Invisalign Clear Aligners: More Than a Straighter Smile

Everyone wants a beautifully aligned smile. But did you know that straight teeth function better, wear more evenly, and are easier to clean? At North Mountain Dentistry, we offer Invisalign clear aligners to help our valued patients improve both the appearance and long-term health and function of their smiles. Contact our practice in Phoenix to schedule a consultation today.

What Makes Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligner trays to move teeth gradually into alignment. No brackets, no wires. Each set of trays is worn for one to two weeks, with each one making small, precise adjustments. Because the aligners are virtually invisible and removable, most people around you won’t even know you’re in treatment.

Beyond discretion, you can take your aligners out to eat, to brush, and to floss. That means you can eat all the foods you love without any restrictions and brush and floss as usual throughout treatment, unlike with traditional metal braces.

What Can Invisalign Treat?

Invisalign can address a wide range of misalignment concerns, including crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, as well as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Whatever your orthodontic needs, Invisalign likely has a solution for you.

What Are the Impacts of Misaligned Teeth Beyond Aesthetics?

Alignment is a structural issue, not just an aesthetic one. Here’s what misaligned teeth can cause over time:

• Uneven bite pressure: When teeth don’t fit together correctly, some take on far more force than they should. This can result in tooth enamel erosion, chips, cracks, and premature wear.
• Gum Tissue Health: When your teeth are crowded or widely spaced, your gums often don’t fit securely around the teeth. This can leave them vulnerable to inflammation and redness, which can progress to periodontal disease without treatment.
• TMJ strain: A misaligned bite can place stress on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. This can lead to TMJ pain, jaw clicking, facial tension, and even chronic headaches.
• Harder-to-clean teeth: Misaligned teeth are much harder to clean effectively. This can result in a host of oral health concerns, including tooth decay and gum disease.
• Speech Concerns: Many people don’t realize that the positions of their teeth play a role in the articulation of sounds. Misaligned or gapped teeth can cause subtle lisps or whistling during speech, interfering with clarity and confidence in communication.
• Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: Digestion begins in the mouth. When a bite is severely misaligned, it is difficult to grind food down into a fine enough consistency for optimal digestion.

What Can You Expect?

Your Invisalign journey will begin with a thorough evaluation of your unique needs and a discussion of your goals for your smile. We will use digital imaging to capture impressions of your teeth and create a custom treatment plan outlining the expected movements of your teeth over time.

Once your aligners arrive, you’ll need to wear them 20-22 hours each day to achieve the best possible results. We will monitor your progress periodically to make sure everything is on track.

Most patients complete their Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months, although simpler cases can move faster. After treatment, we will provide you with custom retainers to help keep your teeth in their new alignment.

Invisalign Clear Aligners in Phoenix, AZ

If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile with Invisalign, contact North Mountain Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Our team will personalize every step of your treatment to deliver a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile. Call us at 602-285-9979 to schedule your appointment or request one online today.