logo
Address: 7117 Hickman Road | Urbandale, IA 50322 (515) 276-4981

Invisalign in Des Moines, IA

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

Request An Appointment
Woman putting in Invisalign aligners
Invisalign logo

Invisalign: The Clear Alternative to Metal Braces

There are several oral malformations treated via re-alignment. This can be achieved either by attaching braces or plastic aligners. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you’ll notice sooner than you think. Invisalign moves your teeth into alignment in phases until each tooth is in its ideal position. Unlike braces, these clear aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and brush your teeth without restrictions.

Invisalign takes less treatment time than traditional braces. An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about a year, as little as half the time needed for braces. You’ll see Dr. Erickson and Dr. Krehbiel every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments and to check your progress. At regular intervals, you’ll receive a new set of custom-molded clear aligners to continue the alignment process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to you and determined in advance by Dr. Erickson and Dr. Krehbiel for your personalized course of treatment.

Invisalign is clear and comfortable. Because Invisalign is almost invisible, there’s no unwanted attention to your mouth. Very few people will notice at all — unless you decide to tell them. The aligners are comfortable to wear and easy to remove when you eat, brush, and floss. Made with a special soft plastic, they’re specifically designed not to rub against your cheeks. All across the country, people like you are enjoying great smiles and straighter teeth thanks to Invisalign.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

Schedule A Consultation

During an initial consultation, Dr. Erickson or Dr. Krehbiel will examine your mouth. Afterward, they’ll discuss your case in detail to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. This will also be your opportunity to ask any questions about Invisalign or any other concerns.

Create a 3-D Image of Your Teeth

To ensure your Invisalign is customized to your smile exactly, we’ll take X-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create a 3-D image. From these images, we’ll map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth. Using this same technology, we’ll even be able to show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will shift at each stage of treatment.

The 3-D images allow Invisalign to create aligners specific to your needs. Your Invisalign will fit flawlessly, guaranteeing a clear, comfortable treatment.

Receive Your Custom Invisalign

You’ll receive aligners custom fit for your treatment plan. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic. This plastic ensures your Invisalign won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do.

You’ll wear your aligners throughout the day and night, removing them only to eat or brush and floss your teeth. With each set of aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into their proper place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re treating your smile.

Woman putting in Invisalign aligners

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.
straight teeth model

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 model

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 model

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.
gapped teeth model

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).

crooked teeth model

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.
crooked teeth model

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.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today

Think Invisalign might be the right option for you? You can now schedule your appointment online! Visit Hickman Family Dental in Des Moines, IA to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign aligners!

Menu