Invisalign® & Orthodontics in Overland Park, KS
Dentist Olathe
If you’re unhappy with the alignment of your teeth, consider orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®.
This advanced treatment technique can transform your smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
The team at UpCare Clinics in Olathe, Kansas, uses Invisalign® oral aligners to correct mild and moderate orthodontic issues.
Invisalign® Q & A
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth gradually. Unlike traditional braces, you don’t have to worry about brackets, wires, or rubber bands.
Invisalign® aligners feature an FDA-approved thermoplastic called SmartTrack®. SmartTrack® is free of BPA, BPS, latex, and gluten, making it ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Invisalign® aligners are nearly invisible. This allows you to receive orthodontic treatment in a discreet, comfortable way. They’re also removable, which means you can consume your favorite foods and beverages, including foods like popcorn or candy, which you typically can’t eat when you have traditional braces.
What are some of the problems Invisalign® aligners can treat?
Invisalign® aligners are incredibly versatile. The team at UpcareClinics usually prescribes them to treat mild and moderate orthodontic issues, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Jaw misalignments
Invisalign® aligners can also correct gaps or spaces between your teeth.
How does Invisalign® treatment work?
Invisalign® treatment begins with a consultation at Upcare Clinics. During the appointment, your provider conducts an oral exam, asks about your treatment goals, and reviews your oral health history. They evaluate your smile and take digital impressions of your teeth.
Your provider uploads the digital impressions to a computer program that maps out a precise, customized treatment plan. After approving the treatment plan, your provider sends your impressions to a laboratory that manufactures your Invisalign® aligners.
You return to Upcare Clinics about a week later to try your first set of aligners on. Make sure to wear your aligners 20-22 hours each day. Every two to three weeks, you change into a new set of aligners. Each set gently and gradually shifts your teeth into place.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
The length of Invisalign® treatment varies depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues and your individual goals.
Most people achieve their desired results in 12-18 months, but you may need longer.
Following Invisalign® treatment, you need to wear a retainer. This custom oral appliance prevents your teeth from moving out of place.
Make sure to follow your provider’s instructions during treatment and attend all of your follow-up appointments.
Don’t let crooked or crowded teeth prevent you from smiling confidently. Invest in clear aligners done right, by a dentist.
To schedule an Invisalign appointment at UpCare Clinics, call the office or book a consultation online today.
Invisalign FAQ
Dreaming of a straighter smile but dreading the thought of traditional metal braces? You’re not alone. Many adults and teens seek orthodontic solutions that fit seamlessly into their active lifestyles without broadcasting “I’m getting my teeth straightened!” Invisalign has emerged as a revolutionary answer, transforming millions of smiles discreetly and comfortably. This innovative, clear aligner system offers a modern alternative, leveraging cutting-edge technology to guide teeth into their ideal positions. But what exactly is Invisalign, how does it work, and is it the right choice for your unique dental journey? This comprehensive guide will demystify the process, from initial consultation to the radiant, confident smile waiting for you. We’ll explore everything from cost and care to what you can truly expect from this popular orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What exactly is Invisalign and how does it straighten teeth?
Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position without traditional wires or brackets. Each aligner tray is precisely calibrated to move specific teeth by tiny increments, typically 0.25mm per tray, over 2 weeks. The system uses advanced 3D imaging to map out the entire treatment plan, from your current smile to your ideal outcome. This enables you to visualize your results even before the treatment begins, ensuring a predictable and personalized experience.
Real Results: Many patients achieve significant alignment, with a recent study showing over 85% success for mild to moderate cases, where treatment is often completed in 12–18 months.
Takeaway:Invisalign uses clear, custom-fit aligners to discreetly and gradually move your teeth, offering a predictable path to a straighter smile.
Invisalign utilizes advanced 3D scanning and computer modeling to create a series of removable, clear plastic aligners, fundamentally differing from the fixed metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. Traditional braces apply continuous force through wires tightened by an orthodontist, while Invisalign applies targeted pressure using precisely-engineered aligners changed by the patient. The removable nature of Invisalign means no dietary restrictions and easier oral hygiene, enhancing patient comfort and convenience. This technological distinction often leads to a more discreet and less impactful treatment experience on daily life.
Real Results: A 35-year-old marketing professional reported that switching from braces to Invisalign allowed him to continue public speaking without self-consciousness, completing his treatment in 14 months.
Takeaway: Invisalign offers a discreet, removable, and technologically advanced alternative to traditional braces, focusing on patient comfort and lifestyle integration.
The primary benefits of choosing Invisalign include its virtually invisible appearance, allowing for discreet teeth straightening without the aesthetic concerns of metal braces. Patients often experience greater comfort due to the smooth plastic aligners, which eliminate the irritation sometimes caused by wires and brackets. Furthermore, Invisalign aligners are removable, enabling unrestricted eating and much easier brushing and flossing, significantly improving oral hygiene throughout treatment. This combination leads to a more convenient and aesthetically pleasing orthodontic journey.
Real Results: A high school student noted improved self-confidence during his 10-month Invisalign journey, easily playing sports and eating his favorite foods without issues unlike his friends with braces.
Takeaway: Choose Invisalign for its discreet look, enhanced comfort, and convenience, making your path to a straighter smile seamless.
Getting started with Invisalign treatment typically begins with an initial consultation with an orthodontist who will assess your specific needs and determine if you are a good candidate. During this visit, digital scans or impressions of your teeth are taken, along with X-rays and photographs, to create a precise 3D model of your mouth. This data is then used to map out your custom treatment plan, allowing you to visualize the progressive movement of your teeth and your expected final smile using ClinCheck software. Once approved, your custom aligners are fabricated, and you’ll receive your first set along with detailed instructions.
Real Results: Our clinic sees 95% of patients approve their digital ClinCheck plan within 2 weeks of their initial scan, leading to aligner delivery in about 3 weeks.
Takeaway:The Invisalign process starts with a consultation and digital scan, leading to a personalized treatment plan and custom-fabricated aligners.
The duration of Invisalign treatment typically ranges from 6–18 months, although this can vary significantly based on the complexity of your case and your adherence to the treatment plan. Minor corrections might be completed in as little as 6 months, while more extensive alignment issues could require up to 24 months. Consistency in wearing your aligners for the recommended 20–22 hours per day is a critical factor influencing treatment speed. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized estimate after your initial assessment.
Real Results: Our patient John, with moderate crowding, completed his Invisalign treatment in 14 months, moving through 28 aligner sets and achieving excellent results faster than anticipated due to diligent wear.
Takeaway: Expect Invisalign treatment to last 6–18 months, with diligent aligner wear being the key to achieving results efficiently.