Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a virtually invisible solution for correcting various bite issues and enhancing your smile. Our personalized treatment plans offer an efficient path to a better smile without hindering your daily lifestyle.

Your Invisalign® Dentist in West Allis, WI

At Third Coast Family Dental, we’re proud to be your trusted Invisalign® dentist, providing advanced clear aligner treatments to perfect your smile. Invisalign® is an orthodontic solution that uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their desired position. This technology can effectively treat a variety of bite issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gap teeth, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.

The average treatment with Invisalign® at our clinic involves a straightforward process, starting with a detailed consultation to ensure it’s the best option for you. Once we determine that you are a candidate, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that includes changing your aligners approximately every two weeks, with regular check-ins every six to eight weeks to monitor progress. This modern approach not only straightens teeth more comfortably but also allows you to maintain your daily lifestyle without the hassle of traditional braces.

Post-Treatment Care

First 3-6 Months After Invisalign®

At Third Coast Family Dental, we ensure that your smile stays perfect long after your Invisalign® treatment is complete. Post-treatment care is crucial to maintaining the beautiful results achieved with your clear aligners. For the initial two to six months following the completion of your treatment, it’s essential to use a retainer as directed by our Invisalign® experts. This helps solidify your new tooth alignment and prevent any shifts.

During this period, our team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your retainer, ensuring it fits perfectly and comfortably. Our goal is to help you preserve the results of your Invisalign® treatment and ensure your smile remains as stunning as the day your aligners came off. Visit us to learn more about how our post-treatment care can contribute to a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

  • How does the Invisalign® process work?

    The Invisalign® process offers a discreet and effective way to straighten teeth using clear, removable aligners. Here’s a streamlined overview of the process:

    • Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation where a dentist evaluates if Invisalign® is suitable for you. Digital scans of your teeth are used to create precise 3D images.
    • Custom Treatment Plan: A detailed treatment plan is developed from the 3D images, showing the step-by-step transformation of your teeth.
    • Creating the Aligners: Custom aligners are manufactured to fit your teeth perfectly, made from smooth, BPA-free plastic.
    • Wearing the Aligners: Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks, for 20-22 hours per day, progressing through the series until your teeth are correctly aligned.
    • Regular Check-Ups: You’ll have periodic check-ups to monitor progress and receive new aligners.
    • Completion and Retention: Once your teeth reach the desired position, wearing a retainer ensures they stay in place.

    Typically, treatment can last from 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the alignment needed. Invisalign® is a popular choice for its aesthetic appeal and convenience.

  • Invisalign® vs. braces - what's the difference?

    Invisalign® and traditional braces are both effective methods for correcting dental alignment issues, but they have several distinct differences:

    • Appearance: The most noticeable difference is in appearance. Invisalign® aligners are clear and nearly invisible when worn, making them a subtler option than traditional metal braces, which are more visible and often considered less aesthetically pleasing.
    • Comfort: Invisalign® aligners are made from smooth plastic, making them generally more comfortable than metal braces, which have brackets and wires that can irritate the inside of the mouth.
    • Removability: One of the major benefits of Invisalign® is that the aligners are removable. This allows for easier eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, as you can take them out to brush and floss. Traditional braces are fixed to the teeth and can trap food, making dental care more challenging.
    • Treatment Time: The treatment duration can vary for both options, but Invisalign® often has a shorter treatment time if worn diligently (20-22 hours per day). Typical treatment with Invisalign® ranges from 12 to 18 months, whereas braces might be needed for 18 months to 3 years, depending on the complexity of the case.
    • Adjustments: Invisalign® does not require adjustments; instead, you transition to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. Traditional braces require regular visits to the orthodontist for tightening and adjustments, which can sometimes be uncomfortable.
    • Effectiveness for Complex Cases: Traditional braces are generally more effective for more complex orthodontic issues. They have greater force and precision for correcting severe crowding, vertical movements, and rotational adjustments of teeth. Invisalign® has improved significantly over the years and can treat many cases, but some complex situations still require traditional braces.
    • Cost: The cost of Invisalign® and traditional braces can be similar, depending on the specific treatment needs and geographic location, but in some cases, Invisalign® can be more expensive.

    Choosing between Invisalign® and traditional braces largely depends on personal preferences, lifestyle, and specific dental needs. Consulting with an orthodontist can provide a clearer idea of which treatment might be more suitable for an individual’s unique situation.

  • Who can use Invisalign®?

    Invisalign® is suitable for teenagers and adults who prefer a less noticeable option for straightening their teeth. It works best for those with mild to moderate dental issues, such as crowding, gaps, and certain bite problems. Ideal candidates are those who are committed to wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily and maintaining good oral hygiene. Invisalign® aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a discreet orthodontic solution. However, they might not be appropriate for more complex orthodontic cases, which require more precise control. Ultimately, an orthodontist can determine whether Invisalign® is the right option based on a detailed examination and discussion of treatment goals.

More Questions?

If you have more questions about Invisalign®, please give us a call and we will be happy to discuss further.

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Third Coast Family Dental

8531 W. Lincoln Avenue
West Allis, WI, 53227
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Hours

MON - WED: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
THUR: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
FRI: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Phone

414-327-2700

Email Address

[email protected]