Traditional metal braces can be a hassle to deal with if you’re an adult with misaligned teeth. That’s why older patients who are unhappy about their smile think they should just grin and bear it. Thankfully, Dr. El-Hawary provides Invisalign® treatment to fix misaligned teeth and other cosmetic issues. The best part is that the process is totally discreet and not as invasive as metal braces. These clear aligners are easy to use and known for producing great results.
Invisalign® can be the convenient solution you’ve been looking for to improve your smile. No longer do you have to give up your favorite foods or change any aspect of your current lifestyle. Read below to learn how you can achieve a beautiful smile at Dow’s Lake Dental with custom, clear aligners.
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a clear aligner therapy backed by more than 20 years of technological research and dental innovation. Unlike traditional metal braces, this treatment works by giving patients a more precise and predictable aligner regimen, with the results being a dream smile that’s 50 percent faster than alternative methods. Invisalign® works by gradually straightening your teeth with a series of custom-made, transparent aligners crafted from SmartTrack® material.
As long as you wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, you can achieve a camera-ready smile that’s ready for any moment. Since Invisalign® is transparent and flexible, you and your friends will hardly notice that you’re wearing them.
The Invisalign® Process
Invisalign® is a fast, effective way to straighten your smile without having to deal with uncomfortable metal wires or brackets that can potentially damage your gums. The treatment itself typically requires fewer office visits compared to patients with braces and overall less maintenance while straightening your teeth.
Step 1 – Your Initial Consultation
Your journey to a dream smile begins with an initial consultation with Dr. El-Hawary, who will examine your teeth and jaw to determine if you’re a candidate for clear aligners. After reviewing your medical and dental history, if we conclude that Invisalign® is the right solution, we’ll begin developing a personalized treatment plan for creating your aligners.
Step 2 – Treatment Plan & 3D-Scanning
After mapping out your treatment, Dr. El-Hawary will take a 3D scan of your teeth to help develop your custom-made aligners to ensure that they fit with the natural groves of your smile. Our Invisalign® system will take this information and translate it into a digital image, which can show you what your smile will potentially look like following treatment.
Step 3 – Straightening Your Smile
Your custom aligners will be developed in a laboratory. After a few weeks, you’ll return to our Ottawa office so that Dr. El-Hawary can ensure that they fit onto your teeth. For effective results, we recommend wearing your aligner trays for 20 to 22 hours a day — only removing them for eating or cleaning. It’s important to continue maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing in-between meals.
Since each tray of Invisalign® aligners are designed to shift specific teeth, we’ll provide you with a new set every two weeks. This orthodontic therapy is built on the idea that gradual, precise changes will lead to stunning, successful alignment results.
Are You a Candidate for Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is the perfect treatment for patients looking to enhance their smile. While there are some dental issues that are more effectively treated with metal braces, Invisalign® can help most patients fix the appearance of their teeth within half the time of alternative methods. To learn if you may be a candidate, contact Dow’s Lake Dental by calling us at (613) 406-6464.
Common Questions About Invisalign®
Invisalign® treatment typically takes 12 months to complete, but this also varies depending on your case and oral health needs. Our office recommends scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. El-Hawary or one of our knowledgeable dentists to discuss your smile goals and evaluate your oral health. Afterwards, we’ll provide you with a customized treatment plan that will include an estimated timeline of the treatment.
While there may be some discomfort for the first few days after swapping out your aligner, Invisalign® treatment is virtually painless and less of a hassle compared to metal braces or other alternative methods. Any discomfort you experience due to your teeth shifting will be mild and can easily be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers or a cold compress. If you experience any persistent discomfort, we encourage you to contact our office for assistance.
If you lose or damage your aligners, we encourage you to contact our Ottawa office immediately by calling us at (613) 406-6464. It’s important to avoid trying to fix your appliance on your own since this can further damage them and typically doesn’t work. In most cases, we’ll probably need to order a replacement to ensure your treatment stays on track.
Invisalign® aligners are easy to maintain and care for. The following guidelines will ensure you avoid damaging your trays and getting the most out of your treatment:
- Rinse your aligners and teeth after every meal
- Soak your aligners at least once a day
- Brush your teeth and aligners in the morning
- Place aligners in a protective case while not wearing them
- Don’t let trays come into contact with hot water or heat
Straighten Your Smile Fast With Invisalign®
Straightening your teeth is as easy as possible for adults thanks to Invisalign® clear aligners. Forget about traditional metal braces with this effective and fast treatment option. The best part is that you won’t have to give up your favorite foods or change your lifestyle.
To learn if these aligners are right for you, contact Dow’s Lake Dental by calling us at (613) 406-6464 or by filling out an online contact form. We also serve patients near downtown Ottawa including Centretown West, Chinatown, and Byward Market.
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