Carrie A. | CC BY 2.0" width="580" height="354" />

IMAGE: Carrie A. | CC BY 2.0

If you want a straighter, healthier smile for you or your child, there are a variety of options. Many people’s first thought in regards to orthodontic treatment defaults to braces. However, many patients of all ages are ideal candidates for clear aligners like Invisalign®. Clear aligners are typically the same cost as braces and provide an equal quality of outcome with the same amount of time for treatment.

“Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment.”

Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners. This approach is ideal for spacing, gaps, crowding, and other orthodontic tooth movement. Each set of clear aligners is worn for approximately 20 hours per day to provide gradual, efficient straightening. Invisalign® is made with 3D computer imaging technology and is extremely effective at moving teeth. Dr. Steve Kristo of Kristo Orthodontics has done thousands of cases over the last 21 years and loves the comfort, convenience and better ability to brush that Invisalign® provides for most patients.

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Brushing and flossing are no problem with clear aligners, which is particularly helpful for dental hygiene for teenagers. Also, in most cases, having no metal and wires will allow you spend less time in your orthodontist’s office getting adjustments and fewer emergency repairs.

You wear each set of aligners for about one 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 slightly week by week until they have straightened to the final position you and your doctor have discussed. You’ll visit your orthodontist every 10-12 weeks during treatment to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Call your orthodontic specialist for a consultation to determine if Invisalign® is an option for you. It is not necessary to have a referral to become a patient at Kristo Orthodontics, and they offer no cost consultations to discuss all of your options. Dr. Kristo has more than 20 years of experience with Invisalign® and Kristo Orthodontics is a top 1 percent provider of Invisalign® in the country.