Learn about Invisalign Clear Aligners in Richmond

You have always wanted a straight, attractive smile, but the years have gone on. You are not a child any more.  Can an older teen or adult achieve that smile goal without the embarrassment and inconvenience of metal braces?  It’s possible with Invisalign clear aligners from Westhampton Dentistry and Dr. William Way. Invisible, fast and easy treatment with Invisalign in Richmond fixes many alignment problems that affect health, appearance and self-confidence. Just because you are all grown-up, you do not have to live with less than perfect teeth.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear braces in Richmond are the modern way to improve oral health and personal appearance without the discomforts and “metal mouth” appearance of traditional wire and bracket braces. Teens aren’t the only people who feel embarrassed by braces. Adults in the workplace do, too. All these individuals desire to look and feel their best. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry maintains that your smile reveals your personality and that all-important first impression.

The Invisalign system addresses mild to moderate orthodontic issues with a series of 18 to 30 biocompatible acrylic appliances that fit snugly over top and bottom teeth. Over the course of nine to 18 months, with one year being average, Invisalign patients wear their aligner pairs 20 to 22 hours a day. As treatment proceeds, the teeth move into better positions, and smile aesthetics improve.

Patients remove the aligners to eat, brush and floss, and they check in with Dr. Way every four to six weeks for quick progress checks. Unlike metal or ceramic braces, there are no complex or uncomfortable appliance adjustments with Invisalign.

Also, Invisalign wearers have no dietary restrictions. Invisalign appliances are removed for meals and snacks. Brushing and flossing is easy, and because the aligners are smooth and move teeth gently, oral discomfort is minimal. There are no sore spots on gums or other soft tissues of the mouth.

At the end of treatment, patients have great new smiles. Typically, they wear customized Vivera retainers as prescribed to keep teeth straight and stable.

What Can Invisalign Fix?

Invisalign addresses a wide range of problems, including those most important to oral and systemic health. In other words, the Invisalign system is not just about appearance. Invisalign corrects:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Cross bite
• Open bite
• Tooth rotation
• Tooth tipping
• Gaps
• Overcrowding

In addition to these, Invisalign clear aligners treat various other malocclusions. The health benefits include clearer speaking and easier chewing, ease of hygiene, reducing gum disease, decay, and dental-related headaches, TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) dysfunction and facial pain.

Dr. Way determines if Invisalign is right for a particular patient. He performs a complete oral exam, including X-rays, photos and impressions from which the Invisalign lab creates the clear aligners. Dr. Way even shows the patient what the finished smile will look like.

Are You Interested in Invisalign?

If so, contact Westhampton Dentistry for an appointment about orthodontics.  Ask questions, and get a thorough determination of how Invisalign could help your smile be its very best.