Invisalign Treatment OptionEveryone loves options. Even your smile.
Dr. Michael Thomas is a certified Invisalign provider. Even better, he is a Platinum Plus Invisalign provider! This means that when you choose MI Smile Journey Orthodontics for your Invisalign treatment needs in Michigan, you’re getting care from one of the most talented and results-driven orthodontists in Saginaw and Frankenmuth.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable trays that gently move your teeth into their optimal position. The reason they’re so popular is because not only are they virtually invisible when you wear them, but they also make it easier to brush and floss.
So, how does it work? Invisalign works by providing a small amount of tooth movement with each aligner tray. Each tray is customized to the specific treatment plan our doctors set out for you. You’ll wear them set of aligners for one week.
To make sure that your teeth are moving the right way, we’ll set up a progress appointment every 12 to 16 weeks. And the best part, both of our MI Smile Journey offices offer virtual visits, which makes getting treatment even more convenient.
Pro Tip: It’s recommended to remove your Invisalign aligners when eating or drinking and brushing your teeth. Just remember, never put them in a napkin as that’s the fastest way to accidentally toss it out.
The first step to a great smile starts with scheduling a free consultation at our office. Once we meet with you, our team will be able to determine if Invisalign is right for you.
During your free initial consultation, we’ll take scans, x-rays, and photographs for our team to better understand your smile and any underlying issues you may have. Common orthodontic problems include: overbites, underbites, crossbites, or crowded teeth. Given the fact that Dr. Thomas is a seasoned Invisalign expert, the odds are great that he will be able to make Invisalign work wonderfully for you and your smile goals, no matter what your existing orthodontic issues may be!
At your free initial consultation, we’ll also go over the cost of treatment, as well as the amount of time you’ll spend in treatment. Some treatment plans require a patient to use Invisalign for just a few months, while other situations require patients to wear their clear aligners for a longer in order to get their smile just right. We’ll go over how long we anticipate your treatment to last during your initial visit.
Once you’ve decided to move forward with the Invisalign process, we’ll use a 3D scanner to take detailed images of your teeth. These 3D images will help us generate a series customized aligners for your teeth. The awesome part about Invisalign clear aligners is that they are custom-made to fit your teeth as well as your gums. This process ensures us that these aligners will fit comfortably in your mouth.
Once you put the Invisalign aligners on for the first time, your orthodontist will check them to make sure that nothing is poking your gums or hurting your teeth. Be honest when we ask if everything feels okay. If your aligners are just a tiny bit uncomfortable you won’t wear them. So it’s important for you to be honest with us so we can adjust your aligners for a comfortable fit. If at any time you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask them. And, if you think of questions after your appointment, or any issues arise, just call us. We’re always here for you.
We recommend you wear your aligners as often as possible – between 20 to 22 hours a day – and only remove them for eating, flossing, or brushing your teeth. It’s important that you remove your Invisalign aligners if you’re drinking anything other than water. This will help you minimize your chances of developing tooth decay or staining your aligners. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth normally after every meal.
Every 6 to 10 weeks, we’ll schedule a check-in appointment with our orthodontist so we can monitor your progress and make sure your aligners are moving your teeth the right way. This check-in also gives you an opportunity to pick up a new set of Invisalign aligners if you need them.
Once you’ve completed treatment, you’ll receive TWO sets of upper & lower retainers to help stabilize the correction & ensure you’ve got a backup pair at the ready! Don’t worry – it will not be necessary to wear this retainer all day like you did with your Invisalign aligners. Instead, you’ll only need to wear this retainer at night. Of course, if you want to wear it more than that, it’s up to you!
Clear or invisible braces are the terms many people use when they talk about options that don’t include traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are convenient, comfortable, and less noticeable than traditional braces. No matter what stage you’re at in life, our Invisalign treatments in Frankenmuth and Saginaw will work perfectly for teenagers and adults with minor to moderate alignment issues. And with virtual appointments, monitoring your progress works perfectly for busy schedules, too.
What is Invisalign?
Move over metal braces. Invisalign is here. Invisalign clear aligners have been around since the early 2000s. Since then, they’ve become even more advanced, providing cutting-edge teeth alignment treatment with the least amount of changes to your normal life, and how you see yourself.
No wires. No brackets. No worries. Invisalign aligners are completely clear and were specifically designed to align your teeth gradually. Best of all, these aligners can be removed when you brush, floss, eat, drink, and for special events. But, for them to really work, you need to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. After all, the more you wear them, the faster your smile journey will go.
How does Invisalign work?
First, Dr. Thomas will create a custom treatment plan just for you. Then, over the course of treatment, you’ll be supplied with a series of aligners for each stage of your treatment. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to your tooth position charted out in your custom treatment plan. You’ll change aligners about every 2 weeks.
So, here’s how the aligners work: When the aligners are placed on your teeth, they cause your teeth to gradually shift from their current position to their ideal position. Each week, we’ll tell you to switch your aligners for your next set, moving you one step closer to the smile you’ve always wanted.
What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
These virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. The main difference is that these trays are harder. When you sign up for Invisalign, you’ll get a series of custom-designed aligners made especially for your smile and your smile goals. Each aligner is based on the plan that Dr. Thomas will create for you at the beginning of treatment.
What are the benefits of using Invisalign aligners?
The benefit of using Invisalign is that it’s the clearest form of tooth alignment treatment out there. What’s really cool is that most people won’t even know you’re wearing them! Aside from the clear appearance, they’re also removable, so you can enjoy all of your favorite foods without worrying about food particles getting stuck between your braces.
Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure in your mouth. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working. This discomfort typically goes away after a few days.
How often must I wear my aligners?
We find that aligners are most effective when worn between 20 to 22 hours a day and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing. It’s crucial for patients to understand how important it is to keep their aligners on for the allotted time. Not wearing your aligners can extend treatment time, and no one wants that.
Who is eligible for Invisalign?
Looking for Invisalign? Then you’re in luck! Currently, at MI Smile Journey Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign for teens and adults. If you’re thinking about Invisalign, remember that in order for the treatment to work, you have to be diligent in wearing your aligners for the appropriate amount of time (20 to 22 hours a day). Forgetting to wear your aligners can cause major delays in your treatment. So, if you’re not sure if you can remember to wear them, Invisalign may not be the best choice for your smile.
Will I need retainers after getting Invisalign?
Here’s the truth: All orthodontic treatments require the use of retainers after completion to maintain your structural integrity and keep your teeth in their new position. It’s important that you wear your retainers as instructed by your orthodontist. Failure to wear your retainers may result in your teeth moving back to their former position.
PRO TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR RETAINERS
What do I do if my retainer is worn out?
It’s completely normal for your retainer to wear out from use. If you feel like your retainer isn’t fitting right, bring it to our Saginaw or Frankenmuthour location and we can adjust it for you or help you get a new one.
Is starting the Invisalign process complicated?
At MI Smile Journey Orthodontists, we go out of our way to make the process of getting Invisalign super-easy. Many of our patients feel more at ease when they come into our office before their first appointment just to have a look around and meet our team. If this is something you’re interested in, give us a call and we’ll hook you up with a grand tour.
So, if you’re looking for a flexible, low monthly payment plan with 0% interest-free financing, we’ve got it and then some. At MI Smile Journey Orthodontics, we offer in-house, 0% interest-free financing with zero credit checks.
Here, our mission is simple: To make you and your budget happy. And we do that by offering complimentary consultations and coffee as well as accepting most insurance plans, too.
Don’t see your insurance carrier listed above? No sweat. Contact our staff and we’ll review your insurance benefits for you at 989.792.7056.
