Your smile is part of who you are. Spending beautiful moments with the people you care about means a lot of laughing and smiling. At René A. Talbot, DDS, we want to help you achieve the gorgeous smile of your dreams, one that makes you feel amazing and attractive. Invisalign® is a revolutionary option for improving teeth alignment and crafting the dental appearance you desire.
The Invisalign® process uses transparent aligners that are customized to your teeth. These digitally designed trays gently nudge teeth into place over a period of time, and new trays are introduced every one to two weeks. Our team creates specific targets for each aligner to help guide every tooth towards the final goal: a wonderful smile.
If poorly aligned teeth cause you pain or make you feel too embarrassed to show off your pearly whites, we can help.
Enjoy Your Ideal Smile With Invisalign®
There are many reasons why people approach us to ask about tooth alignment with Invisalign®. Properly aligned teeth can reduce TMJ-related problems such as clenching and headaches. In addition, when patients have a smile they love, it can help boost self-esteem and happiness. Having straight teeth also makes it easier to enjoy your favorite foods while maintaining excellent dental hygiene.
We are experienced with many different kinds of dental alignment methods. These include modern metal braces, ceramic options and Invisalign® trays. The Invisalign® process offers many benefits that are easy to fall in love with:
- Makes brushing and flossing easy
- Allows patients to eat and drink normally
- Appears almost completely invisible during daily wear
- Provides a customized fit for every individual
- Does not cause cheek injuries
- Delivers increased comfort for teeth, gums and mouth
- Allows for cleaning of trays and improved oral health
With Invisalign®, there are no wires, brackets or sharp edges to worry about. The aligners adapt closely to the natural shape of your teeth, so they are not usually noticeable to passersby. That means you can work, study or have fun with friends while just being yourself. At the same time, your teeth are slowly nudged into place while you sleep and during your daily activities.
Comfortable Tooth Alignment Treatments
Invisalign® is effective for treating overbite, underbite, crossbite, tooth gaps, crooked teeth, crowded teeth and other misalignment issues. The trays gently push teeth in a horizontal or vertical direction or even make rotational adjustments. Of course, every smile is different, and some cases, while treatable, may require a different type of braces. Our friendly team of dental professionals can help you evaluate your options and choose the treatment plan that feels right for you.
With no wires, brackets or sharp edges, Invisalign® aligners are generally very comfortable for our patients, especially compared to more traditional braces. You may notice some minor discomfort or pressure during the first few days after switching to a new tray; this is normal. It simply means your teeth are adapting to the new alignment. After a few days, the sensation generally disappears.
Our goal is to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. If you notice any discomfort that persists or any kind of irritation, we encourage you to speak with our team right away so we can take steps to provide relief. We can also give you helpful tips for adapting to your new aligners.
When it is time to swap trays — usually every one to two weeks — they slide easily into place. The custom-created aligners rest gently on the surface of your teeth, and their smooth sides are specifically designed to provide comfort and prevent irritation of gums and cheeks. In other words, the objective of Invisalign® is to give you a brilliant smile in a way that feels as natural and inconspicuous as possible.
The Initial Visit
The first step in your custom Invisalign® treatment is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rene' Talbot. During the initial visit, our helpful team takes the time to understand your specific smile goals, as well as answer any questions. By really listening to you, we can provide treatment designed to alleviate any dental issues, whether related to pain or aesthetic concerns.
The next step is to perform a 3-D scan of your current tooth arrangement. There are no physical molds required; everything is modeled digitally using state-of-the-art scanning equipment and high-tech software. This allows us to carefully plan every step needed for your tooth alignment goals and create your personalized trays. Our modern technology also lets us show you on the computer screen what your proposed smile will look like by the end of your treatment.
Once your first aligners arrive a few weeks later, we walk you through how to use them. This includes showing you how to slip them on, remove them and clean them. Each tray is designed to be worn for 20-22 hours each day. When it is time to eat, drink or brush your teeth, they are easy to take out temporarily.
Every one or two weeks, you will need to slip on a new tray with slight changes to tooth placement. This gradually moves teeth into place. Every six weeks or so, we schedule follow-up appointments to make sure the treatment process is progressing smoothly and to answer any questions you may have.
Length of Invisalign® Treatment
The average length of treatment with Invisalign® trays is 18 months. This can change depending on the complexity of initial tooth alignment problems as well as your desired outcome. Some patients may achieve perfectly straight teeth in six months, while others may require 24 months or more for an incredible smile. Dr. Rene' Talbot is always clear and honest about the results you can expect personally and your proposed length of treatment.
Not all cases are appropriate for Invisalign®, but many are. To find out whether this high-tech process is right for your personal goals and lifestyle, we invite you to speak with our friendly dental professionals.
Transforming misaligned teeth into a beautiful smile has never been easier or more comfortable. Discover what Invisalign® can do for you by scheduling an appointment with our team at 256-382-6690 right away.