Invisalign in Northborough

How aligners move teeth

Rather than brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of custom tray aligners. Each set of trays gently shifts teeth until they are in the correct positions.

The principle of tooth alignment works by creating a force to move teeth. With braces, tension supplies the force by tightening the archwire to pull teeth into position. With Invisalign, the force is more gentle, with constant pressure from the tray aligners to push the teeth into alignment.

Getting started

Treatment begins with a consultation or initial examination. A treatment plan, including all the details of Invisalign treatment, will be developed. Invisalign trays are custom-fit for each patient and no two plans are the same.

Beginning with your initial consultation, our doctors will evaluate your smile. If Invisalign is a good fit, they will take digital images of your mouth. Next comes the creation of a 3D “map” of your mouth.

The doctor will explain everything following the exam, including the duration of treatment, cost, care, and maintenance of aligners.

The doctor will create a custom treatment plan that will outline the entire process from start to finish. Once your treatment plan is complete, your trays will be made.

Wearing your aligners

Aligners should be worn as much as possible during the day and night. Your orthodontist tells you how many hours a day to wear them. You’ll remove the trays to eat, drink, and perform oral hygiene.

You move to each new set of aligners on the schedule your orthodontist sets.

The alignment trays are nearly invisible. You can remove them for drinking, eating, and oral care, which is much more convenient than traditional braces.

Comfort

Because you remove the trays to eat, you won’t have to avoid any of your favorite foods. The trays cause your teeth to loosen slightly while moving them, so you may experience discomfort. Switching to a softer diet the first few days with a new set of trays usually helps. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary.

Caring for your trays

Caring for Invisalign tray aligners is pretty straightforward. When you remove them to eat or drink, you should rinse them before placing them in the container. This removes saliva residue that can harbor bacteria. It is also helpful to run a soft-bristled brush over your aligners several times daily under running water.

Avoid abrasive toothpaste, which can scratch your aligners, making them more visible.

Benefits of Invisalign for adults in Northborough

The first, and most obvious, is the near invisibility of the tray aligners. Many adults opt for Invisalign treatment because the trays can be worn during all their normal daily activities.

Although some adults are hesitant because they think they are “too old for braces,” you are never too old to improve your smile!

Cost of Invisalign

Many patients are surprised to learn that Invisalign is often comparable in cost to traditional metal braces. At Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics, we’ll provide a full evaluation, explain your treatment options, and give you a detailed quote based on your case.