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Invisalign in Ellisville, MO

Dr. Ries is a Certified Invisalign® Provider

Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces. A complimentary consultation with Dr. Ries can determine if Invisalign is right for you.

Dr. Charlie Ries is a Certified Invisalign® provider in Ellisville, MO,  who carries a Diamond Rating with Align Technology. At Ries Orthodontics, you will receive a Complimentary Initial Consultation. If you have questions about Invisalign, please contact us at Ries and Cherre Orthodontics. Our staff is always eager to assist you. Simply complete the information requested in our online Contact Form and submit it. You may also contact either of our offices by telephone.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a system that uses invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners. You can smile more while you are undergoing treatment than after. Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology, which has been shown to be effective. Invisalign is approved for treatment by more than 70% of American and Canadian orthodontists. One of the latest innovations in orthodontics is the use of transparent aligners. Aligners can correct a large portion of bite problems. They are much easier than braces, and virtually invisible on the teeth. Invisalign®, which was released in 1999, became very popular. Technological advances have made it possible to offer Invisalign to more patients. Invisalign Teen® is one of the most sought-after options.

What is Invisalign Teen®?

Simply stated, Invisalign Teen® is identical to the standard tray aligners used for adults. They use the exact same 3D imaging technology to create the alignment trays. The SmartTrack® material that was created by Align Technology is the same. Using a series of removable tray aligners, Invisalign Teen® gently shifts teeth into proper alignment. Because the trays are removable, teens have less trouble because there are no dietary restrictions. The trays are comfortable and most people won’t even realize your teen is wearing them. Brushing and flossing during Invisalign Teen® treatment are easier than traditional braces too. There are no brackets or wires, so teens just remove the trays and perform oral hygiene normally. There are also fewer issues with mouth soreness, although some discomfort may appear for a day or so with new tray sets. Parents like it because there are fewer trips to the orthodontist. If you wear braces or a bonded retainer, you may need to use special cleaning equipment or techniques to maintain your oral health. In this case, your dental hygienist will offer specific cleaning advice that can help limit the build-up of plaque around the device.

How does Invisalign work?

The Invisalign system works in almost the same way as the principle of braces, only here aligners create corrective pressure on the teeth. This technology of teeth alignment does not require frequent visits to the dentist’s office because there are no arcs that need to be tightened from time to time. In this case, you just need to change the aligners at the right time.

Before starting the treatment, dental impressions are taken and the desired result is modeled. After that, the results are sent to the manufacturer and a set of aligners are made for the entire treatment period using computer models. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks, after which it must be replaced with the next one.

You wear each set of aligners for 1 week, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move slowly, week by week, until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Ries has prescribed. You’ll visit Dr. Ries about once every 8-12 weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 12-24 months.. Total treatment time varies based on the complexity of the treatment.

How does Invisalign Teen® work?

Invisalign Teen® uses a blue dot system that helps parents monitor how long their teen is wearing the trays. Just like Invisalign, tray aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. Patients wear each set for about two weeks. During each appointment, the orthodontist will provide several sets of trays. Patients use the aligners in sequence to gently shift teeth as the patient progresses through the sequence.

Appointments occur at 8 to 12-week intervals to allow Dr. Ries to check progress. At the beginning of treatment, patients can view a finished composition of what their straight smile will look like when treatment is complete. Treatment plans average between 12-24 months based on the complexity of the malalignment.

Advantages of Using Invisalign

The main advantage of aligners is their invisibility, the opportunity to fix your smile without making it too obvious. Other advantages include:
  • The efficiency of bite correction is comparable to braces
  • Aligners are easy to remove and do not create any difficulties in oral hygiene
  • You can change the aligner to the next one on your own – without visiting an orthodontist
  • It does not irritate the gums, due to the fact that they are made of soft hypoallergenic materials;
  • The use of Invisalign does not interfere with speech and patients quickly get used to them.

How long does Invisalign take?

Depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion, treatment with aligners can take from 4-5 months to 2.5 years. The result depends largely on how accurately the patient follows the recommendations for wearing the aligners and how carefully they treat them..

Although the duration of treatment with Invisalign is determined by a certified orthodontist, there are several fundamental factors that affect the duration of treatment:

  • the complexity of the patient’s malocclusion;
  • the speed of movement of the patient’s teeth under the influence of aligners;
  • compliance by the patient with the requirements for wearing aligners.

In some people, teeth move more easily in a given direction, while in others, this process is slower. In addition, the rate of movement of teeth depends on age.

At the first consultation, the orthodontist will tell you how long the alignment of your teeth can take. Further, special software creates an individual treatment plan, which includes the required number of aligners, the duration of the entire treatment, and other important points. Your task in the process of teeth straightening is to comply with all the recommendations of the orthodontist.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of treatment with Invisalign aligners is determined by your doctor, taking into account the complexity of your clinical case and the duration of treatment. Invisalign cost will range between $6000-$8000 for treatments that take between 12-24 months. If a patient has very limited needs and treatment can be completed within 3-6 months costs will range between $3000-$4000.

Why would I want Invisalign?

Invisalign has several advantages compared to metal braces. Not only are the aligners invisible, but they are also removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually mean you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Unlike braces, aligners are completely transparent and fit tightly to the teeth, making them completely invisible. In addition, aligners are removable structures, which allows them to be removed if necessary.

Hygiene

The ability to maintain complete hygiene is one of the main advantages of Invisalign over braces. There’s a lower chance of caries and its complications with Invisalign.

Less painful

The Invisalign system is the most comfortable and effective among the orthodontic systems. In this case, the trays can be removed if necessary, which allows you to combine treatment with your lifestyle.

No food restrictions

At the time of a meal, the trays must be removed. Therefore, there are no restrictions.

The correct position of the teeth makes it easier to clean them, and regular adherence to the rules of oral hygiene, in turn, reduces the likelihood of dental diseases. Plus, straight, healthy teeth make your smile aesthetically pleasing. A person’s confident open smile allows him to achieve success, in business and personal relationships.

Dr. Charlie Ries gives people that smile they are confident in. Schedule an appointment today at O’Fallon Orthodontics.

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