Invisalign

Invisalign® provides a quick and convenient way to address alignment problems like crooked or crowded teeth. At Urbandale Smiles in Urbandale, Iowa, experienced cosmetic and implant dentists regularly prescribe Invisalign treatment to children, teenagers, and adults. Call the office to request an Invisalign consultation for yourself or your child today, or book online.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment. It uses a series of removable plastic aligners to put mild pressure on your jaw and periodontal ligament (a band of tissue that supports your teeth). 

Wearing your aligners for a prescribed amount of time each day improves their position, making your smile more aesthetically pleasing and your teeth easier to clean.

What types of alignment problems can Invisalign correct?

At Urbandale Smiles, the providers use Invisalign to correct various alignment problems, including:

• Crowding
• Overlapping teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Malpositioned jaw

You might also benefit from Invisalign treatment if you have an abnormal bite, like crossbite, overbite, or underbite.

What does Invisalign treatment involve?

At Urbandale Smiles, Invisalign treatment begins with a review of your dental records and a discussion of what you like and dislike about your smile. Then your provider completes an oral exam and takes a series of digital X-rays. If you have crowded teeth or a misaligned jaw, you qualify for treatment.

Your dentist uses an intraoral scanner to capture digital impressions of your teeth. Then, they upload the impressions to a computer program and develop a custom orthodontic treatment plan, mapping out the precise movements of your teeth and jaw.

After finalizing the treatment plan, your dentist sends the impressions to an Invisalign lab. The lab then creates a series of Invisalign aligners. Every three or four weeks, you transition to a new set of aligners which place slightly different pressure on your jaw and periodontal ligament.

Can teenagers benefit from Invisalign treatment?

Yes. Urbandale Smiles regularly prescribes Invisalign treatment to tweens and teenagers. Invisalign aligners have blue indicator tabs that notify you (and your child) when they’re worn out or need replacing. When the tabs change color, you know it’s time for a checkup with your child’s dentist.

How long does treatment with Invisalign take?

The time that Invisalign treatment takes depends on the alignment problems addressed and your commitment to your dentist’s plan. Some people finish treatment within 12 months*, but it may take 24 months or even longer. After you finish wearing your aligners, you transition to an orthodontic retainer.

Follow your provider’s instructions, attend each of your Invisalign checkups, and wear your aligners for the time prescribed.

Call Urbandale Smiles to learn more about the benefits of Invisalign treatment, or book online today.

*Individual results may vary.