SERVICES

Invisalign
Chesterton, IN

Straighten your smile without braces

For most patients, straight teeth equal a beautiful smile. But did you know that a properly aligned bite is also healthier? Overlapped, crooked, or rotated teeth create a daily cleaning challenge. Helping even a couple straggling teeth find their proper place can leave you with a healthier mouth.

Straight teeth aren’t just for kids! Adults often make the most dedicated orthodontic patients, and it’s never too late to discuss the options for a bright, straight smile.

If you’d like to learn more about invisalign in Chesterton, IN and how it can benefit your smile, contact Sand Creek Dental today at (219) 926-8618 to schedule your appointment.

why straight teeth can benefit your dental health

Besides the boost to your confidence that a beautiful smile brings, straighter teeth also improve your oral health. When teeth overlap or are unevenly spaced, it can be difficult to keep them clean during brushing and flossing. Plaque and bacteria that get trapped in places that are hard to brush can increase your risk of developing problems like cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

A bite that is not correctly aligned can cause painful jaw joint issues and even headaches. Having teeth that are uniform and properly aligned will help you maintain your dental health in a more straightforward manner.

man putting on invisalign clear aligners | best invisalign dentist near you

what it fixes

  • Crowding
  • Crooked Teeth
  • Spacing / Gaps
  • Overbite and deep bite
  • “Buck Teeth”
  • Gaps Caused by Missing Teeth
  • Relapse from Previous Orthodontic Treatment

how it works

Clear aligners work by placing constant, gentle force on your teeth in order to carefully move them into more desirable positions.  

Removable trays can be set aside for short periods, allowing for normal eating and cleaning. The smooth plastic surface offers a comfort level to the tongue and cheeks unequaled by other forms of straightening.

duration of treatment

While each case is unique, treatment is typically completed in approximately 12-18 months.  The most important factor in achieving effective and efficient treatment is patient compliance.  This includes everything from meticulous home care (brushing and flossing) to keeping your regular orthodontic recall appointments (every 6-10 weeks).

alternatives

Some companies will have you take impressions of your teeth at home and mail you clear aligners. While you may be saving some money, you should carefully consider the downsides. Uncontrolled tooth movement and DIY orthodontics can lead to bad bites, poor esthetics, and even tooth loss. Invisalign offers exceptional outcomes and predictable results, time after time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Invisalign Chesterton, IN

What is Invisalign? How does Invisalign work to straighten my teeth?

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that are used to straighten teeth. It’s an alternative to traditional metal braces that are more visible and may cause discomfort to some patients. Invisalign aligners are made of a clear, flexible plastic material that fits snugly over the teeth and gradually moves them into the desired position.

The process of using Invisalign to straighten teeth begins by scheduling an appointment at Sand Creek Dental, where Dr. Shaun and Dr. Maya are trained and certified in Invisalign treatment. They will examine your teeth and take a 3D digital scan of your mouth, which will be used to develop your treatment plan.

Based on the treatment plan, a series of clear aligners will be custom-made for your teeth. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth slightly, and the patient wears each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set. Over time, the teeth gradually shift into the desired position.

One of the key benefits of Invisalign is that they are nearly invisible, which makes them an appealing option for adults who may be self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, so patients can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, which can make oral hygiene easier than with traditional braces. However, it’s important for patients to wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time each day (usually 20-22 hours) to ensure that the treatment is effective.

In order to get Invisalign, you will need to see a dental professional who is trained and certified in Invisalign treatment. This can include orthodontists, general dentists, and other dental specialists who have completed the necessary training and certification requirements.

Dr. Shaun and Dr. Maya are trained and certified in Invisalign treatment and would love the opportunity to discuss your teeth straightening options with you. Give Sand Creek Dental a call or schedule your consultation online today!

Invisalign works by using a series of custom-made clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Consultation | Dr. Shaun or Dr. Maya will evaluate your teeth and determine if Invisalign is a good option for you.
  2. Treatment plan | If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, Dr. Shaun and Dr. Maya will create a custom treatment plan based on your individual needs. This will include digital images of your teeth and a 3D model of your mouth that will help show how your teeth will move over time.
  3. Aligner creation | Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom-made aligners will be created for you. Each aligner will be slightly different from the previous one and designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
  4. Treatment | You’ll wear each aligner for about 22 hours a day for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next aligner in the series. Over time, your teeth will gradually move into the desired position.
  5. Follow-up appointments | You’ll have regular check-ups to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

The length of the Invisalign process varies depending on the complexity of your case and the specific treatment plan created for you. On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12-18 months, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances. Dr. Shaun and Dr. Maya can give you a better estimate of how long your treatment will take based on your specific case.

You’ve come to the right place! Sand Creek Dental is located right here in Chesterton, and Dr. Shaun and Dr. Maya regularly administer Invisalign for all ages. Give us a call or schedule your consultation online today!

To keep your Invisalign trays clean, it’s important to follow a regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips to help you clean your trays effectively:

  • Brush and rinse | After removing your trays, brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as this can warp the trays.
  • Use a cleaning solution | You can also use a cleaning solution specifically designed for Invisalign trays. Simply soak your trays in the solution for the recommended amount of time (usually 15-20 minutes), then rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • Avoid using toothpaste | While you should brush your trays with a soft-bristled toothbrush, it’s important to avoid using toothpaste, as this can scratch the trays and create areas where bacteria can accumulate.
  • Use a retainer case | When you’re not wearing your trays, store them in a clean retainer case to prevent them from becoming dirty or damaged.
  • Clean your teeth before wearing your trays | Before putting your trays back in, make sure to brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles or bacteria that could get trapped between your teeth and the trays.

By following these tips, you can help keep your Invisalign trays clean and in good condition, which can help ensure that your treatment is effective.

Invisalign treatment can cause some discomfort or soreness, particularly in the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This is normal and is a sign that the aligners are working to shift your teeth into the desired position.

Some patients may also experience discomfort or irritation on their gums, cheeks, or tongue from the edges of the aligners. However, this usually resolves within a few days as your mouth adjusts to the aligners.

Overall, the level of discomfort or pain experienced during Invisalign treatment is typically much lower than with traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that is less likely to cause irritation or soreness in the mouth than metal brackets and wires.

If you experience significant pain or discomfort during Invisalign treatment, please contact Dr. Shaun or Dr. Maya for advice. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan or provide suggestions for reducing discomfort.

Yes, Invisalign can be considered an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position, whereas traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to accomplish the same goal.

Both Invisalign and traditional braces can be effective at correcting a range of dental issues, including crowding, spacing, and bite problems. However, Invisalign has some advantages over traditional braces, such as:

  • Appearance | Invisalign aligners are made of a clear, transparent plastic material that is virtually invisible when worn, making them a more discreet option than metal braces.
  • Comfort | Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that is less likely to cause irritation or soreness in the mouth than metal brackets and wires.
  • Convenience | Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss, and then put them back in afterwards. This can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
  • Predictability | Invisalign uses advanced technology to create a customized treatment plan for each patient, which can help ensure more predictable and precise results.

It’s important to note that not all dental issues can be effectively treated with Invisalign. Dr. Shaun or Dr. Maya will evaluate your individual needs and recommend the best treatment option for you.

Yes! At Sand Creek Dental, we offer financing options that will spread out your payments and help you fit Invisalign treatment into your budget.

The timeline for seeing results from Invisalign treatment varies from person to person, as it depends on the severity of the orthodontic issues being addressed and how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan. However, most patients can expect to see some initial changes in their teeth within the first few weeks of wearing their first set of aligners.

Throughout the course of treatment, you will change to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, and each set will gradually shift your teeth closer to the desired position. Depending on your individual treatment plan, you may start to see significant improvements in the alignment of your teeth within a few months.

On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12 to 18 months to complete, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Some patients may require more or fewer aligners, and some may require additional procedures, such as extractions or attachments, to achieve the desired results.

It’s important to remember that Invisalign treatment requires active participation and commitment from the patient. This includes wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day, following the recommended treatment plan, and attending regular check-ups. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Invisalign treatment is as effective and efficient as possible.

The effectiveness of Invisalign vs. traditional braces depends on several factors, including the severity of the orthodontic issues being addressed and the patient’s commitment to treatment.

Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces for many orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, and bite problems. However, traditional braces may be more effective for more severe cases that require significant tooth movement or jaw realignment.

In terms of aesthetics, Invisalign is generally considered to be more attractive than traditional braces since the aligners are clear and virtually invisible when worn. This makes Invisalign a popular choice for adults and teenagers who are concerned about the appearance of metal braces.

Another advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, which can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. However, this also means that patients must be diligent about wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day in order to achieve the desired results.