Invisalign in Ruston, LA

Understanding The Basics

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. Instead of using wires, brackets and rubber bands to shift your teeth and correct their position, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners. These aligners look similar to a mouthguard or retainer, but they are made to exert gentle, even pressure on your teeth and move them into proper alignment.
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While Invisalign cannot be used for all orthodontic cases, it is a great alternative to braces for patients who have only moderate orthodontic issues. For more information about this revolutionary treatment, come in for an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Stuckey.

Why Choose Invisalign?

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have a number of great benefits that make them a fantastic option for orthodontic correction. Invisalign is virtually invisible when worn. The clear aligners do not affect speech, and nobody will be able to tell that you are wearing them. This means that you can correct your smile without anyone having to know that you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment.
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You don’t have to remove Invisalign aligners to eat and drink, or to brush and floss. There are no dietary restrictions and it’s easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy. With Invisalign, you’ll also spend less time in the dentist’s chair because there is no need for regular adjustments. The treatment process is also much more comfortable because the pressure exerted by Invisalign is much more gentle and even than that of metal braces.

What To Expect

The Invisalign Treatment Process

During your orthodontic consultation, Dr. Stuckey will assess your smile and your needs to determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. If you are approved for the process, he’ll begin working with Invisalign to design your personalized smile treatment program. When your aligners are created and sent to our office, you’ll come back in to pick up your first sets.
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You’ll be given 2-3 sets of aligners and instructions about how to wear them properly. Each set of aligners should be worn for about 2 weeks, and you’ll need to wear them for 20-22+ hours per day. Ideally, the aligners should only be removed to eat and drink, and to brush and floss. If you fail to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day, your treatment can fall behind, so it’s important to make sure that you are diligent about wearing them as much as you possibly can.
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About every 4-6 weeks, you’ll come back to our office for a brief oral exam with Dr. Stuckey, who will confirm that your treatment is progressing properly. Then, you’ll be given your next 2-3 sets of aligners. The entire treatment process takes between 20-24 sets of aligners for most patients, which means that treatment is typically completed in about a year. However, this timeline can vary from patient to patient. During your consultation, Dr. Stuckey will be able to give you an accurate estimate about how long your treatment will take.

Good Candidates For Invisalign

Is Invisalign Right For Me?

Invisalign is likely a good option for you if you are an adult and your jaw has stopped growing, and you have only minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues. While Invisalign is a good option for many patients, it’s not right for everyone. Those who have more serious orthodontic problems like an overbite, underbite or crossbite, or patients with very crooked teeth or a malpositioned jaw are not typically good candidates for Invisalign. For more information and to see if Invisalign is right for you, come in for a consultation with Dr. Stuckey. Call us today!

Invisalign Vs. The Competition

Comparing Clear Aligners

Invisalign has a few advantages when compared to other brands of clear aligners, such as ClearCorrect, Candid, or Smile Direct Club. This is because Invisalign uses a strong, thin SmartTrack material, and Invisalign aligners are custom-crafted to match your gum line, which makes them more comfortable than some alternative aligners. Our patients also love the beautiful results they achieve with Invisalign treatment, so it’s our preferred clear aligner treatment method. Contact us to learn more!

More than Just Aesthetics

Other Benefits of Straight Teeth

Did you know that straight, even teeth can actually improve your oral health? Once you’ve corrected your smile with Invisalign, you’ll find that it’s easier to brush and floss between your teeth. By eliminating “food traps” and difficult-to-clean areas from between your teeth, Invisalign can actually help improve your overall oral health. In addition, we’ve found that our patients are more likely to care for their teeth and maintain better oral hygiene once they’ve had their teeth straightened, which helps prevent common oral health issues like gingivitis and tooth decay.