STRAIGHT TEETH WITHOUT BRACES
Invisalign®
Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr. O’Keeffe plans out for you.
With Invisalign, Dr. May O’Keeffe can treat everyone from young teens to adults of any age. It’s a great alternative to braces for those who would rather straighten their smiles without the use of traditional braces. Come see us for a free initial exam!
Invisalign aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten.
Once the customized aligners trays are created, you just change to a new set about once a week, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth!
And now Invisalign is an option for younger children as well. In fact, we’re now able to offer Invisalign to treat kids as young as age 7. When you have your complimentary initial exam, be sure to ask us if Invisalign First is an option for your child.
WHAT TO EXPECT
With Invisalign
Invisalign® is one of several alternatives to braces and treatment is easier and more efficient than ever before! During your free consultation, Dr. O’Keeffe will take x-rays and photos of your mouth and analyze whether your teeth and bite can be successfully straightened with Invisalign®.
Once it is determined you are an Invisalign® candidate, the next step is to obtain a 3-D image of your teeth using our state-of-the-art iTero® scanner. This can often be accomplished the same day as your consultation. With our scanner, you can say goodbye to goopy, uncomfortable molds! Instead of taking a mold, the iTero® scanner has a “magic wand” that is placed over the surfaces of your teeth to take 3-D pictures. A composite digital image (STL file) of your teeth and bite is created. Using advanced computer software, Dr. O’Keeffe then creates a treatment plan that carefully and efficiently moves your teeth into the desired positions. With the iTero® scanner, your Invisalign® trays will fit more accurately than ever before, allowing for more efficient and higher-quality treatment. Your aligners will also arrive more than 50% faster compared to the “old” method using molds.
Approximately 4 weeks after your appointment, you will return to receive your first aligners! Dr. O’Keeffe will go over many instructions at this appointment and get you started on your journey toward a gorgeous, healthy smile. Small, tooth-colored shapes (called “attachments” or “bumps”) will be attached to some of your teeth to help the aligners grab and position the teeth.
Aligners should be worn 22 hours/day and can be taken out for meals as well as brushing and flossing. Return appointments are scheduled approximately every 2 months during treatment, at which Dr. O’Keeffe monitors your progress and make adjustments as necessary. The average Invisalign treatment takes approximately 12-18 months, although each case can greatly vary based on complexity. Our patients often comment how easy the entire process is.