Invisalign Treatment in O’Fallon, MO
Dr. Ries Has Been Certified by Invisalign®
See why so many patients have chosen Invisalign to help them achieve a straighter smile. Dr. Charlie Ries, a certified Invisalign®, provider in O’Fallon MO, carries a Platinum Rating from Align Technology. Ries Orthodontics offers a complimentary consultation to determine if Invisalign clear aligners might be right for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing to correct misaligned teeth. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective.
Aligners effectively correct a significant portion of bite pathologies while being much more convenient than traditional braces and completely invisible on the teeth. Invisalign® became popular almost immediately after its release in 1999. Since then technological advances have brought new products to expand Invisalign to a greater number of patients. One of the most popular choices is Invisalign Teen®.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign aligners work by applying corrective pressure to the teeth. Because there are no wires to tighten, this technology for teeth alignment doesn’t require frequent visits to the orthodontist. You just need to make sure you wear your aligners 22 hours/day, only removing them for eating and brushing, and change your aligners as directed by our office.
Each set of aligners is worn for one week. Your teeth will gradually move from one aligner to the next until they reach the final position recommended by Dr. Ries. To ensure that your orthodontic treatment is going according to plan, Dr. Ries will see you approximately once every 8-12 weeks. The average treatment time is 12-24 months. This will vary depending on the complexity of your treatment.
What is Invisalign Teen®?
Invisalign Teen®, as the name suggests, is exactly like the adult tray aligners. The exact same 3D imaging technology is used to create the alignment tray. Align Technology created the SmartTrack®. Invisalign Teen®, which uses a series of removable tray aligners to gently align teeth, does so by gently shifting them into the correct alignment. Teens have less difficulty with the removable trays because they don’t have to adhere to any dietary restrictions. They are lightweight and comfortable so most people won’t notice your teen wearing them.
Invisalign Teen®, treatment is easier than traditional braces. Teens don’t need to remove the tray and continue their oral hygiene routine as normal. There are no wires or brackets. New tray sets are more comfortable than old ones, but there may be some discomfort for a few days. It is easier for parents too, as there are fewer visits to the orthodontist. Braces and bonded retainers may require you to use specific cleaning techniques or equipment to maintain your oral health. Your dental hygienist can offer you specific cleaning advice to help reduce plaque buildup around your device.
How Invisalign Teen® Works
The blue dots system used by Invisalign Teen®, allows parents to monitor the time their teen wears the tray. Tray aligners should only be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, just like Invisalign. Each set should be worn for approximately two weeks. As the patient moves through the sequence, the aligners are used in a sequence to gently shift their teeth.
Dr. Ries will schedule appointments every 8-12 weeks to monitor progress. Patients can see a complete picture of their straight smile after treatment. The complexity of the malalignment will determine the length of treatment.
Invisalign: The Advantages
Clear aligners have one huge advantage: They are invisible, so you can fix your smile without it being too obvious. However, there are other benefits:
- They are comparable in effectiveness to Metal braces when it comes to bite correction.
- Aligners are simple to use and don’t cause any problems with oral hygiene.
- You can make the alignment changes yourself without the need to visit your orthodontist.
- Because they are made from soft hypoallergenic materials, it does not irritate gums.
- Invisalign is not a distraction from speech, and patients quickly adapt to it.
- No food restrictions: The trays should be taken out at the end of each meal. There are no restrictions.
- Less Painful: Invisalign is the most effective and comfortable orthodontic system.
- Hygiene: Invisalign has a lower risk of developing caries, tooth decay, or other complications.
What is the average time it takes to get Invisalign?
Treatment options with aligners can take anywhere from 4-5 months and up to 2.5 years depending on the severity and type of malocclusion. It all depends on how well the patient follows the instructions for wearing them and how careful they are with them.
While Invisalign’s treatment duration is determined by a certified orthodontist, there are many factors that can affect it:
- The complexity of the patient’s malocclusion
- The speed at which the aligners influence the movement of the patient’s teeth;
- Compliance by the patient with the requirements for wearing aligners.
Some people’s teeth move faster in one direction than others. Age also affects the rate at which teeth move.
Dr. Ries will inform you at the initial consultation how long it takes to align your teeth. Special software generates an individual treatment plan that includes the number of aligners required, the length of the treatment, and other important details. You must follow all recommendations regarding your orthodontic care when you are undergoing teeth straightening.
What is the cost of Invisalign in O’Fallon?
Your doctor will determine the cost of Invisalign aligners treatment. This is based on the complexity of your case and the length of the treatment. For treatments lasting between 12-24 months, Invisalign costs will be between $6000 and $8000. Treatments that can be completed in a matter of 3-6 months for patients with very limited requirements will cost $3000-$4000.
