WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
Invisalign is the modern alternative to braces that employs a series of clear aligners made specifically for you. The aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that fit over your teeth and gradually shifts them into place, using the precise procedure we plan out for you. There’s no metal brackets and nothing to tighten. Every two weeks, you just pop in a new set of clear aligners until your treatment is complete. Achieve the smile you want with little interference to your daily life.
UPGRADE YOUR SMILE WITH NO LIMITATIONS
As an Elite Invisalign Specialist, you can trust your smile with Dr. John Mergen.
THE INVISALIGN TREATMENT
During consultation, Dr. John Mergen or your Invisalign provider will examine your mouth including your teeth, jaws, jaw joints and muscles to decide whether Invisalign is the best treatment option for you.
Dr. John Mergen, or your Iowa City Invisalign provider, will take precise impressions of your teeth and submit them to the Invisalign labs. Using 3-D computer technology, Align Technology will create and customize your aligners based on Dr. Mergen’s instructions. You’ll receive your first pair of BPA-free plastic aligners and instructions for wear and care. After four weeks Dr. Mergen or your Invisalign provider will place attachments (sometimes called “bumps”), which are strategically designed and placed to enhance the effectiveness of the trays. Attachments are much less invasive than traditional metal brackets and wires, and will be easily removed at the end of treatment.
CANDIDATES FOR INVISALIGN
Invisalign candidates typically have
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth separated by unattractive gaps
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Invisalign can help patients suffering from a wide range of issues including crooked teeth, gum defects, excessive plaque accumulation and more. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely, allowing for the strongest defense against periodontal problems. Invisalign aligners gradually move your teeth into this proper position with clear and comfortable trays that won’t irritate your cheeks
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH INVISALIGN
When beginning treatment, there are a few things you will have to adjust to. Some patients experience a slight lisp, but this usually goes away after a short time. There may be soreness or pressure from teeth movement, but it’s a good pain — one that indicates your treatment is working. Also, since your teeth will be moving, your bite may feel a little weird at first.
On a more positive note, our patients receive compliments that their teeth look shinier and straighter when just starting the Invisalign treatment due to how smooth the aligners are.
Throughout treatment, your Invisalign trays will likely be changed every two weeks. There are slight variations depending on the rate of teeth movement, however, and this can be modified by Dr. Mergen or your Iowa City Invisalign provider by creating fewer movements per aligner. If this change is necessary, your trays will be changed weekly, but this won’t affect the final treatment period.
For best results, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout the entire treatment. At every stage, you’ll be able to see the changes bringing you closer to the confident smile you want.
INVISALIGN EXPRESS
Iowa City Invisalign provider, Dr. Mergen, also provides Invisalign Express. This particular procedure uses a maximum of 10 trays, spanning about 20 weeks of treatment. This treatment works well for cases that don’t need a lot of movement — patients who have mild crowding and mild to no rotation. It’s the best option for rebound cases who have had traditional braces in the past.