Invisalign
The bulky brackets and wires of traditional braces aren’t for everyone. At Cenkner & Dahar Orthodontics, we offer these nearly invisible clear aligners at the Greensburg, Latrobe, and Monroeville locations so you can let your natural smile shine through your treatment plan.
For teens and adults alike, Invisalign is your reliable and discreet choice for straight teeth.
These nearly invisible clear aligners let your natural smile shine during your treatment. In some cases it is more affordable, more efficient, and MUCH more convenient.
Invisalign treatment includes a series of clear plastic aligners that move your teeth through small, incremental movements. You’ll wear a set of them, then get new ones every two weeks or so until your teeth are straight and beautiful.
Why INvisalign Treatment
Why Invisalign treatment?
- Faster treatment: With weekly aligner changes, you’re on your way to the smile you want even faster. Depending on your response to treatment, particularly in mature adults, we may consider longer periods between aligner changes.
- Proven results: SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® features are clinically proven to improve control of tooth movement with Invisalign clear aligners.
- Better fit: Aligners made from SmartTrack material are comfortable, fit well, and are easy to put on and take off.
- Effective: Invisalign clear aligners can treat a wide range of teeth-straightening conditions, including crossbites, crowding, open bites, gapped teeth, overbites, and underbites.
- Virtually invisible: Most people won’t even know you’re going through treatment, because Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible!
- Comfortable: Invisalign clear aligner trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but they’re also removable. That means you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing to eating whatever you like.
- Convenient: Invisalign treatment is ideal for your busy schedule, since you only need to visit our office every six weeks.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Your First Consultation
At your initial consultation, we will discuss your orthodontic needs and evaluate whether Invisalign treatment is right for you.
Your Custom Treatment Plan
We will use a scanner such as the iTero® digital scanning system to create fast, precise 3D digital images of your teeth. Then we will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth and how long your treatment will be. You’ll even get to see how your teeth will move and preview your new smile.
Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Your custom-made aligners will be made of Invisalign’s proprietary SmartTrack® material. They’re virtually invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them during your teeth straightening.
Wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results, and take them out only to eat, brush, and floss.
Your Progress
As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gently and gradually shift into place. We may recommend that you begin wearing a new set of aligners every week and schedule checkups every six weeks or so.
Taking Care of Your New Smile
When your treatment is complete, ask us about a Vivera® retainer. Vivera retainers are custom-made using the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign clear aligners.
To learn more about the Invisalign system and all your orthodontic treatment options, please feel free to schedule an appointment at our office. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve a smile that’s made to move!
Fun Facts!
1. Invisalign has been around for 23 years
Invisalign technology was developed in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Welsey Wirth, two Stanford graduates. After being approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, it was available to patients soon after.
2. Over 10 million patients have received Invisalign treatment
In April 2021, Align Technologies (Invisalign manufacturer) announced that 10 million patients had begun Invisalign treatment worldwide. Of that figure, 2.6 million are teenagers.
3. Every Invisalign tray is custom
After a dental professional takes molds of a prospective patient’s teeth, Invisalign trays are custom-made for the patient using a 3D printer. Each aligner is printed with a patented type of BPA-free and latex-free thermoplastic.
4. Invisalign trays are removable
Unlike traditional metal braces that are secured into a patient’s mouth, Invisalign trays can be removed at any time. Patients on Invisalign treatment can take out their trays to eat, drink, brush, and floss as they normally would. Although they can be removed, aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours every day to be effective.
5. There are no eating restrictions on Invisalign
Patients cannot eat certain sticky or crunchy foods with traditional braces because they can damage the wires. Invisalign has no such dietary restrictions.
Some patients choose to avoid certain foods because the treatment may cause mild soreness or sensitivity. However, it is a matter of personal preference and comfort level because no foods are explicitly forbidden.
6. Invisalign treatment length varies
A common misconception is that Invisalign is only for minor dental adjustments. However, Invisalign can also be used to treat more severe cases.
The treatment depends on the patient’s situation. Mild cases might require as few as five to seven trays and take only a few months. Treatment for more severe cases could last several years.
7. Invisalign typically requires fewer office visits
With traditional braces, patients visit their orthodontist regularly for adjustment and tightening. With Invisalign, the patient will take home several Invisalign trays at a time. Following their provider’s instructions, they will switch to the next aligner in the series on a scheduled basis.
Invisalign still requires occasional check-ins so the provider can monitor the treatment and make adjustments as needed. However, it is not as often as metal braces.
Ready to get started?
Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile!