Invisalign in
St. Louis
Invisalign
The Invisalign™ System is a series of clear overlay templates called aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adult and teen patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask Dr. Frost if you are a candidate for the Invisalign™ system. Below, you will see an instructional video about our Invisalign treatment and the technology involved. Dr. Frost takes you through it’s advantages and benefits as well as a play by play in what to expect while fitting for your Invisalign treatment with our state of the art iTero scanner. It’s painless!
- Open video transcript
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Good morning, I’m Dr. Andy Frost and I am an orthodontist in Creve Coeur, Missouri.
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Our business is straightening teeth, for children and adults.
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The product that we’re discussing today is the iTero Scanner. And the purpose of the
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scanner is to get an exact digital representation of the patient’s teeth for invisalign treatment.
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So traditionally when we would do Invisalign treatment we would make an impression of someone’s
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teeth and then that would be scanned by the Invisalign company. Now, we make an exact
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digital representation with our scanner which is much more accurate than using the two-step
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process of doing the impressions and then the scan. It’s about 10 to 15 minutes to get
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an exact representation.
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The technology has been available for four or five years now and for wide spread use.
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We’ve been using it for about two years.
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Well, Invisalign is becoming more and more available all the time. The company is promoting
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products for younger and younger patients all the time. We use it mostly for people
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who have all of their adult teeth and we haven’t treated anyone younger than about 14 years
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of age using invisalign. I think it’s best used for people who can comply with it well;
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adults who don’t want to wear braces, it’s a very nice alternative.
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So, in order for us to get a high quality scan of the type we need to do the treatment
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properly, we have to isolate the teeth using a retractor. This keeps the cheeks away from
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the teeth as well as taking saliva away which will distort the scan. Now she is working
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on the interior teeth and as she works around the mouth, she will be able to track the scan
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on the computer monitor as she progresses.
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Once she’s worked around the lower teeth, she will move to the upper teeth.
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So, once the patient’s scan has been put into the Invisalign software, I have the ability
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to see how the teeth are going to move during the treatment. So, in this young man’s case,
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you can see that the upper jaw is widened and the teeth are brought back and aligned.
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We can also see it in the front view or the side view so we can see how we want the teeth
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to overlap. The software also shows us where the placement of all of the buttons are
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for this patient’s treatment. These, in real life, are not red but white.
What Is Invisalign And How Does It Work?
What Are Aligners Made Of And How Do They Work?
The aligners you will receive are made of a thermoplastic material, unique to the Invisalign treatment plan. They look similar to teeth-whitening trays. The aligners are effective because Dr. Frost provides you with personalized aligners specifically tailored to your teeth.
How Do Aligners Straighten Teeth?
Throughout your treatment, Dr. Frost will provide you with a series of custom aligners. Each set will adjust your tooth position, following a personalized strategy that is mapped out in advance by your orthodontist. The aligners slowly shift your teeth into the next position of the plan. Every two weeks your aligners will be updated to accommodate the movement of your teeth.
How Will Invisalign Effectively Move My Teeth?
Similar to traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth as a result of the targeted placement of controlled force. The most significant difference is that Invisalign controls both the force and the timing of the application. Only certain teeth move in each set of aligners, according to the plan Dr. Frost creates for you.
What Are The Primary Benefits Of Invisalign?
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Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. Invisalign is meant to blend seamlessly with your lifestyle.
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Invisalign aligners are removable. Unlike traditional metal braces, your Invisalign aligners are removable, giving you the flexibility to eat, drink, brush and floss like normal. However, you should keep your aligners in for 20-22 hours each day for effective results.
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There are no metal brackets or wires. Traditional braces are known to cause irritation and mouth pain. Invisalign uses smooth surfaces for a more natural fit in your mouth. Additionally, the lack of wire adjustments means your office visits will be faster!
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Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results. Before you begin treatment, you can see a virtual example of the results you can expect. Instead of trying to imagine straight teeth under metal braces, you will be able to see them for yourself.
What Is The Invisalign Treatment Process?
How Long Will Treatment Take?
On average, an adult will complete treatment in 12 months; however, this varies based on specific situations. Dr. Frost will be able to give you a better prospective timeline following a consultation and evaluation.
Can I Go To Any Orthodontist To Be Treated With Invisalign?
All dentists and orthodontists who treat patients with Invisalign must complete specialized instructional sessions to become trained Invisalign Providers.
How Often Must I Wear My Aligners?
Aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day.
How Often Must I See My Invisalign Doctor?
You must visit the office every 4-6 weeks to review your Invisalign progress.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Some treatment movements require either “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligner grip the teeth. Attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite affixed to your teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners. Your orthodontist will use one or both of these features to attempt to achieve the desired tooth movement.
How Will It Affect My Life?
Will Invisalign Treatment Be Painful?
Invisalign moves teeth without the pain metal braces can cause. It is normal, however, to feel temporary pressure at the beginning of each new set of aligners. This is a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination.
Can Aligners Be Worn While Sleeping?
The aligners must be in place a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day for the treatment to be effective, so wearing them both day and night is necessary.
Will Wearing Invisalign Aligners Affect My Speech?
Invisalign aligners may temporarily cause a lisp in some patients. This will disappear after one or two days once the patient’s mouth has adjusted to the aligners.
Are There Restrictions As To What I Can Eat While In Treatment?
No. Because the aligners must be removed, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment.
Will Smoking Stain The Aligners?
Smoking can discolor your aligners, and is discouraged for Invisalign patients.
Can I Drink Alcohol With The Aligners In?
Moderate amounts of alcohol may be consumed while wearing Invisalign braces. Thoroughly clean teeth and aligners after drinking, to eliminate damaging sugar residue.
Can I Chew Gum While Wearing Aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. Orthodontists recommend removing the aligners before eating or chewing gum.
Can The Aligners Slip Off?
The aligners are designed to fit firmly on the teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern. Aligners will stay in place while speaking, laughing, sleeping, and more.
Why Should I Feel Confident About Invisalign?
How Many Patients Have Been Treated By Invisalign?
More than 2 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign.
Do Aligners Contain Bisphenol-A (BPA)?
No. Invisalign aligners and Vivera Retainers do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. These aligners and retainers are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins.
Who Qualifies For Invisalign Treatments?
Invisalign Teen is appropriate for patients who have shed all of their baby teeth and have second molars at least partially erupted– this includes most teens. An orthodontist can tell you if your specific case qualifies for treatment.
What Happens After Treatment Is Completed?
What Happens After Treatment To Prevent My Teeth From Moving Again?
After completing your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will determine whether you will need continuing preventative measures.
What If I’ve Had Braces, Or Other Dental Conditions?
I Am Currently Wearing Braces, Can I Make The Switch To Invisalign?
Many patients receive a combination of traditional braces and Invisalign treatments. Ask your orthodontist of you can make the switch.
Does Invisalign Work With Veneers?
After a consultation, your orthodontist will be able to tell you if Invisalign is the best solution for your specific case.
Does Invisalign Work With Bridgework?
Invisalign is designed to move individual teeth, and bridgework involves connecting teeth. This makes it difficult to successfully complete and Invisalign treatment plan.
What Are The Costs And Payment Options?
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
We know cost is a big question for anyone considering orthodontic work. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only your doctor can determine the cost, based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, where you live, your orthodontic insurance coverage, and additional factors determined by your dentist or orthodontist. In the U.S., the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, with the national average at about $5,000.
What Payment Options Are Available For Invisalign?
Most doctors will help you find options to make your treatment affordable. Many offices offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans. Many doctors also offer financing through CareCredit. Specifically designed for health-care expenses, CareCredit is a third-party patient financing program that makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.
Your orthodontic insurance often covers Invisalign™ to the same extent as conventional braces. Many Invisalign™ providers also offer affordable monthly payment plans. For more information about Invisalign, give us a call at (314) 567-1888.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, St. Louis Orthodontist Dr. Andy Frost can help.
To learn more, visit Invisalign.com
