What is Invisalign and Clear Aligners?

A Modern Orthodontic Solution to Fit Your Lifestyle

Invisalign and clear aligners are the latest orthodontic treatments that offer a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Using a series of custom-made, nearly invisible aligners, Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into their desired position, helping you achieve a beautiful smile without the noticeable appearance of braces. At Phillips Family Orthodontics, Dr. Joseph Phillips and our experienced team are proud to offer this advanced treatment to our patients, delivering personalized care and effective results. Whether you're a teen or adult, we’re here to guide you through a smooth and convenient Invisalign journey to your ideal smile.

What is Invisalign: Clear Aligners An Advanced Approach

Clear aligners is the generic term for brand names like Invisalign, Spark, Clarity, and many others, and many people use these terms interchangeably. At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we have access to these and other brands to give you the correct appliance for your needs. These clear aligner systems all function the same way at their core. We often discuss Invisalign specifically, but know the concepts can be applied to all orthodontist provided clear aligners. These specialized appliances use a series of clear, removable plastic trays to straighten teeth gradually.

Unlike traditional braces using metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners use a smooth, medical-grade plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. These aligners are virtually invisible, making them popular for patients who want a more discreet orthodontic solution.

Each set of aligners is custom-made using advanced 3D imaging technology. The aligners gently shift your teeth into their desired positions, and every one to two weeks, you switch to a new set, continuing the progression toward your ideal smile.

What is Invisalign and Clear Aligners

What’s It Like Having Invisalign?

Invisalign fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. While not perfectly *invisible*, they are not noticeable at a conversational distance. Because the aligners are removable, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods and maintain your oral hygiene routine without special tools or techniques.

Rather than discomfort, the most common feedback we hear from patients is having difficulty remembering to put them in after they eat. Some patients may experience a slight lisp when they first start wearing their aligners, but this typically resolves within a few days as your tongue adjusts.

Follow this link to read FAQs about Invisalign and Clear Aligners.

What’s It Like Having Invisalign?

Follow this link to read FAQs about Invisalign and Clear Aligners.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a versatile treatment that can address many orthodontic issues, making it an excellent option for many patients. You might be a good candidate if you:

You have mild to advanced misalignment, including crooked teeth, gaps, or crowding.
If you are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces and prefer a more discreet option,
Bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Dr. Phillips routinely uses elastics and TADs with clear aligners with success.
You are committed to wearing your aligners as directed (20-22 hours daily) and following the treatment plan

However, Invisalign may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with severe orthodontic issues that require more complex treatments.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a versatile treatment that can address many orthodontic issues, making it an excellent option for many patients. You might be a good candidate if you:

You have mild to advanced misalignment, including crooked teeth, gaps, or crowding.
If you are concerned about the appearance of traditional braces and prefer a more discreet option,
Bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Dr. Phillips routinely uses elastics and TADs with clear aligners with success.
You are committed to wearing your aligners as directed (20-22 hours daily) and following the treatment plan.

However, Invisalign may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with severe orthodontic issues that require more complex treatments.

The 5 Benefits of Aligners Over Traditional Braces

Invisalign and others offer several advantages over traditional braces, making it an attractive option for many patients. Here’s a look at some of the key benefits:

Discreet Appearance: One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are nearly invisible. Clear aligners are ideal for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces.
Comfort: Studies show a statistically significant decrease in patient discomfort in patients treated with Invisalign vs braces. Clear aligners smooth plastic material is more comfortable than traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires.
Removable: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing you to maintain better oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
Fewer Office Visits: With Invisalign, you typically need fewer orthodontic visits than traditional braces. Since there are no wires to tighten, most of your checkups will involve checking your progress and providing your next set of aligners.
Predictable Results: Clear aligner systems use 3D imaging technology to create a personalized treatment plan, allowing you to see a virtual representation of your teeth’s movement and the final results before you even begin treatment.

The 5 Benefits of Aligners

Invisalign and others offer several advantages over traditional braces, making it an attractive option for many patients. Here’s a look at some of the key benefits:

Discreet Appearance: One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are nearly invisible. Clear aligners are ideal for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces.
Comfort: Studies show a statistically significant decrease in patient discomfort in patients treated with Invisalign vs braces. Clear aligners smooth plastic material is more comfortable than traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires.
Removable: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. You can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing you to maintain better oral hygiene and enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
Fewer Office Visits: With Invisalign, you typically need fewer orthodontic visits than traditional braces. Since there are no wires to tighten, most of your checkups will involve checking your progress and providing your next set of aligners.
Predictable Results: Clear aligner systems use 3D imaging technology to create a personalized treatment plan, allowing you to see a virtual representation of your teeth’s movement and the final results before you even begin treatment.

The Invisalign Process and Getting Started

Invisalign and all clear aligners apply controlled, consistent pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired positions. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Phillips. During this visit, a thorough examination will be conducted, including digital scans or impressions of your teeth. Dr. Phillips will then create a personalized treatment plan using advanced 3D imaging software, allowing you to represent your treatment outcome visually.
Custom Aligners: Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom-made aligners will be created for you. Each set of aligners is slightly different, designed to move your teeth closer to their final position.
Wearing Your Aligners: You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set every one to two weeks. The aligners are removable, but wearing them as directed will ensure your treatment stays on track.
Regular Checkups: You’ll visit Phillips Family Orthodontics every eight to twelve weeks for a progress check. Dr. Phillips will monitor your progress and provide you with the next aligners.
Completion of Treatment: Once your treatment is complete, a retainer worn at night will help maintain your new smile. Retainers are essential to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions.

Introduction to the Invisalign Palatal Expander

Phillips Family Orthodontics offers a new-in-2024 and innovative solution: the Invisalign Palatal Expander for patients with more complex dental issues, such as a narrow upper jaw or crowded teeth. The only option when expanding a narrow palate before the innovation required fixed appliances like a rapid palatal expander (RPE). However, with advancements in Invisalign technology, certain cases can be treated with a more comfortable and discreet option.

The Invisalign Palatal Expander works similarly to traditional expanders by gradually widening the upper jaw to create more space for teeth alignment. The treatment involves using specially designed Invisalign aligners that apply gentle pressure to the upper arch, encouraging the palate to expand over time. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients who want to avoid the bulkiness and visibility of traditional expanders.

The Invisalign Process

Invisalign and all clear aligners apply controlled, consistent pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired positions. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Phillips. During this visit, a thorough examination will be conducted, including digital scans or impressions of your teeth. Dr. Phillips will then create a personalized treatment plan using advanced 3D imaging software, allowing you to represent your treatment outcome visually.
Custom Aligners: Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom-made aligners will be created for you. Each set of aligners is slightly different, designed to move your teeth closer to their final position.
Wearing Your Aligners: You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set every one to two weeks. The aligners are removable, but wearing them as directed will ensure your treatment stays on track.
Regular Checkups: You’ll visit Phillips Family Orthodontics every eight to twelve weeks for a progress check. Dr. Phillips will monitor your progress and provide you with the next aligners.
Completion of Treatment: Once your treatment is complete, a retainer worn at night will help maintain your new smile. Retainers are essential to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions.

The Invisalign Palatal Expander

Why Choose Phillips Family Orthodontics for Invisalign?

At Phillips Family Orthodontics, we understand that achieving a beautiful smile should be as comfortable and convenient as possible. That’s why we offer Invisalign, a revolutionary alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign gives patients a discreet, effective way to straighten their teeth and correct bite issues. Whether you’re considering Invisalign for yourself or your teen, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the treatment, from how it works to its many benefits over traditional braces.

Why Choose Phillips Family Orthodontics

Next Steps: How to Start Your Invisalign Journey

Ready to achieve a beautifully aligned smile with the comfort and convenience of Invisalign? Schedule your consultation with Phillips Family Orthodontics today and let us create a personalized treatment plan just for you!