Invisalign® is one of today's most advanced orthodontic treatments. It can create a gorgeous, evenly aligned smile in 12 to 18 months with no hassle and discomfort associated with metal braces. In Honolulu, HI, Invisalign treatment typically costs between $4,000 to $6,000.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign treatment uses a graduated series of clear plastic aligners that fit comfortably against your teeth. As you move forward through the aligner series, your teeth will gradually move into place.

Step 1: Consultation

Your dentist will determine your orthodontic needs and answer your questions. They will let you know whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment. Most teen and adult patients with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates.

Step 2: Design

The dentist uses an intraoral scanner to create a 3-D digital model of your oral structures. The scanner is a handheld wand that moves comfortably around your mouth as it makes digital images.

Your dentist will use these images and the Invisalign software to produce designs for your aligners. They will carefully plan the movement of each individual tooth and create blueprints using the software.

Step 3: Manufacture

The Invisalign lab creates aligners from smooth, clear, medical-grade plastic for maximum comfort and strength.

Step 4: Treatment

When your aligners arrive from the lab, you will begin treatment. Your dentist will ensure your trays fit properly and do not cause discomfort. You will wear each set of trays for about one to two weeks, changing to the next one as directed. You'll see your new smile developing in the mirror over time. After 12 to 18 months, you will have a straight, symmetrical smile.

Step 5: Retainer

After your final aligner, you must wear an orthodontic retainer to keep your teeth in place. Your dentist will advise you how long to wear the retainer. If you do not wear your retainer as directed, your teeth may drift back to where they were before you started treatment, and you will lose your investment.

Benefits of Invisalign

Comfortable

Invisalign fits smoothly against your teeth. It has no metal parts to irritate sensitive tissues. You can wear Invisalign all day and hardly notice it until it is time to eat or drink.

Discreet

Many teens and adults want orthodontic treatment but are uncertain about drawing attention to themselves with braces. Invisalign is entirely private and focuses on you, not your teeth.

Faster Than Braces

Braces may take up to three years, while Invisalign typically takes 12 to 18 months. Depending on your orthodontic needs, treatment could last as little as six to nine months.

Better Oral Hygiene

A unique feature of Invisalign is that patients can remove it for cleaning. This allows patients to keep their teeth much cleaner than they would with standard braces, reducing their risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

No Food Restrictions

The list of foods patients cannot eat with braces is extensive, including favorites like popcorn, steak, and corn on the cob. Invisalign comes out when you eat, so you can have any food you like if you keep your teeth and aligners clean.

Tips for Success With Invisalign

• Practice excellent oral hygiene at all times
• Clean your aligners with clear liquid soap without dyes and perfumes or with Invisalign branded crystals
• Do not use hot water or abrasive toothpaste to clean aligners to avoid warping and scratching
• Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours every day to ensure the system works as planned
• If you lose an aligner, call your dentist as soon as possible to receive a replacement and keep your treatment on track
• Keep your aligners in their case to avoid losing them

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?

While most healthy teens and adults can successfully receive Invisalign, the best candidates share the following:

• No untreated tooth decay or gum disease
• No missing teeth
• Minor to moderate orthodontic issues, including overbite and underbite
• Discipline to wear aligners 20-22 hours daily

Do you wear Invisalign while you sleep?

Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours daily, including during sleep. Remove them only to eat, drink, and practice oral hygiene.

Call Queens Crown Dental

Invisalign can reshape your smile with comfort, discretion, and efficiency. If you want this treatment, please call our Honolulu, HI, office at 808-526-2800 to schedule a consultation today.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that is designed to straighten the teeth and align the bite. It also has cosmetic benefits as it can improve your smile. Aligner-based orthodontics is a different method than braces, providing a more discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. In most cases Invisalign treatment takes less time than braces.

How quickly will Invisalign straighten your teeth? It varies from one patient to another, but here’s an idea of what you can expect in terms of treatment duration. 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays called aligners that fit over your teeth. You’ll wear a series of aligners that are designed to shift the teeth into the proper position so that they are straight and your upper and lower teeth meet together properly. The aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to get the orthodontic treatment you need in a discreet way. 

Aligners are also removable, which means there are no food restrictions during treatment and no special brushing or flossing techniques required. The aligners are made of smooth plastic that won’t irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. 

Average Treatment Time For Invisalign

Invisalign treatment typically ranges anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Once impressions are made of your teeth and your treatment plan is created, you’ll have a more accurate estimate of how long the process will take for you. A series of aligners is created for you that will gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. You’ll wear each aligner for about 2 weeks, then switch to the next. The total number of aligners multiplied by 2 weeks gives you the total number of weeks for your treatment. 

Factors That Affect Treatment Time 

There are a number of factors that determine how long it will take for Invisalign to straighten your teeth: 

• Severity of your case. The biggest factor in the length of your treatment time is the extent of your orthodontic needs. The greater number of movements your teeth need to make and the further your teeth need to be shifted, the longer your treatment will take. Each aligner is capable of making subtle movements of your teeth. As you switch from one aligner to the next, your teeth will eventually reach the final desired position. 
• Wearing your aligners. In order for the aligners to do their job, you need to wear them at least 22 hours a day. If you don’t, you’ll need to wear each aligner for longer than 2 weeks to achieve the desired results. This will extend your total treatment time. 
• Going to appointments. Throughout Invisalign treatment you’ll have periodic appointments to monitor your progress and make sure your teeth are making the necessary movements. These appointments also allow your dentist to make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan to help keep your progress on track, otherwise there could be delays that will lengthen your overall treatment time. 
• Your age. Invisalign treatment may take longer for adults than for children and teens. This is because children and teens are still growing, especially during adolescence where significant growth spurts are common. Invisalign can take advantage of growth spurts and the growth hormones that are present to shift the teeth more easily. Adult teeth are settled in place, making them more difficult to move and resulting in longer treatment. 

Is Invisalign Quicker Than Braces?

In many cases Invisalign treatment is shorter than braces treatment. The main reason for this is the fact that Invisalign can only treat mild to moderate orthodontic conditions. Patients with extensive orthodontic needs may not be candidates for Invisalign and will need braces. Some patients will finish braces treatment in a shorter time than some Invisalign patients. 

Where Can I Get Invisalign?

If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment, you can often get this treatment from your dentist without a referral to an orthodontist. Queens Crown Dental provides Invisalign treatment for patients of all ages who are ideal candidates. After a brief evaluation we can determine whether or not Invisalign would be right for you. 

Call 808-526-2800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Invisalign is the latest technology in orthodontics, providing a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth and align your bite. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, metal braces have been used for centuries, but not everyone is happy with their appearance while wearing them. Clear brackets provide a slightly more subtle look, but the archwire is still very visible, and they are difficult to keep clean. 

Invisalign was created as an alternative to the traditional orthodontic treatment method, offering patients a different option that can be just as effective. Here’s how Invisalign works. 

The Invisalign Method

The Invisalign system uses clear plastic aligners to gradually shift the teeth into the proper position. The aligners fit snugly to your teeth and are virtually invisible. You’ll wear a series of aligners, each for about 2 weeks, until your teeth have reached the desired position. 

Benefits of Invisalign 

Invisalign is in high demand due to its many benefits:

• Discreet. The aligners are nearly undetectable on your teeth, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly. 
• Comfortable. The smooth plastic is comfortable and won’t irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips or your tongue. 
• Convenient. The aligners are removable for eating and cleaning your teeth. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods or use special tools for brushing and flossing. 

The Invisalign Treatment Process 

The process of Invisalign treatment includes the following steps:

1. Consultation. The first step in the Invisalign process is a consultation. We will discuss the details of Invisalign treatment to help you determine whether or not you would like to try it. 
2. Evaluation. An evaluation of your teeth and bite will determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. Patients who need mild to moderate orthodontic corrections are typically good candidates for Invisalign. 
3. Planning your treatment. If you decide that Invisalign treatment is right for you, we begin planning your treatment. Digital images called impressions are made of your teeth and entered into a computer software program that is used to design your treatment. 
4. Creating your aligners. A series of aligners are created that will gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment over time. 
5. Wearing your aligners. You will be instructed on how to wear your aligners for best results. Most patients will wear each aligner for about 2 weeks, then switch the next aligner in order. You’ll need to wear your aligners as much as possible, at least 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat and clean your teeth. 
6. Monitoring your progress. Your dentist will monitor your progress periodically and make any necessary adjustments. 
7. Retention. Once you have worn all of your aligners and your teeth are in the proper position, you’ll need to wear retainers to maintain your results over time. 

Is Invisalign Effective?

Most patients find Invisalign to be highly effective at achieving the results that were expected. As long as your dentist recommends Invisalign for your individual needs, and as long as you wear your aligners as directed, your treatment should be successful. Your compliance is a key element of that success, meaning you need to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day every day throughout your treatment. 

Where Can I Get Invisalign? 

Another benefit of Invisalign is that you can receive the treatment from your dentist without a referral to an orthodontist. Queens Crown Dental provides Invisalign for patients who are candidates for this orthodontic treatment. Not only will it transform your smile, it will improve the health and function of your teeth. 

Call 808-526-2800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.