Invisalign Clear Aligners in Winter Park, FL

Invisalign

Many adults who would like straighter teeth put off orthodontic treatment because they don't want metal brackets and wires. Invisalign offers another way. At Winter Park Dental Arts on West Morse Boulevard, we use the Invisalign system to straighten crooked teeth, close gaps, relieve crowding and improve your bite with a series of clear, removable aligners.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system. Instead of brackets and wires, it uses a series of thin, clear plastic aligners, sometimes called trays, that fit over your teeth much like a mouth guard. Because the aligners are made from a light, clear material, most people won't notice you're wearing them. Because they are removable, you can take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss.

Invisalign can help if you have:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • A malocclusion (a bite that doesn't line up properly)
  • Teeth you'd like to straighten without a permanent metal brace

How Invisalign works at our Winter Park office

1. Consultation and planning. Your dentist starts with impressions and X-rays of your teeth. This information goes to the Invisalign laboratory with detailed instructions on how your teeth should move.

2. Your 3D treatment plan. The Invisalign team turns your records into a 3D model of your mouth, showing each step of your teeth's movement from start to finish. Your dentist reviews every movement on screen and asks for adjustments if anything needs to change. The aligners are made only once your dentist is satisfied with the plan.

3. Receiving your aligners. About 4 weeks later, you'll come back to our office to pick up your aligners and learn how to wear and care for them. Depending on the type and severity of your case, you may have as few as 12 aligners or as many as 30.

4. Wearing your aligners. For the best results, wear each aligner at least 22 hours a day. Take it out only to eat, drink and brush your teeth.

How do clear aligners straighten teeth?

Each aligner is shaped slightly differently from the one before it. While you wear it, gentle pressure moves your teeth into the exact space inside the aligner. Once your teeth fit that aligner perfectly, you switch to the next one in the series. Each aligner moves your teeth about 1/10 of a millimeter. Over about 9 to 18 months, these small steps add up to straighter teeth and a better bite.

Invisalign vs. traditional braces

  • Appearance: Invisalign is clear and hard to notice; traditional braces use metal brackets and wires.
  • Removable: Invisalign can be removed for eating, drinking and brushing; braces are attached to the teeth.
  • Cleaning your teeth: With Invisalign, brush and floss as normal; with braces you must clean around brackets.
  • Daily commitment: Invisalign is worn about 22 hours a day; braces are worn full-time.

Paying for Invisalign

We work with many PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Ameritas, Cigna, Dental Renaissance, Aetna and Careington. We also offer flexible in-office payment plans, a cash discount and CareCredit. You'll know the total price of your treatment before we start. See insurance and payment options.

Invisalign FAQs

How long does Invisalign take? Most treatment takes about 9 to 18 months, depending on how much your teeth need to move.

How many hours a day do I wear the aligners? At least 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, drink and brush.

How many aligners will I need? Usually between 12 and 30, depending on the type and severity of your case.

How soon can I start? After your consultation, impressions and X-rays, your aligners are usually ready in about 4 weeks.

Can I combine Invisalign with whitening or other cosmetic work? Yes. Many patients pair Invisalign with teeth whitening, dental bonding or porcelain veneers as part of a cosmetic treatment plan.

Book an Invisalign consultation in Winter Park

Not happy with your smile and want to talk about discreet orthodontic treatment? Request an appointment or contact us. Winter Park Dental Arts is at 400 W Morse Blvd, Suite 101, Winter Park, FL 32789. We're open Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 4 PM and Friday 9 AM to 1 PM.