If you want to straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces, Invisalign® clear aligners may be an option for you. Oak Park Dental Group provides Invisalign treatment in Lenexa, Kansas, for patients who want a more discreet way to improve the alignment of their teeth.
Instead of using metal brackets and wires, Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners. Each set is designed to gradually move your teeth toward their planned positions as you progress through treatment.
Dr. Rebecca Kisling and Dr. Mark Jensen can evaluate your smile and discuss whether Invisalign is appropriate for your dental and orthodontic needs. The practice currently offers Invisalign as one of its dental services and serves Lenexa and surrounding communities.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a clear-aligner system designed to gradually move teeth into improved positions.
Traditional braces use brackets and wires attached to the teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for your treatment plan.
You typically progress through a sequence of aligners, with each set making gradual changes to the position of your teeth. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor your progress and determine whether your treatment is progressing as planned.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your Invisalign treatment begins with an evaluation of your teeth and bite. Your dentist will determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your specific situation.
If Invisalign is recommended, your treatment is planned around the desired movement of your teeth.
The general process includes:
1. Initial Consultation
Your dentist evaluates your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. You can discuss your smile concerns and treatment goals during this appointment.
2. Treatment Planning
Your dentist develops a treatment plan based on the alignment of your teeth and your individual needs.
3. Custom Clear Aligners
A series of custom aligners is created for your treatment plan. Each aligner is designed to make gradual changes to your tooth position.
4. Wearing Your Aligners
You wear the aligners as directed and progress through the series according to your treatment plan.
Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
5. Progress Visits
You will return to the dental office periodically so your dentist can monitor your progress and make sure your treatment is developing as planned.
What Dental Problems Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign may be used to address several types of tooth-alignment and bite concerns.
Depending on your individual case, treatment may help address:
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Spacing problems
- Certain overbite problems
- Certain underbite problems
- Certain crossbite problems
- Certain open-bite problems
The existing practice page specifically lists crowded, crooked, gapped, and spaced teeth, along with certain bite problems, among the conditions Invisalign may address.
Not every orthodontic problem can be treated with Invisalign. Your dentist will need to evaluate your teeth and bite before determining whether clear aligners are appropriate.
Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners
Patients often choose clear aligners because they offer several practical differences compared with traditional braces.
Less Noticeable Appearance
The clear design makes Invisalign aligners less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Removable
Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed when you eat, brush, and floss.
Easier Oral Hygiene
Removing the aligners allows you to continue brushing and cleaning between your teeth without having to work around permanent brackets and wires.
Comfortable Design
The aligners are made from smooth plastic and are custom-made for your treatment plan.
No Traditional Brackets and Wires
Invisalign does not use the conventional metal brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.
The practice specifically describes Invisalign as a discreet, removable option made from smooth, thin plastic.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces are designed to improve tooth alignment, but the treatment approaches are different.
| Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|
| Clear removable aligners | Brackets and wires |
| Less noticeable appearance | More visible |
| Aligners can be removed for eating and oral hygiene | Braces remain attached during treatment |
| Smooth plastic aligners | Metal or other bracket systems |
| Requires following the recommended wear schedule | Fixed to the teeth |
The appropriate treatment depends on your teeth, bite, treatment goals, and the complexity of the orthodontic correction needed.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign can be a good option for many adults and other patients who want a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. However, clear aligners are not appropriate for every patient or every orthodontic condition.
During your consultation, your dentist can evaluate:
- Tooth alignment
- Spacing and crowding
- Bite relationships
- Overall oral health
- Existing dental restorations
- Your treatment goals
- Whether you can follow the recommended aligner schedule
The practice states that the initial visit is used to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for Invisalign.
Can Adults Get Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign is commonly considered by adults who want to improve the alignment of their teeth without traditional metal braces.
Adult patients may choose clear aligners because they can be removed for meals and oral hygiene and are less noticeable during everyday activities.
However, candidacy depends on the individual’s dental and orthodontic condition rather than age alone.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies from patient to patient.
The length of treatment can depend on:
- The amount of tooth movement required
- The complexity of the bite problem
- The number of teeth being moved
- How consistently the aligners are worn
- How your teeth respond to treatment
- Your individual treatment plan
Your dentist can provide a more specific estimate after evaluating your smile and determining your treatment plan.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Proper care of your aligners is important throughout treatment.
Follow your dental team’s instructions regarding:
- How long to wear your aligners each day
- When to remove them
- How to clean them
- How to store them when they are not being worn
- When to change to the next set
- When to return for progress appointments
Because the aligners are removable, maintaining good oral hygiene remains an important part of your treatment.
Eating and Drinking With Invisalign
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can take them out when eating.
After eating, maintaining good oral hygiene before replacing the aligners is important. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for caring for your teeth and aligners throughout treatment.
Invisalign and Oral Hygiene
Straightening your teeth does not replace the need for routine dental care.
Continue to:
- Brush twice a day.
- Clean between your teeth every day.
- Maintain regular dental examinations.
- Attend recommended professional cleanings.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions during Invisalign treatment.
Oak Park Dental Group also provides preventive dental care, including routine examinations and professional cleanings.
What Happens After Invisalign Treatment?
After your teeth have been moved into their planned positions, your dentist may recommend a retention plan.
Retainers help maintain tooth position after active orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will explain what type of retention is appropriate for you and how it should be used.
Invisalign Consultation in Lenexa, KS
If you are considering Invisalign, Oak Park Dental Group can evaluate your teeth and discuss whether clear aligners may be appropriate for your smile.
Our practice provides Invisalign® in Lenexa, Kansas, along with general, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. The practice lists Dr. Rebecca Kisling and Dr. Mark Jensen as its dentists and provides appointments at 12148 W. 95th St. in Lenexa.
Call 913-492-9660 to schedule an Invisalign consultation in Lenexa, KS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear-aligner system that uses a series of custom-made removable aligners to gradually move teeth.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Invisalign and traditional braces use different treatment approaches. Which option is appropriate depends on your dental condition, bite, treatment goals, and the type of tooth movement required.
Is Invisalign noticeable?
Invisalign aligners are designed to be clear and less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Can I remove Invisalign aligners?
Yes. Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
How long do I need to wear Invisalign?
Your dentist will provide instructions for how long you should wear your aligners each day and when to change to the next set. Following the prescribed schedule is an important part of treatment.
Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?
Invisalign may be appropriate for certain types and degrees of crowding. Your dentist must evaluate your teeth to determine whether clear aligners can address your particular case.
Can Invisalign fix gaps between teeth?
Invisalign can be used to address certain spacing and gap problems. Your dentist can determine whether your specific spacing issue can be treated with clear aligners.
Can adults get Invisalign?
Yes. Adults may be candidates for Invisalign depending on their oral health, tooth alignment, bite, and treatment needs.
How do I know if Invisalign is right for me?
An Invisalign consultation allows your dentist to evaluate your teeth and bite and determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your situation.