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Invisalign

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Invisalign® Clear Aligners four-step process.Invisalign® straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth.

Clearly Different

The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners - as few as 12 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually - week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before!

If you want to learn more about Invisalign and how it works, please visit the Invisalign Homepage.

To ensure the best possible results, only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, contact us to make an appointment.

Invisalign Video

Invisalign is one of the most popular treatment options among teens and adults today, offering an alternative to braces that is hard to pass up due to the advantages it has over traditional braces. Ditching the need for brackets and wires entirely, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth behind the scenes, letting you smile anytime without exposing some shiny silver metal.

At Tollgate Orthodontics, our very own Dr. Eves is not only a board certified orthodontic expert, but an Invisalign Preferred Provider as well, since he has already helped hundreds of patients craft their new smiles using Invisalign. Working with families from Jamestown, Warwick, and beyond, we get questions all the time regarding Invisalign. We always encourage our patients to ask any questions they have before and during their treatment, but for your convenience, we've put some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers right here.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign is a special type of orthodontic treatment that utilizes clear, removable aligners to move your teeth instead of the traditional bracket and archwire system of braces. The aligners are made from a translucent plastic material that is not only durable, but appears to be completely invisible when worn. Each aligner is custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth, with the aligner only needing a slight push into place, after which they will work their teeth moving magic. 

What Is The Process For Getting Invisalign?

The first step is always scheduling an appointment with your orthodontist, during which they will conduct an initial examination to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign before starting the process of crafting the aligners. To make your Invisalign aligners, we use advanced 3D imaging technology to get high-quality images of your teeth, using them to map out the paths that your teeth need to travel along to reach their ideal position. Once the aligners are created, putting them on starts the process of moving your teeth.

The aligners come in sets, which are worn for two weeks straight before moving onto the next set. The total number of sets that are required varies on a case to case basis, with the longer treatment times being due to teeth that are more severely misaligned.

How Does Invisalign Effectively Move Teeth?

Invisalign moves your teeth in a similar fashion to braces, despite doing it a completely different way. Just as braces and archwire do, the clear aligners apply a tiny amount of pressure to your teeth in certain directions throughout your treatment. This pressure is hardly noticeable while you're wearing the aligners other than some slight discomfort, but it is moving your teeth at a regular pace as long as you wear the aligners.

What Are The Benefits Of Invisalign?

Most people choose Invisalign because of the advantages that it has over traditional braces, since they were designed to cater to patients that had different needs and preferences when it comes to their orthodontic treatment. Some of the main benefits of Invisalign include:

  • Virtually Invisible - Thanks to the clear plastic that the aligners are made of, no one will be able to see that you're wearing anything over your teeth.

  • Removable - while braces may come with some dietary restrictions to prevent them from being damages, Invisalign aligners are removable so you can eat and drink whatever you want. However, you do need to brush and floss before putting them back in.

  • Superior Comfort - Without the need for brackets and wires all over your mouth, many patients find that Invisalign is a more comfortable choice for orthodontic treatment. Also, your check-up appointments with your orthodontist are quick and easy, and don't require any tightening like braces would.

Can I Get Invisalign?

While Invisalign is a great choice for anyone who wants a more comfortable and aesthetically appealing orthodontic treatment option, it's not for everyone. Mostly, Invisalign is designed for the treatment of adults and teenagers, leaving younger children with other options such as metal or clear braces. Additionally, some patients may not be eligible for Invisalign due to the severity of their individual case, with other treatment options offering more effective and comfortable for their specific treatment plan.

It's important to note that there is also never an age limit to orthodontic treatment, since it's never too late to get the perfect smile you've always wanted. Tollgate Orthodontics even has an 83-year-old patient using Invisalign! To find out if you can get Invisalign, just schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation here at Tollgate Orthodontics.

Should I Get Invisalign From My Dentist Or Orthodontist?

We often hear patients mention that their dentist offers Invisalign treatment, and sometimes it's even cheaper than the treatment we offer here in our office. For your own well-being, we recommend avoiding getting Invisalign from your dentist, since they are not as qualified to provide the treatment as an orthodontist and Preferred Invisalign provider like Dr. Eves would be.  This is because orthodontist receive additional education beyond dental school that focuses specifically on providing orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, so they can offer patients effective care every time.

Contact Our Rhode Island Orthodontic Office!

If you didn't find the answer to your questions here on our FAQ page, just contact us, and you'll be connected with a member of our knowledgeable dental staff who will be able to provide you with the answers you're looking for. If you're ready to get started with Invisalign, you can schedule your appointment with us for a complimentary consultation at either of our orthodontic offices in Rhode Island by giving us a call, or using our online appointment request form. We look forward to meeting you, and helping you transform your smile!