Invisalign Clear Aligners – Falmouth, ME

No More Crooked or Unevenly Spaced Teeth

Smiling woman holding Invisalign clear aligner in Falmouth

Ideally, you should have two rows of straight teeth that aren’t overlapping or spaced too far apart. But what if your smile is crooked or has gaps in a couple of spots? Traditional braces can be one way to handle this issue, but for many adults, Invisalign is the preferable option, being discreet while also granting more freedom in everyday life. Set up a consultation for Invisalign in Falmouth with Dr. Chadbourne today by giving our dental office a call.

Why Choose Falmouth Dentistry for Invisalign Clear Aligners?

  • Fully Personalized See-Through Aligners
  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
  • Dental Team That Cares About Comfort

How Invisalign Works

Hand placing an Invisalign aligner in its storage case

Invisalign aligners slowly push your teeth to where they need to be. It’s important to remember, though, that you won’t wear the same aligners for the entire treatment; you’ll switch to a new set every two weeks, with each set allowing you to take another step closer to a straighter grin. For the best results, you need to wear your aligners for 20 or 22 hours every day. Many Invisalign patients complete their treatments in about 12 to 18 months.

Good Candidates for Invisalign

Close up of mouth with slightly misaligned teeth

Below are three major examples of issues that can potentially be solved with Invisalign.

Crowded Teeth

Teeth that are too close together might break more easily, and the enamel protecting them will likely wear down at a faster rate. You may also have a harder time keeping them clean. Fortunately, Invisalign can put a stop to all of these problems by ensuring that there’s enough space between all of your teeth. 

Gaps Between Teeth

While crowded teeth can definitely cause problems, you also don’t want them to be spaced too far apart. Bits of food tend to be drawn to gaps in your smile, and they can lead to cavities if they aren’t removed in time. Maintaining a healthy smile will be easier once Invisalign helps reduce the distance between your teeth.

Bite Alignment

A misaligned bite can interfere with chewing, increase your risk for TMJ disorder, and cause speech impediments. You may want to think about beginning an Invisalign treatment if you have an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Close up of person placing Invisalign tray over their teeth
  • No Unattractive Brackets or Wires: Invisalign doesn’t stand out as much as braces do, being able to blend in with your smile much more easily.
  • No Diet Restrictions: Your aligners will never prevent you from eating what you want; you’ll take them out of your mouth before every meal.
  • Easy Oral Hygiene Routine: Since Invisalign aligners are removable, they don’t get in the way when you’re trying to brush or floss.
  • Quicker Treatment Time: The average treatment time for Invisalign is shorter than that of traditional metal braces.

Invisalign FAQs

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Compared to wire and bracket braces, Invisalign is sleek and incredibly comfortable. If you’ve ever been concerned about orthodontic treatment because you’re concerned about discomfort, clear aligners can be an excellent route to go.

That said, just as with any kind of orthodontic treatment, your teeth will be a little bit tender at first while they get used to moving. This should only last for around a week after you first start wearing your aligners, after which you should feel completely comfortable.

Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?

Many times, mild overbites or underbites can be addressed by moving the teeth, bringing them closer so that they fit together more naturally. However, patients with moderate or severe bite issues may not be able to deal with them solely with Invisalign, and may require other kinds of orthodontic intervention in order to fully bring the jaws into alignment. The only way to really know for sure is to talk to a dental professional who understands your situation well.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

Invisalign sells proprietary cleaning crystals that can be mixed with water in order to form an antibacterial solution, one that can break down plaque and food deposits on your aligners. You can also make use of a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush away any bacteria, which is particularly useful after meals.

It’s important to note that you ought to avoid using hot water when cleaning your aligners, as it can potentially warp their plastic.

Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?

In some situations, it may be more efficient to utilize both braces and Invisalign, like if you have a bite problem that only braces can address but would prefer to straighten your teeth with Invisalign. You may also have seen your teeth come out of alignment after previously having braces if you’ve neglected to wear your retainers. We’ll be able to tell you more about the role that Invisalign can play for you when we meet you in person.