Are you thinking about straightening your teeth, but don't like the appearance of traditional metal braces? At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, our dentists can help you achieve a beautiful smile you've always wanted without using metal wires or brackets.

What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment consisting of a series of clear, plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth. The aligners are composed of flexible plastic and are custom-made to fit the exact shape of your teeth and jaws. Invisalign works in the same way as traditional metal braces, gradually shifting your teeth into the correct position over time.

During your consultation for Invisalign in Ottawa, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan that pinpoints the specific movements of each tooth. You can expect to receive a new set of aligners every two weeks as your teeth continue to move into their desired positions. You'll also come into our office periodically to ensure your treatment plan is on schedule.

The total length of treatment with Invisalign varies for each patient. The average treatment time for adults ranges from 12-18 months. Just as with traditional metal braces, it's recommended that patients who have completed Invisalign treatment wear a retainer to prevent their teeth from reverting to their original position.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign offers numerous benefits that extend beyond improving the look of your smile; most patients find that treatment easily fits into their lifestyle. Since the aligners are made of smooth, thin plastic, you don't have to worry about metal brackets or wires causing irritation to your cheeks, tongue, or lips. Unlike traditional braces, the Invisalign aligners are easily removed, allowing you to comfortably and easily brush and floss your teeth. You can also remove the aligners while eating and drinking, so you can enjoy all of your favourite foods without any restrictions. The aligners are also very easy to clean. You can purchase a cleaning system from your dentist or simply use a toothbrush to gently clean the aligners with toothpaste and rinse with lukewarm water afterward.

When compared to other methods for straightening teeth, Invisalign is just as effective at straightening your teeth and improving your bite. All you have to do is wear the aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours each day. Since they're nearly invisible, Invisalign can also help you smile with confidence. Depending on the level of correction required, treatment with Invisalign can straighten your teeth in less time than traditional braces. Treatment with Invisalign also requires fewer visits to the dentist in comparison to patients who wear traditional braces. In general, you can expect to visit our office every four to six weeks.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is an excellent choice for many teens and adults who require mild-to-moderate orthodontic correction. Children aren't candidates for Invisalign because their mouths are still developing. Many patients choose Invisalign for small fixes that correct a few teeth that are crooked or misaligned. Patients with spacing issues or crowded teeth are also usually considered great candidates for Invisalign.

Invisalign can also correct an overbite, a condition in which the upper front teeth overlap with the bottom front teeth. Similarly, treatment with Invisalign can also treat some underbites, which occurs when the bottom front teeth extend farther than the upper teeth when your mouth is closed. Invisalign can also correct gaps or extra spaces between teeth or if your upper and lower jaws aren't properly aligned.

It's important to understand that not everyone will be a candidate for Invisalign. Treatment is ideal for patients with orthodontic issues that are mild-to-moderate, but Invisalign is typically not recommended for patients with complex orthodontic issues, such as extreme overbite or underbite. Since each orthodontic patient has unique needs, we encourage you to consult with a dentist at our dental centre in Ottawa to determine if Invisalign is the treatment option for you. Our dentists will carefully examine your teeth and help you determine the treatment option that best works for your needs.

Ready to take the first step towards improving your smile with Invisalign at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa? Contact us today to speak with a member of our friendly team who will help you schedule an appointment.