Invisalign in St. Clair Shores

Straighten your smile without braces

Invisalign

Want a straighter smile in St. Clair Shores, but don’t want to wear bulky metal braces? Invisalign may be the best choice for you. At St. Clair Tooth Co., Dr. Cassleman offers brace-free orthodontic correction with Invisalign. Stay confident throughout treatment with this discreet option! Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can give you the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.

Invisalign clear braces

How does it work?

the basics of invisalign

Invisalign straightens your teeth gradually over time, just like braces. However, instead of using a highly visible wire and bracket system, Invisalign uses a series of clear, transparent plastic aligners. These aligners look similar to a retainer or a night guard for teeth grinding.

Each set of aligners is designed to shift your teeth slightly toward the proper position. By switching through a series of multiple aligners, you can correct most orthodontic problems like gaps in your smile, uneven teeth, and crowded or crooked teeth.

What to expect

from the Invisalign process

Once you’re approved for Invisalign treatment, Dr. Cassleman will take images and impressions of your teeth, and work closely with the Invisalign team to create your treatment plan and your first several sets of aligners. You’ll come back to our office in a few weeks to pick up your aligners and get started.

Each set of aligners is intended to be worn for 20-22 hours per day, usually for a period of about 2 weeks. About every 4-6 weeks, you’ll come to our St. Clair Shores office for a brief checkup with Dr. Cassleman, and you’ll get your next several sets of aligners. Depending on your needs, you'll receive Invisalign attachments, or buttons, to apply more pressure to your shifting teeth.

This basic process will be repeated until your treatment is complete. Most patients need about 20-24 sets of aligners, so the average treatment time is under a year. This varies on a case-by-case basis, however.

The benefits of invisalign

unique advantages

First, Invisalign is completely invisible when worn and does not affect speech. Compared to braces, Invisalign is much more subtle. You can straighten your teeth, and others won’t need to know about it. 

Compared to braces, Invisalign is also much more comfortable. There is no metal to irritate your mouth, and your teeth will be moved more gently and gradually with your aligners. You can also remove Invisalign to eat and drink and to brush and floss, making it more convenient.

Finally, Invisalign offers fast results. It usually takes about a year to correct your smile. Similar results with braces usually take at least 12-18 months.

Get Started Now

With Dr. Carly Cassleman

Interested in learning more and getting started with dental implants in St. Clair Shores or Grosse Pointe? Dr. Cassleman is here to help. Contact us now at (586) 404-4911 to schedule an appointment, or stop by our office at 21321 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. We’re always accepting new patients, and we hope to see you soon.

FAQs

Is Invisalign Painful?

Invisalign is a popular choice for those looking to straighten their teeth without the discomfort and visibility of traditional metal braces. One of the most common questions people have is whether Invisalign is painful.

The good news is that Invisalign is designed to be as comfortable as possible. Unlike metal braces, which can cause irritation and soreness due to brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, medical-grade plastic that fits snugly over your teeth.

However, it is important to note that some level of discomfort is normal when you first start wearing Invisalign or when you switch to a new set of aligners. This is because the aligners are working to gently shift your teeth into the desired position.

Most patients describe this sensation as a feeling of pressure rather than pain, and it typically subsides after a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new aligners. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any discomfort if needed.

Overall, Invisalign is considered a more comfortable alternative to traditional braces, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a less invasive orthodontic treatment.

Can Invisalign Fix Gaps?

Yes, Invisalign can effectively fix gaps between teeth, making it a versatile solution for various orthodontic issues. Gaps, also known as diastemas, can occur for several reasons, including genetics, thumb sucking in childhood, or even due to missing teeth. Invisalign aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to move the teeth into a more desirable position, effectively closing the gaps over time.

The treatment process begins with a thorough consultation with a qualified dental professional, such as Dr. Carly Cassleman at St. Clair Tooth Co., who will assess your specific dental needs and create a personalized treatment plan. Using advanced 3D imaging technology, Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely, ensuring optimal results.

As you progress through the series of aligners, you will notice the gaps gradually closing, leading to a more aligned and aesthetically pleasing smile. Invisalign is a discreet and effective way to address gaps, offering patients a confidence boost without the need for metal braces.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

The duration of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific orthodontic issues being addressed. On average, most Invisalign treatments take between 12 to 18 months to complete. However, some patients may see results in as little as six months, while others with more complex issues may require up to 24 months of treatment.

During your initial consultation at St. Clair Tooth Co., Dr. Carly Cassleman will evaluate your teeth and provide a customized treatment plan with an estimated timeline. The treatment involves wearing a series of aligners, each for about one to two weeks, before progressing to the next set. For optimal results, it is crucial to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Regular check-ups with your dentist will ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned and allow for any necessary adjustments. Invisalign offers a flexible and efficient way to achieve a straighter smile, with the added benefit of being able to easily see your progress at each stage of the treatment.

Can I Eat And Drink While Wearing Invisalign?

You should not eat and drink while wearing your Invisalign trays, since this can damage or stain them. You will need to take your aligners out whenever you eat, and store them in the protective case. This ensures that you won’t accidentally lose or damage them.

However, one of the significant advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is the ability to remove the aligners when eating and drinking. This feature allows you to enjoy your favorite foods and beverages without the restrictions often associated with metal braces.

After each snack or meal, it is advisable to brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners. This helps you maintain good oral hygiene and prevents food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners. This practice helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease during your Invisalign treatment.

While Invisalign offers more dietary freedom compared to braces, maintaining a consistent routine of wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day is crucial for achieving the best results. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience of Invisalign while working towards a beautifully aligned smile.

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