If you are dreaming of getting that perfect smile but dread the look of metal braces, you have probably decided on clear aligners being your best option. They give you the opportunity to straighten your teeth without the outward appearance of braces. At Belvedere Family Dentistry and Orthodontics we realize there are a growing number of clear aligner options from you to choose from. We have worked together to provide you with the information below comparing two of the most popular methods, SmileDirect and Invisalign treatments, to achieve your dream smile. 

Invisalign requires that patients physically visit Belvedere’s office for their original consultation and to acquire their treatment. It begins with a face-to-face assessment with your dentist to determine your treatment plan. During this first assessment, bring up any concerns you may have about the treatment and our experienced dentists will answer right away! Your highly-trained dentist will be available throughout your entire Invisalign process, monitoring your progress closely and making it easy to adjust your treatment if necessary. 

Smile Direct is done entirely through virtual communication, which means you will never come in and see a dentist for the length of your treatment process. The treatment begins with a smile assessment online, a teeth scan at a local SmileShop, a remote dental review, and ends with your clear aligners coming in the mail. A general dentist, who can become qualified to prescribe Smile Direct after only three weeks of training, will be available to review your aligners. Although this process sounds more convenient, it is not always the best route to take. 

Since Smile Direct does not have the dental expertise, it is not equipped to handle any major realignment issues. Invisalign can handle complex issues with your teeth, including gaps, overbites, underbites, spacing, crowding and cross-bites. We know many patients are attracted to Smile Direct because of its price tag. However, Invisalign is a more expensive treatment because you are getting face-to-face dental expertise. Invisalign offers long term results that are monitored by your dentist throughout your entire treatment process and even after that!

If you want to achieve your dream smile with the help of Invisalign please reach out to our front desk at 704-927-5499 or schedule online to book your consultation for Invisalign treatment today!

Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth and get that amazing smile you have always dreamed about without invasive metal wires or rubber bands. Our last blog post talked about the benefits of Invisalign and if you would make a good candidate for the treatment. Now we put our heads together to give you a little more intel into what you should expect over the entire course of your Invisalign treatment.

The first step of your Invisalign journey is to schedule your free consultation with one of our experts at Belvedere Family Dentistry. Your dentist will confirm that you are a good candidate for the treatment. This includes the confirmation that you are willing and able to wear your clear aligners for 20 - 22 hours a day. Once you are clear on the proper guidelines of the treatment, together we will create your perfect treatment plan. This includes x-rays, photographs and impressions of your smile that we will use to create a digital map of your smile transformation. With Invisalign's advanced technology you will be able to see a sneak peak of your teeth in alignment post treatment. When we, and you, are both satisfied with your new smile renderings, we will order your first set of clear aligners. Once these aligners arrive, you will come in for a second appointment with us where we will further explain the process and ensure the trays are properly molded to your mouth. 

Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks to slowly, deliberately shift your teeth into alignment. You may feel slight pressure or soreness in your jaw each time you begin to wear a new aligner, but this should help you notice your teeth getting straighter and straighter in no time. You must only remove your Invisalign as you need to eat, drink anything besides water or are brushing your teeth. It is imperative that you wear them as much as possible to see the results you want in the timeframe we have quoted.

Every 6 - 8 weeks, you will need to come back in to our office to receive your next set of aligners and allow us to monitor your progress. Once you are through all of the trays, it is possible to have that smile you always wanted! However, sometimes there are a few teeth that still need work. If this is the case, your dentist will order “refinement” trays that will gently move those stubborn teeth still bent a bit out of place. 

Invisalign is a great option to get your dream smile! It should only be chosen if you know you can be responsible for maintaining good oral hygiene, are able to wear the aligners 20 - 22 hours a day, and will not misplace your trays as you take them out. If you have any questions, please call our front desk at 704-927-5499 or schedule online to book your consultation for Invisalign treatment today!