Invisalign – Uptown New Orleans, LA

How Does Invisalign Work?

This system of clear aligners is customized to straighten teeth without the use of metal brackets and wires. Instead, Invisalign works to shift teeth by apply gradual pressure, moving your smile in the right direction. Whether it is crooked teeth, spacial issues, or a bite misalignment that is keeping you from enjoying a straighter, healthier smile, Invisalign can address these problems and produce quicker, life-changing results.

As long as you commit to wearing your customized trays for 20-22 hours each day for 1-2 weeks at a time, you can expect to see phenomenal results that last.

Indications for Invisalign

Highly versatile in being able to straighten teeth, Invisalign can address all types of dental problems, including:

Crowded Teeth

When it appears as if your teeth are sitting too close together or if there are too many teeth in your mouth, Invisalign can be the answer you need. Brushing and flossing may become increasingly difficult if left untreated, causing you to be at risk for tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. However, Invisalign can create the necessary space, leaving you with a showstopping, beautiful smile.

Gaps Between Teeth

Cavities and gum disease are a risk for those with crowded teeth, but they’re also a danger if you have gaps between your teeth as well. Food and bacteria can become easily trapped, putting you at risk. But with Invisalign, your aligners can bring your teeth closer together, creating not only a healthier smile but a more pleasing aesthetic.

Bite Alignment

Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can do more than cause you to feel self-conscious about your appearance. They can also place unwanted pressure on your jaw joints (TMJ) and facial muscles. As a result, you can begin to grind your teeth and cause your tooth enamel to wear. Fortunately, with Invisalign, your trays can shift your teeth and jaw to allow for proper realignment and a healthier smile.

The Benefits of Invisalign

When talking to your dentist in Uptown New Orleans, you will discover many great benefits come with Invisalign, such as:

• Minimal irritation because Invisalign is designed to feel smooth and fit snugly against your teeth, making it less likely for them to rub against your soft oral tissues.
• Quicker results depending on the severity of your case. On average, Invisalign treatment lasts 12-18 months, whereas metal braces can take 2-3 years.
• A less visible orthodontic solution that remains discreet and allows you to go along about your day without worrying that others will see and snicker about your orthodontics.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

When it comes to determining the cost of Invisalign in Uptown New Orleans, the only way to know how much you can expect to spend on your new smile is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Camenzuli. It is during this appointment he will evaluate the severity of your overcrowding, spacial gaps, or bite misalignment and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. While some dental insurance companies offer some form of orthodontic coverage, our team can help you determine if you qualify and how much will be paid toward your treatment. If you’re uninsured or need help paying the remaining balance, we can also identify alternative ways to pay to keep your Invisalign care affordable.

Invisalign FAQs

If you’re learning about Invisalign for the first time or you’ve worn braces in the past, you may find it hard to believe that you can shift teeth so easily without any metal hardware whatsoever. No matter what questions you may have about achieving your dream smile through Invisalign, we want to make sure you are as informed as possible. Please take a look at some of our most commonly asked questions below to learn more or let us know about any concerns you have during your consultation.

Read More

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign treatment is hardly a painful experience because the smooth medical-grade plastic ensures the most comfortable treatment possible. With that said, there are short adjustment periods where you may notice some slight soreness that some could characterize as discomfort. This will go away soon after you’ve adjusted to the treatment, however. Invisalign works by gradually shifting teeth into proper alignment. As you switch to each new pair, you may experience a small amount of pressure as this occurs. This is a normal sign that your treatment is working as intended. To make it easier to adjust to treatment, it helps to use a cold compress or simply drink ice cold water after wearing your new aligner pair.

Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?

It’s possible to get Invisalign after braces, but it really depends on what your specific needs are. There are several cases where dentists and orthodontists use a combination of two treatments to achieve the best results. Braces are more ideal for those with severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites, something that Invisalign struggles with. For that reason, patients will choose to get traditional braces instead, then potentially switch to braces from there. In other cases, teeth can relapse and shift back to their crooked positions because the patient was not wearing their retainer as much as they should have been. Invisalign can help address this problem after the fact. Speak with our dentist directly to determine the best needs for your smile.

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

One of the most notable advantages of Invisalign is you can remove them as needed. This means you can take your aligners out of your mouth whenever it’s time to have a meal or snack. We do not recommend eating while wearing your aligners as it could damage them by leaving cracks or permanent stains. It also puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth. We only recommend having plain water while wearing your aligners. When they are not being worn, always keep your aligners stored in a safe place (such as the original container they come with).

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

Invisalign does sell its own brand of cleaning solution designed specifically for maintaining your clear aligners. These cleaning crystals work to shake loose food debris and plaque that may have collected on your appliance. They also create Steraligner, which is another cleaning solution for aligners. No matter what product you choose, you can expect the process to be simple and reliable. However, patients are also encouraged to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the aligners and rinse them regularly throughout the day. This prevents food debris from remaining on the aligners for too long. Do not use hot water in any circumstance to clean your aligners as this could warp them.