Invisalign – Belchertown, MA
Transform Your Smile Without the Metal
Many patients are concerned about the alignment of their teeth. It can make them feel self-conscious, have trouble chewing properly, and even cause considerable discomfort. A typical solution to this problem over the years has been metal braces. However, many patients are averse to the idea of wearing the brackets and wires due to their overwhelming appearance. Thankfully, Dr. Mark Medaugh offers an alternative: Invisalign in Belchertown.
Why Choose Valley Dentists of Belchertown for Invisalign?
- Friendly, Experienced Dentist & Team
- Budget-Friendly Financing Available
- Convenient Appointment Times
How Invisalign Works
The first step is to visit Dr. Medaugh so he can conduct a thorough exam. This will allow him to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you, as well as allow you to ask any questions you might have. Should you both decide to move forward, the process will start with our team taking a series of X-rays and photos of your mouth. These will be used to make your trays and ensure they are perfectly fitted to your particular teeth. Once you have started wearing your trays, you will need to visit the office about every 6-8 weeks so your progress can be monitored.
Who Invisalign Can Help
Are you interested in getting Invisalign? Good news: you’re probably a candidate for clear aligners! If you’re ready to schedule a consultation to find out, please call your dentist in Belchertown today. Otherwise, you can read on to learn more about the orthodontic problems Invisalign can correct.
Crowded Teeth
If your case of overcrowding isn’t too severe, then we can likely move your teeth into proper alignment with Invisalign! To accomplish this, we will use a custom series of trays to gradually shift your teeth. They are meant to be worn up to 22 hours a day for about 2 weeks each before moving onto the next one.
Gaps Between Teeth
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that can help patients with small gaps throughout their smile, a large gap between their two front teeth, and just about everything in between. Since the aligners are clear and removable, you’ll have a front-row seat to watch your smile transform before your eyes too!
Bite Alignment
Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 8-18 months depending on your degree of misalignment. Fortunately, Invisalign has advanced over the years to be able to address more and more complicated orthodontic issues, like crossbites. So, don’t just assume you’ll have to wear metal braces!
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has a number of advantages when compared to metal braces, such as:
- The clear plastic makes them much less noticeable on the teeth compared to the brackets of traditional braces.
- The trays are removable, which allows the patient to eat and care for their teeth as they would normally.
- The smooth plastic is much less irritating to the surrounding soft tissue of the lips and gums than braces.
- The trays often work faster to correct issues than traditional braces.
- Invisalign requires less frequent visits to the dentist’s office.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on a few factors, including how many aligners need to be made, if one or both arches of your teeth need to be straightened, if attachments or any other orthodontic accessories need to be added to your treatment plan, and the type of retainer you need. That’s why we can’t provide you with an accurate estimate of the price without a consultation! Not to worry – we will provide you with a number at your appointment, and we will discuss the financial solutions available, like CareCredit, as well.
You can finally get the straighter smile you’ve always wanted without having to get braces, all thanks to Invisalign. It’s the most modern approach to orthodontics available today, and it gives you the best when it comes to speed, comfort, and effectiveness. So, don’t wait – schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist today!
Invisalign FAQs
Will I Need Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign attachments are sometimes recommended when more than your clear aligners are necessary to straighten your teeth effectively. While not every patient will need attachments, they can often be very helpful with more complex cases. Dr. Medaugh will determine whether you need attachments based on your individual level of misalignment and the complexity of tooth movement required to complete your treatment.
The number of attachments you may require also varies depending on your case and may need to be changed mid-treatment. This is because your teeth can sometimes make unexpected shifts or fall short of projected outcomes. When these situations arise, attachments may be taken off certain teeth and moved onto others.
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?
When determining if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, Dr. Medaugh will consider several factors. Most teenagers (age 13 and older) and adults are good candidates, provided they have received all their adult (permanent) teeth.
Patients must be willing to commit fully to treatment, including wearing their aligners at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Patients who are younger or less responsible may be better suited to traditional braces, as they are fixed to your smile and thus lower maintenance in many regards.
Invisalign can fix issues ranging from a crooked teeth, gaps, crowding, and poor alignment. When performed in conjunction with interproximal reduction and Invisalign attachments, Invisalign can help correct more complex cases, however some problems may be too complex and better suited to braces.
Can You Eat with Invisalign Trays In?
One of the best things about Invisalign treatment is that you can completely remove your aligners when it’s time to eat. This allows you to eat a wide variety of foods with no restrictions.
Eating with your aligners in will not only cause damage to them, but it can also cause undue pressure on your teeth. Therefore, the only item you should consume with aligners in is room temperature water. Otherwise, be sure to remove your aligners each time you eat or drink.
Remember, unlike braces, Invisalign aligners allow you to eat whatever you want, but do be sure to store your aligners in a safe place when they’re not in your mouth!
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Because Invisalign is made of smooth plastic, its design is one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatments available.
When you get your first set of aligners, you may experience a brief adjustment period. This can include some soreness or discomfort that may be considered painful. Thankfully, this will subside as you adjust to the treatment.
Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment with clear trays. Each time you advance to a new set of trays, you may experience some slight pressure, however this is how you know your treatment is working.
Most discomfort can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain reliever and/or a cold compress or icepack. You can also drink ice cold water for the same effect.
