What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® in Thunder Bay involves wearing a series of removable aligners that are crafted to gradually straighten teeth. There are no brackets or wires like there would be with braces. Made from SmartTrack® material, these aligners are designed to be virtually invisible, aligning your smile with complete discretion.
Your treatment is personalized for your unique needs, whether you have minor alignment issues or more moderate concerns. You’ll typically wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, replacing them with a new set every one to two weeks, depending on your plan.
Is Invisalign® Really Faster Than Braces?
Sometimes, yes! The average treatment time is 6-18 months, compared to 12 to 24 months for traditional braces. However, how long it takes to achieve your desired results really depends on your specific case. For example, someone with moderate misalignment might see improvements with Invisalign® after just 6 months. But for more complex issues like significant crowding or bite problems, treatment could take up to 18 months.
To see results as quickly as possible, it’s crucial to diligently follow all instructions from your Invisalign® dentist in Thunder Bay.
Factors That Affect Treatment Time:
- Complexity of your case: Severe misalignments usually take longer and may need braces.
- Patient compliance: Invisalign® is only effective when worn 20–22 hours a day.
- Tooth movement goals: Some changes take more time, no matter the method.
While Invisalign® patients typically finish treatment faster, traditional braces are designed to be more effective for achieving major corrections in severe alignment problems. That said, speed isn’t everything; the most important part is getting your bite aligned properly for long-term oral health!
Invisalign® vs. Braces: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Invisalign® Aligners | Traditional Braces |
| Appearance | Created to be transparent trays | Metal brackets & wires visible when smiling |
| Removability | Removable for eating, brushing, & flossing | Fixed to teeth for the entire duration of treatment |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic is designed not to poke you with wires or brackets | May cause cheek & lip irritation from metal components |
| Oral Hygiene | Created to be easy so you can brush & floss like normal | You must clean around brackets & under wires |
| Follow-Up Visits | Fewer appointments (every 6–10 weeks) | More frequent adjustments (every 4–8 weeks) |
| Treatment Time | Typically 6-18 months (case-dependent) | Typically 12-24 months or longer (case-dependant) |
| Best For | Mild to moderate alignment cases | Mild to complex orthodontic needs |
| Lifestyle Friendly? | Yes – flexible for busy Thunder Bay routines | Can interfere with eating, sports, or musical instruments |
Is Invisalign® More Expensive Than Braces?
The cost of Invisalign® treatment is usually similar to the price of braces.
Invisalign® in Thunder Bay: Is It Right for You?
Our dentist in Thunder Bay uses digital technology to map your smile without goopy impressions. Redwood Dental Centre is passionate about regularly helping families choose the ideal orthodontic solution for their needs. We also offer clear brackets and traditional braces at our clinic to ensure you have access to a variety of customized treatments!
What Is the 30-Minute Rule for Invisalign®?
The 30-minute rule isn’t an official law, but it’s a handy reminder! After eating or drinking (anything besides water), wait no longer than 30 minutes to:
- Brush your teeth
- Clean your aligners
- Put them back in
The longer aligners are out, the more treatment delays can occur. Consistency is key. Even skipping just a few hours a day can impact treatment time by weeks or even months.
Our dentist in Thunder Bay is focused on helping patients stay on track with reminders and guidance throughout their Invisalign® journey!
Who Isn’t Eligible for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners aren’t for everyone. They are designed to effectively straighten teeth with mild to moderate issues. However, more severe cases often require complex treatment that’s better handled with traditional braces.
Only a trusted dentist is truly qualified to determine whether braces or clear aligners are the right treatment choice for your specific needs.
What Bite Issues Does Invisalign® Address?
- Crowded Teeth: If your teeth are too close together, clear aligners are designed to create the space needed to align them. This can improve your bite and make cleaning easier, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Invisalign® in Thunder Bay is developed to effectively close gaps, creating a more symmetrical and appealing smile.
- Overbite: If your upper teeth excessively overlap your lower teeth, aligners are created to help correct this. Fixing an overbite can restore your bite and reduce wear on your teeth.
- Crossbite: This treatment is also focused on correcting crossbites, which helps prevent uneven tooth wear, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
What Is The Invisalign® Procedure Process?
1. Personalized Consultation: Your journey starts with a consultation with your friendly dentist in Thunder Bay! After we assess your smile, we’ll create a detailed digital treatment plan that maps out how your smile will gradually improve.
2. Smile Preview: You can see your day-by-day transformation with an on-screen simulation!
3. Custom Aligners: Once your treatment plan is finalized, your customized aligners will be created. Your Invisalign® solution is developed to be as unique as your smile!
4. At-Home Wear: You’ll wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, switching to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks.
5. Progress Checks: As you change aligners, your teeth will slowly shift, week by week, until they reach their final straight position. You’ll visit us about every 6 weeks to ensure everything is progressing seamlessly.
Is Invisalign® More Painful Than Braces?
Ah, the question everyone wants to know – and our friendly team is here to provide the answer!
Braces:
- Can cause discomfort from wire tightening
- Brackets may irritate cheeks and lips
- May cause soreness after adjustments
Invisalign®:
- Designed to carefully shift teeth and not cause pain
- Developed to be easier to manage and clean
Most patients describe Invisalign® discomfort as a mellow pressure, especially in the first few days of a new tray. Braces can be a bit more intense, especially right after adjustments.
Good News: With either option, any soreness should typically fade within a few days, and your Redwood Dental Centre team is here with tips and tools to make things easier!
How To Care For Invisalign® Aligners
- Create a Tray Hub: Keep your Invisalign® case, a mini toothbrush, and travel-size mouthwash in every bag so you’re always prepared.
- No Smoking: Avoid smoking with your aligners, as it can stain them.
- Rinse, Don’t Scrub Trays Mid-Day: Abrasive brushing can scratch the plastic. Stick to a gentle brush with clear, unscented soap at night to prevent odours.
- No Gum Chewing: Gum will stick to your aligners! Remember to remove them for all meals and snacks, including if you chew gum.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water often! Saliva helps wash away bacteria, so keeping hydrated is good for your overall smile health.
Kind Reminder: With Invisalign® in Thunder Bay, there are no food restrictions! Since they’re removable, you can enjoy all your favourite foods (yes, even popcorn!). This is unlike traditional braces with wires and brackets, where many foods are off-limits due to the risk of damage or getting stuck. Stick to these simple habits, and you can enjoy a pleasant and efficient experience throughout your treatment!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Clear Aligners?
Dental plans that include orthodontic coverage typically cover both traditional braces and clear aligners equally. However, every plan is different, and the exact coverage varies by provider.
For an accurate cost estimate, it’s best to ask our dentist in Thunder Bay. They can assess your specific needs and give you a personalized quote.
Benefits of Invisalign®
1. Shorter Treatment Duration: While traditional braces can take a number of months to years, Invisalign® in Thunder Bay is designed to take just several months. This shorter timeframe is often appealing for those who want quicker results.
2. Fewer Orthodontic Sessions: With traditional braces, you need frequent visits for wire tightening. Invisalign®, however, requires fewer in-office appointments since you switch new aligners at home every couple of weeks.
4. Do Not Require Manual Adjustments: Unlike braces that need manual tightening, Invisalign® aligners are designed for gradual, predetermined movement.
Want a Straighter Smile Without Braces?
If you’re leaning toward clear aligners, our team at Redwood Dental Centre is focused on helping you align your smile discreetly. Let’s chat about your goals and create a plan that works for your life.
📞 Call us today at (866) 632-2896 to book your Invisalign® consultation. Let’s straighten things out – the right way, together!
FAQ: Invisalign® vs. Braces
Q: Can Invisalign® fix everything that braces can?
A: Invisalign® is designed to treat many of the same issues as braces, including overbites, underbites, and crowding. However, very complex cases are still better suited for braces, like severe teeth misalignment and bite issues. A consultation will help determine the ideal orthodontic solution for you.
Q: What happens if I lose an Invisalign® tray?
A: Contact us right away! Our dentist in Thunder Bay will guide you on whether to move to the next tray or wait for a replacement. Staying in touch keeps your treatment on schedule.
Q: What happens when I’m done with treatment?
A: In order to stop teeth from gradually moving back toward their original position, your dentist may advise you to use a retainer. Since every situation is unique, find out from us if you require retainers.
Q: How much does Invisalign® cost without insurance?
A: With or without insurance, Invisalign® treatment can actually be more affordable than you would imagine. Redwood Dental Centre also accepts Beautifi® financing which offers flexible payment plans for those without insurance.
