Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
For decades, if you wanted orthodontic treatment, it meant getting braces. Generations of people grew up going to the orthodontist to correct their smiles. Those metal braces had their drawbacks, though; they can irritate the cheeks, gums and lips. And nutritional options were limited, at the risk of breaking one of the wires. Today, if you want straighter teeth in Okemos, braces are not your only option. You can straighten your smile through plastic aligner therapy, such as Invisalign. Read on, as today on the blog, Okemos’ favorite dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia takes you through what to expect during the Invisalign process.
How does Invisalign work?
Unlike braces, which use a system of brackets and wires to straighten teeth, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign uses plastic aligners. These aligners are customized to fit snugly over your teeth. Once in place, the aligners apply gentle pressure to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, these plastic aligners will not irritate the gums and cheeks the way that braces can. Plus, the aligners are transparent, making them a discreet way to put each individual tooth on a straighter path. Lastly, you can remove the aligners when you eat or clean your teeth.
What to expect from the Invisalign process in Okemos
- The consultation: If you’re interested in Invisalign, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your certified Invisalign provider. At this appointment, Dr. Tenaglia will review your dental history, and evaluate the current condition of your teeth and mouth. This may entail taking X-rays to determine the current alignment of your teeth. With this information, Dr. Tenaglia can determine whether Invisalign is right for you.
- The prep: Once you’ve determined Invisalign is a viable option, Dr. Tenaglia will go through all the details before treatment begins. This is also when we will discuss the cost of treatment. Click here to review our payment policies and financing information. Once you’ve approved the treatment plan, a member of our team of oral health professionals will take impressions of your teeth and mouth, which serve as a guide for the fabrication of your first set of aligners.
- Aligner production: The impressions are sent to Invisalign, along with detailed instructions on how the alignment of your teeth will be adjusted. Invisalign uses those impressions to create a three-dimensional model of your teeth, and that model serves as the basis for your first set of aligners. Once the aligners are produced, they are sent to our office and given to you to begin treatment.
- The treatment process: You can expect an adjustment process when you receive your first set of aligners. They may not feel like they fit correctly, because the aligners have been constructed to the pattern that your teeth should be in after the first two weeks of treatment. As a result, you may experience some discomfort, especially in the first few days. This adjustment process will be more comfortable with each set of aligners you receive. You will receive a new set of aligners every two weeks, and should expect treatment to take between 12 and 18 months.
- The upkeep: While you remove the aligners to brush your teeth, this is also when you should clean your aligners. You can do this with your toothbrush as well. Make sure to brush after meals when possible, as food particles that remain on your teeth when you wear your aligners can lead to sudden and severe accumulation of plaque.
Your Invisalign provider for Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
Not all dentists can offer Invisalign – only certified Invisalign providers. Dr. Christine Tenaglia is proud to offer Invisalign to her patients. Is Invisalign right for you? The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tenaglia to determine your candidacy for this treatment. Make your appointment at Tenaglia Smiles today. Just call (517) 347-6733 or contact us online.