Invisalign | Cosmetic Dentist in Urbandale, IA

Name: Invisalign
Brand: Invisalign
SKU: CBA123

Smile Transformation Made Easy

Discover a new era of orthodontic care at Hickman Family Dental, where we take pride in offering remarkable Invisalign treatment. As a leader in modern dentistry, our Urbandale, IA dentists understand the importance of providing our patients with innovative solutions that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. Invisalign’s state-of-the-art clear aligner system has redefined teeth straightening, offering a virtually invisible and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Our team at Hickman Family Dental is excited to introduce you to the benefits of Invisalign, guiding you on a journey toward a beautifully aligned smile and improved oral well-being.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic system that employs a series of clear, removable aligners to gently shift teeth into their desired positions. Dr. Erickson at Hickman Family Dental is an experienced Invisalign provider, offering patients an innovative way to achieve a beautifully aligned smile without the need for bulky metal braces.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them an excellent choice for individuals who are self-conscious about their appearance during the orthodontic treatment process. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, exerting gentle pressure to guide your teeth into proper alignment over time.

Invisalign Process

The Invisalign process at Hickman Family Dental begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Erickson. During this initial visit, he will assess your oral health and determine if Invisalign is the right solution for you. If it’s a suitable option, a personalized treatment plan will be created, and digital impressions of your teeth will be taken using advanced 3D imaging technology.

These digital impressions will serve as the basis for designing your custom Invisalign aligners. Dr. Erickson will map out the precise movements your teeth need to undergo to achieve the desired alignment. A series of aligners will be created, each to be worn for about two weeks before progressing to the next set.

One of the standout advantages of Invisalign is its flexibility. The aligners can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, allowing for a level of convenience that traditional braces can’t match. This means you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about damaging brackets or wires.

Regular check-ups with Dr. Erickson at Hickman Family Dental will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure that your treatment plan is on track. Each set of aligners will gradually shift your teeth, bringing you closer to your desired smile with every passing week.

Invisalign Candidacy

Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic treatment that can address a range of dental concerns. Whether you have crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, or crossbites, Invisalign may be an excellent option for you. Dr. Erickson will determine your candidacy based on a thorough examination of your teeth and bite.

Invisalign aligners are particularly popular among adults and teenagers who prefer a more discreet option for teeth straightening. The clear aligners seamlessly blend into your smile, allowing you to feel confident throughout the treatment process. However, commitment and consistency are crucial. For Invisalign to be effective, the aligners should be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day.

Invisalign Vs Braces

The age-old debate of Invisalign vs. braces has been a common discussion among orthodontic patients. While both options have their merits, Invisalign offers a unique set of benefits that make it an attractive choice for many individuals.

Appearance: Unlike highly noticeable braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. This factor alone often sways patients who are concerned about the aesthetic impact of traditional braces, making Invisalign an ideal choice for adults and image-conscious teenagers.

Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, eliminating the potential for irritation and discomfort that can be associated with braces’ brackets and wires. This ensures a more comfortable experience throughout the treatment journey.

Convenience: The ability to remove Invisalign aligners means you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions. Additionally, maintaining proper oral hygiene is easier, as there are no obstacles like brackets and wires to navigate around.

Treatment Cases

Invisalign effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems. Mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth, protruding teeth, malocclusion, overbite, and underbite are all on this list. Whether your teeth are gapped, crowded, or anywhere in between, Invisalign is an affordable and effective tooth straightening option for you.

Gapped Teeth

Gaps between teeth can occur with the abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift due to the extra space, creating gaps in your smile. Spacing issues and gaps between teeth can lead to gum problems (due to lack of protection by the teeth), periodontal pockets, and an increased risk of periodontal disease.

Overbite

What people refer to as an “overbite” occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It’s typically caused by genetics, bad oral habits, or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth, and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Underbite

Underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This prevents the normal function of front teeth and molars, which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Open Bite

Open bite refers to when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite. Most often, this is caused by an abnormal jaw structure or excessive thumb-sucking. An open bite can cause difficult or painful chewing and even speech impairment. It can also lead to greater issues like thermo-mandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Crowding

Teeth crowding occurs when there’s a lack of space for all your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can get worse over time and result in severely crooked teeth. This crowding can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and an increased chance of gum disease.

Crossbite

Crossbite occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth and can happen on both the front and the sides of the mouth. This can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

When considering the comfort of Invisalign treatment, it’s important to note that it generally causes less discomfort compared to traditional braces. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, often described as a slight pressure, when they transition to a new set of aligners. This discomfort is usually temporary and indicates that your teeth are responding to the treatment as planned. As your teeth gradually adjust to the aligners, any initial discomfort will subside, leaving you well on your way to achieving your desired smile transformation.

Maintaining a regular schedule of check-ups is crucial to ensure the success of your Invisalign treatment. Typically, you’ll be advised to have appointments every 6 to 8 weeks. During these appointments, your progress will be carefully monitored, ensuring that your teeth are moving according to the treatment plan. These check-ups also provide an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you might have and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, guaranteeing that you stay on the path toward your beautifully aligned smile.

Absolutely! Invisalign offers a specialized solution known as Invisalign Teen, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs and lifestyles of teenagers. This tailored approach takes into account the active routines of adolescents. Invisalign Teen aligners come equipped with compliance indicators, which are small blue dots that fade over time as the aligners are worn. This helps ensure that the aligners are being worn as directed. Additionally, Invisalign Teen provides replacement aligners, addressing the reality that teenagers may occasionally misplace or damage their aligners due to their busy schedules. With Invisalign Teen, young individuals can achieve a confident smile without compromising their lifestyle.

Adjusting to speaking while wearing Invisalign aligners may require a short period of adaptation. Some patients might notice a subtle change in their speech during the initial days of treatment. This is expected as your tongue gets accustomed to the presence of the aligners. However, rest assured that the adjustment period is typically brief. Within a few days, your speech patterns will naturally adjust, and you’ll find that your speech returns to its normal cadence. The aligners are designed to fit comfortably and securely, allowing you to communicate with confidence throughout your treatment journey.

Step into a Brighter Future in Urbandale, IA

Embarking on the journey to transform your smile is not just about aligning teeth; it’s about boosting your confidence, enhancing your self-esteem, and embracing a new chapter of self-expression. Your dream smile is within reach, and the Invisalign treatment can lead you there. Don’t let hesitation hold you back. Take the first step towards a life-changing transformation today. We proudly serve patients in Lovington, Waukee, Windsor Heights, and the surrounding areas. Call us at (515) 276-4981 and schedule your consultation. Let our dedicated team guide you through this remarkable experience, empowering you to showcase your radiant smile to the world. Your brighter, more confident future starts with that simple call.

Invisalign in Des Moines, IA

Breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you have always wanted without the hassle of braces.