1. How do I get started with Invisalign?

You find a certified Invisalign dentist through personal referral, Invisalign website or other sources and make an appointment for an examination and consultation to see if you qualify as an Invisalign candidate. Just like all other dental treatments, Invisalign is not the solution for every single orthodontic case. An ethical, trained and certified Invisalign dentist will do the appropriate dental x-rays, take before treatment photographs, do a thorough intra oral examination (a complete examination of the teeth, gums and mouth tissues), and do a periodontal screening to see if you are a good candidate for the Invisalign system. The dentist will also do an orthodontic evaluation to determine if Invisalign will be the best solution to your orthodontic concerns. If your dentist and you, the patient, determine that the Invisalign treatment is a proper method of treating you then full mouth upper and lower impressions (molds) are taken of your teeth, and the dentist submits the impressions, the before treatment photographs of your teeth and mouth, and an orthodontic treatment plan to the Invisalign Center for the fabrication of aligners which are the clear plastic tooth appliances that actually move the teeth. With Invisalign there are no wires or brackets placed in your mouth. I am a certified Invisalign dentist at Harbour Landing Dental. We invite you to call today to see if you can straighten your teeth without braces.


2. Does the procedure work on overbites?

Invisalign is a good treatment method for most overbites especially if the back teeth (molars and bicuspids) are in a normal bite situation. In fact Invisalign is ideal for treating malocclusions (improper bites) of the front teeth. An overbite is exactly that type of situation. Again, a thorough examination is necessary to determine if Invisalign is a good treatment choice.


3. Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?

Invisalign is not recommended for patients who have moderate to severe periodontal problems, have a history of TMJ syndrome, have severe malocclusions of the back teeth or have severe Class 3 (under bite) or Class 2 (extreme overbite). However, the majority of patients who are good candidates for traditional orthodontics (metal braces) are also good candidates for Invisalign.


4. Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?

Fixed bridgework (bridges that are cemented permanently in the mouth) cannot be moved by Invisalign. Therefore the treatment of a case that has a fixed bridge has to be planned taking that into consideration. However, just because someone has a fixed bridge in their mouth does not mean that they are not a candidate for Invisalign. Again it depends on the individual situation and what the desired treatment outcome is.


5. Are crowns a factor in Invisalign treatment?

Individual crowns on teeth do not pose a problem for Invisalign treatment. Teeth with crowns cemented on them will move just like a natural tooth without a crown on it.


6. Can Invisalign close gaps?

Invisalign is usually the IDEAL treatment for closing gaps between the front teeth. It just works remarkably well for this situation and when you consider it is more comfortable than braces, easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and in good condition than with braces, and it is so much more cosmetically pleasing than having braces. Invisalign is almost always the ideal choice to close gaps in the front teeth. Sometimes, depending on the size of the gaps, Invisalign will be paired with later treatment like veneers to finish a smile to perfection.