The last thing we want our patients to do is avoid orthodontic treatment because they do not want to deal with the hassle of metal braces. With advances in dental technology, patients can fix crooked teeth with discreet, comfortable treatment options that use clear aligners or braces. Dr. Derek Conover offers Invisalign® as a cosmetic dentistry service for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns in Philadelphia, PA.
With Invisalign®, you can have the straighter smile you’ve always wanted without uncomfortable and unattractive metal braces. The Invisalign system uses a series of custom-fit, clear plastic aligners. Invisalign can help you easily straighten your teeth. We use CAD/CAM technology and 3-D images to plan Invisalign treatment. Invisalign uses a strong, transparent material designed to fit snugly against the teeth.
Invisalign aligners are so thin and clear most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. Because they are removable, you’ll enjoy the freedom to eat and drink comfortably. You can also floss and brush your teeth like normal to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Many patients choose clear aligners over metal braces. Sometimes, patients are better suited for Invisalign treatments that take less time for less complex care. Invisalign offers many benefits for people who want to straighten teeth without braces.
Clear Aligners
One of the main advantages is that Invisalign aligners are clear, which makes them nearly invisible. This means you can straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your braces. Whether in school, at work, or out with friends, Invisalign lets you smile confidently without feeling self-conscious about your treatment.
Comfortable Treatment
Another benefit is comfort. Traditional braces can cause pain and irritation due to wires and brackets rubbing against the inside of your mouth. With Invisalign, the aligners are made from smooth plastic that’s more comfortable to wear. They also don’t require adjustments by a dentist as often as metal braces, which means fewer trips to the office.
Removable Aligners
Invisalign is also removable, which makes it easier for you to brush and floss. With traditional braces, it can be hard to brush and floss properly. But with Invisalign, you can remove the aligners to clean your teeth and brush them like normal. This helps prevent plaque buildup and cavities during your treatment.
Quick Treatment
Also, Invisalign treatment often requires less time than traditional braces. Most people see results in 12 to 18 months, based on their needs. The clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth and gradually move them into the desired position.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
You might be a good candidate for Invisalign if you have certain dental issues. Invisalign can treat these problems:
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Invisalign is a great option for adults and teenagers. To be a candidate, you need to wear your clear aligners for about 20 to 22 hours each day. Only remove them to eat, drink, brush, or floss. If you can follow these guidelines, Invisalign might be a good choice for you.
But Invisalign is not the right choice for everyone. You may need other treatments first if you have serious dental problems, like gum disease. We will also not recommend treatment if you have significant tooth misalignment.
Invisalign Treatment at Opus Dental Esthetics
Before we start Invisalign treatment, we will talk to you about your treatment goals and answer your questions. To begin treatment, we take digital scans of your teeth instead of traditional molds. These scans create an accurate 3D model of your teeth that we use to design your Invisalign aligners.
The CAD software helps us map out your treatment plan step by step. We can see exactly how your teeth will move and make sure your aligners fit comfortably. The CAM part of the process then uses the digital design to make your custom aligners. Since the aligners are made with such accuracy, you may see results faster.
You’ll receive your custom aligners once the plan is set. These clear trays are made to fit snugly over your teeth and will slowly shift them into position. You will wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before you move on to the next set.
One of the great things about Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. This means you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, which makes it easier to keep your teeth clean while you straighten them. You will visit our dentist regularly until you complete treatment.
Why Choose Opus Dental Esthetics for Invisalign?
Dr. Conover focuses on the function, comfort, and look of your smile. Opus Dental Esthetics in Philadelphia provides:
- A Comprehensive Approach: Dr. Conover looks at the big picture. He doesn’t just focus on moving teeth—he also makes sure your bite works properly and your smile looks natural. His goal is to create a healthy, comfortable, and attractive smile that fits your face.
- Advanced Technology: Dr. Conover designs custom Invisalign aligners with precision using CAD/CAM technology. This technology allows him to map out your treatment plan and create aligners that fit your teeth perfectly. Precise treatment planning means faster and more accurate results.
- Beautiful, Natural-Looking Results: Dr. Conover focuses on facial harmony to create a smile that complements your unique features. With his experience in both cosmetic and functional dentistry, you’ll end up with a straight smile that looks great and feels even better.
Invisalign FAQs
Learn more about Invisalign in Philadelphia, PA, with answers to these common patient questions.
Does Invisalign hurt as much as traditional braces?
No, clear aligners like Invisalign do not cause as much discomfort as traditional braces. They are more flexible and easily removable. Patients experience minimal discomfort when they wear the aligners properly and follow all instructions. Clear aligners like Invisalign do not use metal wires that can poke the gums.
What are retainers?
After you finish Invisalign treatment, you must wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new position. Retainers are similar to mouthguards but help ensure that your teeth stay straight and don’t shift back to their original positions.
We will take impressions to create a custom retainer that fits your teeth perfectly. At first, you may need to wear your retainer all the time. However, over time, our dentist may suggest you only wear it at night.
To keep your retainer clean, brush it with a toothbrush and rinse it with water. Don’t eat or drink with the retainer in your mouth, and store it in its case when you don’t wear it to protect it from damage or loss.
Will clear aligners stain my teeth?
No. Clear aligners are free of color dye, bleach, and other compounds that may stain teeth. The best way to prevent stains while you wear Invisalign is to remove your clear aligners before you eat. You can also clean your teeth before you put the aligners on your teeth.
Can I remove Invisalign aligners for special occasions?
Yes, you can take out your Invisalign aligners for short periods, like for a special event, a meal, or photos. Just make sure you wear them for 20 to 22 hours each day. If you don’t wear them enough, your treatment could take longer or your teeth might not move as planned.
Can I eat or drink with Invisalign in?
No, you should remove your Invisalign aligners whenever you eat or drink anything other than water. Eating or drinking with them in can damage or stain the aligners. Always brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to keep your teeth clean and your treatment on track.
Will I need attachments on my aligners?
Some patients may need small tooth-colored attachments placed on the teeth to help the aligners move your teeth more effectively. They act like tiny handles for the aligners and can help certain teeth that need more help moving. The attachments are temporary and blend in with your natural teeth, so most people won’t notice them.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Dental insurance plans can partly cover Invisalign under necessary orthodontic care. However, not every dental insurance provider is the same. Contact your specific insurance plan provider for exact details on Invisalign coverage.
When will I start to see results from Invisalign?
Everyone’s crooked teeth issue is different. Some only need a minor adjustment, while others need more time to change their smile. Patients can start to see results after just a few months of Invisalign treatment. Again, this depends on the severity of your misalignment. Results may vary.
Invisalign Results: Before and After Photos
See results from real patients who changed their smiles with Invisalign and other cosmetic treatments.
Linda – Invisalign Before & After
Amaya – Invisalign Before & After 
Erin – Invisalign, Crowns & Whitening Before & After 
Jean – Invisalign Before & After
Meredith – Invisalign & Porcelain Veneers Before & After
How Can Invisalign Meet Your Needs?
Contact our office to learn more about Invisalign in Philadelphia, PA. Call our office at 215-395-6076 or request an appointment online. We welcome new patients and provide a more personalized approach to your dental health.
Let us know if you have questions about treatment. We’ll be happy to help.