If you want to achieve a beautiful smile that lights up the room, there’s never been a better time to straighten your teeth with Invisalign. Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, Florida, is proud to be a certified provider of Invisalign, the world’s most advanced clear aligner system. Now you can restore your confidence with a convenient, comfortable and removable aligner that lets you avoid the hassle of metal braces and works well for both simple and complex shifts.
What Is Invisalign?
Orthodontic treatment has long been associated with the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional metal braces. Many individuals have hesitated to undergo orthodontic treatment, citing these factors as deterrents. However, living with crooked or misaligned teeth can have long-lasting effects on one’s overall oral health. Fortunately, with advancements in orthodontics, Invisalign treatment offers a more comfortable and convenient option for those seeking to improve the alignment of their teeth.
Invisalign is a groundbreaking advancement in the world of orthodontics, offering a sleek alternative to traditional braces. It comprises a series of clear aligners tailored uniquely for each patient. These aligners work diligently to shift your teeth into their desired position. The benefits of choosing Invisalign are manifold. Not only does it provide an aesthetic advantage, but it also promises convenience and flexibility that traditional braces often can’t match.
How Does Invisalign Work?
- Wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, as directed by Dr. Runnels
- Remove your aligners only to eat, drink, brush, and floss
- Your teeth will move gradually each week
- Visit us every 8-10 weeks to monitor your progress
- Total treatment time averages between six and 15 months
- Average number of aligners used during treatment is 18 to 30
Benefits of Invisalign
Comfort
Invisalign provides a comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made of a smooth, flexible plastic that fits comfortably over the teeth and won’t cause any irritation or discomfort.
Appearance
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible when worn, so you won’t have to worry about people noticing your orthodontic treatment. This makes it ideal for adults who want to straighten their teeth without drawing too much attention to themselves.
Removable
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat and clean your teeth, making it much easier to maintain your normal diet and good oral hygiene during treatment.
Faster Treatment
Invisalign can help reduce the time needed for treatment compared to traditional braces, with some patients achieving results in as little as six months.
Proven Results
Invisalign’s SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® attachments have been clinically proven to provide better control of tooth movement, even for complex cases. Invisalign can treat multiple conditions, including crowding, crossbites, open bites, gaps, underbites and overbites.
Improved Oral Health
Since Invisalign aligners can be easily removed when brushing and flossing, patients are more likely to keep up with their oral hygiene routine during treatment, which can help improve overall oral health.
No Food Restrictions
With traditional braces, certain foods must be avoided to prevent damaging the brackets and wires; however, with Invisalign, there are no such restrictions, as the aligners can be removed before eating and replaced afterward.
Customized Treatment Plan
Each patient’s treatment plan is customized based on their individual needs and goals; this means that each patient will receive a plan tailored specifically for them rather than a one-size-fits-all approach like with traditional braces.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Invisalign involves three easy steps to help you achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile without disrupting your lifestyle. Throughout the process, Dr. Runnels takes the time to ensure you have a deep understanding of the treatment process and what you can do to get the most out of it. Here’s what you can expect with Invisalign from start to finish.
Step 1: Your First Consultation
At your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your orthodontic needs and evaluate whether Invisalign is right for you. We will begin by examining your mouth, including your teeth, jaws, jaw joints, and muscular tissues. If you’re a good candidate and decide to proceed with treatment, Dr. Runnels will then take a 3D scan of your mouth using the advanced iTero® digital scanning system. This creates fast and precise images that allow us to map out a completely customized treatment plan based on the structure and alignment of your teeth for the best possible fit. It also provides a preview of your new smile and tracks changes that occur over time.
Step 2: Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Your scans will be sent to the Invisalign laboratories so your aligners can be made to the specifications provided by Dr. Runnels. They are customized to fit your mouth and made from Invisalign’s proprietary SmartTrack material, which is virtually invisible — most people won’t even notice them. They are specially engineered to apply gentle pressure that gradually straightens your teeth millimeter by millimeter until the best outcome is achieved.
Once your aligners are ready for pickup, Dr. Runnels will ensure they fit properly and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also let you know what to expect over the next several months. You’ll be wearing your Invisalign clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for best results, taking them out only to brush, floss and eat. Treatment time for a fullInvisalign procedure usually lasts about 12 months. However, this can vary from person to person.
Step 3. Your Progress
Once you start wearing your aligners, you could start seeing results within a few weeks as your teeth are gently and gradually straightened. However, the entire treatment process can take six months or more to complete, depending on the complexity of your case. Invisalign is a progressive procedure, so we may prescribe a new set of aligners to wear every one to two weeks. We will schedule check-ups to monitor your progress.
Living with Your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign delivers results without interrupting your daily life. Your aligners are made to fit your teeth and won’t slip or slide out of place as you go about your normal routine. There are also no wires or brackets that can cause mouth abrasions. Many of our patients have never used or considered braces but are now happily improving their smiles with Invisalign.
One key advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, so you can brush and floss normally, and there are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink. With traditional braces that are worn around the clock, foods that are too sticky, crunchy or chewy must be avoided so as not to damage the appliance, but you don’t have to worry about that with Invisalign. However, it is always good practice to limit highly acidic beverages like coffee or soda for your dental health.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Runnels will recommend wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. In most cases, you’ll only take them out to eat, drink, and clean your teeth or trays. You can safely wear them while sleeping and performing physical activities. You’ll have periodic check-ups to make sure your aligners are working, and you’ll get a new set every week or two to ensure optimal teeth movement. With each new set, you may feel some pain or pressure at first, but this is completely normal and will subside as you get accustomed to wearing them. Invisalign is generally considered to be more comfortable than braces.
If you have any questions during your Invisalign treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us to have them addressed. At Runnels Orthodontics, we prioritize patient education to improve your experience and ensure that you receive the best results from your Invisalign treatment.
Taking Care of Your New Smile
Good oral hygiene is critical to a healthy smile, but taking care of your teeth is even more important during your Invisalign treatment. That’s because the aligners act as a barrier that prevents saliva in the mouth from protecting against cavities and enamel-destroying acids.
Some daily habits to remember while wearing your aligners include:
- Removing them to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth
- Brush and floss two to three times daily, especially after meals
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups
- Avoid smoking during treatment
- Clean your Invisalign clear aligners daily
- Limit beverages that stain the teeth (coffee, soda, wine, etc.)
- Store your aligners in the provided case when not in use
Once you’ve achieved your goals, ask us about Vivera® retainers to maintain your results. These retainers are custom-made using the same innovative materials as your aligners and ensure that your teeth don’t begin to shift back toward their initial position after treatment, protecting the investment you’ve made in your smile. They’re also 30 percent stronger and more durable than other clear retainers, so you can feel confident that they’re built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How often do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. They can be taken out for eating, drinking (except for water), brushing, and flossing. It is important to wear the aligners as directed by Dr. Runnels to ensure the best results.
Does Invisalign treatment hurt?
Invisalign aligners may cause mild discomfort or pressure when switching to a new set. This is normal and usually subsides within a day or two.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
You can clean your Invisalign aligners by gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can scratch the aligners. You can also soak your aligners in a cleaning solution for 20 minutes daily. Make sure they are thoroughly rinsed before putting them back in your mouth. It is also important to brush your teeth and tongue after each meal, even if you are wearing your aligners. This will help to prevent plaque and bacteria from building up on your teeth and gums.
Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?
The effectiveness of Invisalign largely depends on the individual case, as more complex issues may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments. During our consultation, we will evaluate your needs and determine if Invisalign is suitable for you. Following the treatment plan carefully and attending regular check-ups is important to achieve the best results.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign can vary from person to person, depending on factors like the extent of treatment and the complexity of each case. After your consultation with Dr. Runnels, we will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of how much your treatment may cost.
Why Choose Runnels Orthodontics for Invisalign?
Runnels Orthodontics is a top 1% (Diamond+) certified Invisalign provider. We take great pride in offering patients the renowned Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is the preferred choice for clear aligners and is an advanced orthodontic solution that is both efficient and comfortable. We are committed to meticulously assessing your unique orthodontic needs and delivering high-quality, personalized care that will leave you with the perfect smile you have always dreamed of.
Transform Your Smile in Destin, FL, With Invisalign
At Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL, we understand that a straight, beautiful smile can help your overall dental health. We offer Invisalign treatment, the clear, comfortable, and virtually invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. With Invisalign, you can achieve the smile of your dreams without anyone even noticing that you’re undergoing treatment! We will evaluate your dental needs and provide a customized Invisalign treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals. Contact us by calling (850) 257-7222 or reaching out online to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a beautiful smile with Invisalign.
If you are ready to make the changes that will affect how you feel and look and live your life smiling, call one of our convenient office locations to speak with Invisalign provider Dr. Scott Runnels today.
We proudly serve patients in Destin (32541), Fort Walton Beach (32547), Freeport (32439), Rosemary Beach (32461), Water Sound (32416), Niceville (32578), Panama City Beach (32413), Santa Rosa Beach (32459), Miramar Beach (32550), and Panama City (32459).
