Invisalign – Gainesville, FL

Benefits of Invisalign

Although traditional braces are a tried-and-true solution for straightening teeth, they have some obvious flaws. On the other hand, Invisalign has the following advantages:

• The average treatment timeline is 8 to 18 months, compared to up to 3 years for traditional braces.
• The trays are practically invisible to the naked eye for a more aesthetic look.
• There are no food restrictions. When it’s time to eat, you can simply take them out.
• Keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy is easy. Just remove the trays and then brush and floss as usual.
• You have fewer adjustment appointments than with traditional braces, giving you extra time.

How Invisalign Works

Once you and Dr. Nossa have determined that Invisalign is the right treatment for you, the process will go as follows:

• We will take impressions of your teeth and create a personalized treatment plan.
• Then we will send this information to the Invisalign lab, where they will fabricate your custom trays.
• When they arrive, you will need to wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours every day, taking them out only for eating and oral maintenance. It may take you a couple of days to get used to how the trays feel in your mouth.
• After about two weeks, you will switch to the next set of trays, bringing you one step closer to straight teeth. Each time you progress to the newer set of trays, you may feel some soreness, but it should subside after a day or two.
• Every couple of months, you will come into our office so that Dr. Nossa can check on your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

And then, before you know it, you’ll have the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

Candidates for Invisalign

Even with all its amazing benefits, Invisalign isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. First of all, you must be in good oral health to begin treatment. Also, successful results depend on your ability and willingness to follow our instructions in wearing the trays. In addition, if your alignment issues are severe, traditional braces will likely offer the best method of correcting them. So how do you know if Invisalign is right for you or your teen? The best way is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nossa! With years of experience and expertise, he can review your specific case and answer your questions.

Get on the path to straighter teeth by contacting our Gainesville office for an appointment. We can’t wait to help you achieve your smile goals!

Invisalign FAQs

Do you have questions about what life will be like with Invisalign aligners? Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get from patients looking into this advanced orthodontic treatment option.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Each patient’s Invisalign treatment differs based on the unique orthodontic problems that they face. If you have severe misalignment and crowding, it may take longer to fix those issues than a few slightly gapped teeth. During your initial consultation, Dr. Gabriel Nossa will examine your mouth and draw up a treatment timeline to walk you through so you know exactly what to expect from the process. The average amount of time that patients wear their trays for is between eight and 14 months. 

Does wearing Invisalign trays hurt?

Unlike traditional metal braces, wearing Invisalign trays isn’t painful. Metal wires and brackets are known to get caught on lips, cheeks, and oral tissue, causing wounds and irritation. That’s why many people with braces need to carry around orthodontic wax with them at all times. Invisalign trays are made from a smooth, clear, plastic material that is customized to fit your unique dental structure to minimize discomfort.

Some of our patients do notice slight tenderness when they advance to their next set of trays in their series. However, this can be combatted by switching to your new aligners at night so you sleep through a majority of the adjustment period. If you still notice some tenderness, you can also take ibuprofen.

How do I clean my aligners?

Cleaning your Invisalign trays is a vital part of keeping your mouth healthy as you undergo treatment. Here are some daily and weekly maintenance tips:

• Rinse your aligners before you put them in your mouth.
• Always store your trays in their hard, protective case whenever they’re not in your mouth.
• Brush your aligners using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap at least once a day.
• Sanitize your trays every week in a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar for 15 minutes.

If you have any other maintenance questions, you can always contact our office!

How often will I need to visit my dentist while undergoing Invisalign treatment?

During your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to visit your dentist in Gainesville every six to eight weeks for a quick progress check and to collect your next pairs of aligners. On average, these appointments only last between 15 and 20 minutes, so you can easily squeeze them into a lunch break!