Invisalign® in Westford & Bedford
Emerson Dental provides Invisalign® in Westford & Bedford, MA. Dr. Gregory Wu is a certified Invisalign provider and has had advanced training in cosmetic dentistry to help our patients achieve their ultimate smile! Call 978-399-0017 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Known as “the clear alternative to braces,” Invisalign® can solve the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces, including overbites, cross-bites, tooth crowding, and gaps. Yet the clear plastic aligners are smooth, comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible. Your aligners are custom-made just for you, and will gently shift your teeth into the desired position without the need for metal brackets or wires.
Here are some of the top benefits of Invisalign®:
3-D Modeling: Your treatment starts with a 3-D digital model of your mouth. Your dentist will use sophisticated planning software to show you exactly what your smile will look like at each phase of treatment, including the results.
Convenience: Invisalign® is far more convenient than braces. Your dentist will instruct you on the proper use and care of your aligners, and when to change aligners at home (usually, but not always, every two weeks). You will need to see the dentist just once every four to six weeks.
Improved Oral Hygiene: While those who wear braces must get creative when cleaning their teeth, aligners simply pop out. You can brush and floss your teeth like normal, then clean the aligner and pop it back in. Braces also carry a risk of scraping off some of your tooth enamel, putting you at risk for dark spots and decay, while Invisalign® is easy on your teeth.
Lifestyle Considerations: Braces are impossible to hide and can stop you from eating foods such as apples and popcorn. Aligners are made from virtually invisible clear plastic, and can be removed whenever you want to eat your favorite foods.
If you are interested in finding out whether Invisalign® is right for you or want to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign®, we invite you to contact Emerson Dental today to schedule your initial consultation.
Invisalign FAQs
Is there a difference between Invisalign and braces?
Invisalign is another method to align teeth, just like braces. The most obvious Invisalign advantage is aesthetics, as there are no brackets or wires that show on the front of the teeth. Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner that moves the teeth into position. Sometimes, the teeth may require tooth colored “attachments” for specific movements.
Another advantage to using Invisalign is the ability to brush and floss your teeth like you normally would while having treatment. Invisalign aligners are removed when eating, drinking, and brushing, while traditional braces are not removed until the treatment is complete. Traditional braces can act as a food trap and make it difficult to brush and floss properly.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Most people are candidates for Invisalign. Invisalign can correct most bite problems just as well as braces. We recommend scheduling a consultation at Emerson Dental so we can gather all of the necessary information to provide you with treatment options that will suit your individual needs.
Are Invisalign attachments/buttons necessary?
Invisalign attachments/buttons are used to assist tooth movement. Sometimes all teeth will need an attachment and sometimes only a few teeth will need attachments. It is the experience of a dentist that produces your best result, not the Invisalign system itself.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Most people experience tooth soreness for a few days after starting each new aligner. This is normal and is a sign that the Invisalign aligners are working by moving your teeth to their final position. This soreness will gradually go away a day or two after inserting the new aligner in the series.
How long does Invisalign take?
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on the number of aligners you will need to complete your treatment. After we take detailed records of your teeth, the doctor will be able to give you a timeframe for how long you can expect your individual Invisalign treatment to take.
What if mouth sores occur because of Invisalign?
Sometimes when wearing the aligners, especially in the beginning of treatment, the edges will rub against your lips, tongue, or cheeks, giving you sores. This is completely normal and as you wear your aligners your mouth will adapt. If you do experience soreness, we recommend our patients use warm salt water rinses to help the sores heal faster.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while having Invisalign treatment?
In general, no. Unlike traditional orthodontics, while undergoing Invisalign treatment you will remove your aligners when you eat, so there is no need to restrict your diet.