Do you want a straighter smile?
Invisalign is a more comfortable alternative to traditional orthodontics that uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal brackets. These aligners move and shift teeth over time to create the proper adjustments. This treatment option is discreet as it is virtually invisible.
Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht offers Invisalign in Indianapolis, IN. This cosmetic dentistry solution is personalized to each patient who receives treatment at North Meridian Dental Excellence. Our experienced specialists work with patients through every step of the treatment process.
Treatment with Invisalign at North Meridian Dental Excellence
Prior to treatment, our dentist in Indianapolis, IN will discuss your oral health, budget, and goals with you to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you and your needs.
To begin the process, he will take digital dental impressions of your teeth to create your first custom aligner. The aligners will be fabricated in a lab and completed after two to four weeks.
You will wear the first aligner and then switch to a slightly different aligner after two weeks as teeth shift. Treatment is highly customized as each aligner is mapped out by Dr. Ahlbrecht to conform to shifting teeth. Depending on your individual needs, treatment can last from six months to eighteen months.
You will need to schedule an appointment in our office every four to six weeks so we can monitor your progress. Following this treatment, Dr. Ahlbrecht will give you a retainer to maintain your results.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign can correct:
- Underbite: Lower teeth sticking out past upper teeth.
- Overbite: Upper teeth extending over lower teeth.
- Crossbite: When lower and upper teeth are misaligned.
- Crowded teeth: Causing difficulties with brushing and flossing.
- Gapped teeth: A condition that can cause speech issues and eating problems.
- Open bites: Where the upper and lower jaws do not align properly.
Invisalign is a faster dental treatment than metal braces. The average time of treatment with Invisalign is eighteen months or less, while metal braces can take years. You don’t need to visit the dentist or orthodontist as often, either. Traditional braces work by the orthodontist tightening the wires every month in the office. With Invisalign, you switch out your aligners at home to progress on treatment.
It’s easier to clean your teeth with Invisalign. You remove the aligners to perform your normal oral healthcare routine. There’s no need to learn how to clean around brackets and wires. This means that you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods, either. With braces, you can’t eat hard or sticky foods because they can break or get caught up in your braces.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
When patients come to us about Invisalign, it’s usually because they don’t like the way their crooked teeth look. But aesthetics aren’t the only thing impacted by crooked teeth. They can cause a variety of oral health problems, too. We strive to ensure that we treat the root cause, as well as the aesthetic impacts.
Crooked teeth are harder to clean than straight ones. They come together at odd angles and are often cramped and crowded. Your toothbrush can’t reach certain areas and you may not be able to get dental floss in between your teeth. Even our specialized dental tools may not be able to clean your teeth properly. You can be taking care of your teeth in all the ways you should be, but still be at a high risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
When you have crooked teeth, your bite becomes uneven. When the bite comes together, it distributes pressure evenly throughout all of your teeth. Crooked teeth mean that the pressure distributes unevenly. Certain teeth experience more pressure than the others. These teeth wear down prematurely, and are more likely to experience breaks, chips, and cracks, leading to the need for restorative dental procedures.
An uneven bite is one of the biggest risk factors for developing TMJ disorders. The jaw doesn’t track properly when it moves, breaking down the jaw joint. You may experience your jaw popping and clicking, pain throughout the jaw and face, and the jaw may get stuck in certain positions. You can have trouble opening or closing your mouth.
Invisalign FAQs
Want to know more about Invisalign? Learn the answers to common questions about treatment below:
How long should I wear the clear aligners each day?
Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Dr. Ahlbrecht will review your daily use and care of the aligners in his office.
Is treatment with Invisalign painful?
Invisalign treatment is no more painful than traditional braces. You may feel some mild discomfort as you adjust to each new aligner, but this will fade as your teeth adjust to the aligner.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign does not require any dietary restrictions. You can remove the clear aligners to eat and enjoy your favorite foods.
What happens if I don’t wear my Invisalign for 22 hours a day?
Patients who do not wear their Invisalign appliances enough hours in the day may experience delayed results and discomfort.
Can I drink coffee with my Invisalign?
Patients should remove tray aligners when drinking any hot beverages, including coffee. Heat can warp the shape of aligners. Coffee can also stain them.
How do you clean Invisalign trays?
Patients can clean Invisalign trays with warm water and hydrogen peroxide solution. Aligners can soak in the solution for about 30 minutes. Once aligners have been removed from the solution patients can gently brush off any leftover debris.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Call North Meridian Dental Care for comprehensive and comfortable Invisalign treatment today at 317.204.7134. You can also schedule an appointment online.