Having straight teeth is an easily achievable goal, but the thought of wearing braces that change your appearance for months or years deters some potential patients. Dentists Stephen Lashen, DDS, Jessica Klein, DMD, and Jason Klein, DMD, offer Invisalign®, a discreet orthodontic alternative to traditional braces, at Lashen Dental Group in Denville, New Jersey. To find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners, call Lashen Dental Group or book an appointment online today.

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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner system that could reduce the time you’d have to wear braces or you could avoid them completely. Like traditional braces, Invisalign moves your teeth gradually by placing increased pressure on them intermittently. However, the way they do this is completely different. They don’t use metal brackets and wires like traditional braces.

Instead, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners designed to fit over your teeth flawlessly. Each new aligner places a bit more pressure on your teeth to glide them into alignment. You must switch to the next aligner in your series every 1-2 weeks according to the plan that the team at Lashen Dental Group gives you.

To stay on track with your treatment plan, you must wear your aligner for 20-22 hours every day. They can be easily removed to eat and when you brush and floss your teeth.

Some patients marvel at how comfortable Invisalign’s aligners feel. The clear aligners are so comfortable because of Invisalign’s patented SmartTrack® plastic material. It doesn’t irritate your gums and it’s thin so it doesn’t feel bulky.

How does the Invisalign process work?

The first step in the Invisalign treatment process is a consultation with your dentist. If they decide that your dental misalignment is treatable with Invisalign, they set another appointment to take digital impressions of your teeth.

The Lashen Dental Group team designs your treatment plan using a digital map of your mouth. This technology allows them to see the fine movements of your teeth and identify any obstructions or complications that might set your treatment back. They can also predict the movement of your teeth and craft aligners that all fit perfectly.

How should I care for my Invisalign aligners?

While undergoing treatment with Invisalign, you must follow your dentist’s instructions for home care. One of the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces is the need for fewer appointments with your provider. However, you must take some specific steps at home to keep your aligners and your teeth intact.

To care for your aligners throughout treatment, you should:

  • Stop smoking to avoid staining them
  • Take them out to eat
  • Take them out to chew gum
  • Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal
  • Use the Invisalign cleaning system or toothpaste and warm water for cleaning
  • Call Lashen Dental Group if you lose or break an aligner

If you have any other questions about caring for your aligners and keeping them clear and clean, call Lashen Dental Group.

To see if Invisalign can align your teeth effectively, call Lashen Dental Group for an appointment or book online today.