you can take them out whenever you like. This means you can maintain the same diet and brushing habits while improving your smile.
- Comfort: Each tray will be specially designed to fit your individual smile. Invisalign’s smooth plastic is much easier on the teeth and gums than braces, and you likely won’t notice that you are wearing a tray after just a few days.
- Speed: In many cases, Invisalign is actually able to work faster than traditional orthodontics. Plus, because it doesn’t need to be regularly adjusted like braces, you also won’t have to attend as many progress checks with your dentist.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Unfortunately, we can’t provide you with an estimate of the cost online. That’s because there are several important factors that need to be considered first, including the severity of your case and how many aligners need to be made. The good news is that we can provide you with a number at your consultation. Not only that, but we can review the available financial solutions, like dental insurance, so handling the cost is stress-free instead of stressful.
Invisalign FAQs
If you are preparing to undergo treatment with Invisalign in Lincoln, Dr. Jennifer Reed wants you to feel confident and prepared before taking the first step. What does this mean? As a licensed dental professional who believes in transparency, honesty, and providing her patients with the highest level of quality dental care, she wants you to have all the information you need to feel good about your orthodontic decision. Below, you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Invisalign. Should you need additional information, we invite you to contact our office.
What is the easiest way to remove my aligners?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to remove your aligners. You might think they will just pop right off when you’re ready to take them out, but this isn’t always the case. You might need to grab the back edge of your trays on one side to help pop them off. If you still struggle, you can purchase a clear aligner removal tool to make the process much easier.
What can I do to avoid staining my trays?
To prevent your aligners from becoming stained, try the following:
Each time you remove your aligners, brush them and your teeth (but don’t use toothpaste, as it is too abrasive and can scratch your aligners).
Avoid drinking dark-colored beverages.
Quit smoking.
Purchase an ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations will help to remove any debris remaining on your trays.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
In the beginning, you may notice a slight difference in the way you speak. However, this will become less and less over time. It may sound a bit like a slight lisp, but there are things you can do to minimize the change, like practicing certain numbers or words (i.e., Mississippi, sixty, seventy) until it becomes more natural and comfortable.
Will I need to wear a retainer when I’m finished with Invisalign?
Yes. To keep your teeth from shifting back into their normal position, you will need to wear a retainer once you are finished with Invisalign. Teeth can quickly shift if there’s nothing there to hold them in place, which is why the retainer is so important. In the initial stages of retainer-wear, Dr. Reed may instruct you to wear it full-time; however, after 6 months or so, you may be able to wear it only at night. This will give your teeth time to “set” in their new position.
Should I keep my previous trays just in case I lose or damage one?
This is an absolute “yes.” Should you accidentally lose or damage a tray during your treatment, it may be necessary for you to return to wearing the previous set in the meantime. This will prevent a significant delay in treatment.
If you’re ready to see straight teeth in the mirror every day and not deal with the hassle of noticeable metal braces, then Invisalign may be exactly what you’re looking for. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
