Invisalign ®

Clear plastic aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment. For patients with unevenly spaced teeth, misaligned bites, tooth crowding, and other like issues, there are certainly many ways to both improve smile aesthetics and balance out bite forces. However, among them, only Invisalign is completely free of annoying wires and brackets. With Invisalign aligners, patients can enjoy flexible, adaptable treatments from start to finish. Moreover, they can eat what they want, and continue smiling confidently all throughout the treatment process.

Invisalign Aligners Are Totally Transparent

Invisalign are clear, plastic aligners that are designed specifically for the individual patient’s mouth according to individual treatment goals. With Invisalign, the progress of tooth movement is accurately tracked. Moreover, rather than having brackets or wires tightened, people simply replace their old aligners with new ones when the time is right. Best of all, much like the name implies, these clear braces are both capable of moving the teeth to more appropriate positions and completely transparent. For the first time ever, patients can receive aggressive orthodontic treatments while looking completely like themselves. There’s no social anxiety to contend with, and the results are just as impressive as those produced by metal or ceramic braces, if not more so. Many of our patients have chosen clear aligners with outstanding results. More importantly, they’ve enjoyed the journey to straight teeth just as much as they appreciate the improvements that they’ve gained.

No Sore Lips or Abraded Inner Cheeks

Clear aligners aren’t just less conspicuous, they’re also far more comfortable to wear. The trays in an Invisalign treatment are composed entirely of high-grade and completely smooth plastic. Whereas metal braces can cause painful abrasions at the inner lips and at the inner cheeks, these trays don’t cause any rubbing, chafing, or other forms of friction-related discomfort at all. They do not have any sharp, extruding pieces or edges, and they provide a comfortable, custom fit from end-to-end.

There Are No Dietary Limitations With Invisalign

There’s a very extensive list of foods that people cannot eat when wearing traditional wire braces. Chewy taffies, crunchy nuts, and uncut apples are just a few. When those who wear braces want to indulge, they have to cut their favorite chewy, crunchy, or sticky food items into tiny bite-sized pieces first. They also have to spend long stretches of time brushing, flossing, and picking remnants of these foods from their teeth and braces. Conversely, indulging with Invisalign is as easy as taking your trays out. Both your teeth and your aligners can be easily brushed and cleaned before putting your trays back in. Removal and reinsertion are both easy and painless with these systems. They also make it infinitely easier to avoid the dental decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues that many brace-wearers face when their oral hygiene is lacking. You don’t have to brush or floss around sharp, worrisome extrusions, or worry about trapped particles causing problems. With clear braces, patients can avoid embarrassing mouth odors, tooth discoloration, unfortunate build-ups of plaque, and sore, irritated gums. When you choose clear braces, your teeth and soft tissues will thank you.

Fewer Office Visits

Invisalign trays only require maintenance approximately once every six-weeks. This means that you’ll spend far less time in our office than if you opt for wire braces, ceramic braces, wire braces with elastic bands, or any other alternative orthodontic appliances. In fact, for many patients, these treatments can be significantly shorter overall. With a customized, data-driven, tooth realignment plan, you can reach your cosmetic goals in seemingly no time. If you don’t have a lot of time for regular office visits and want a nearly set-it-and-forget-it solution, this is definitely the right treatment for you. Even upgrading your trays to account for gradual tooth movement is always a simple, hassle-free process.

Many of our patients have put orthodontic treatment off over the years due to fears about how they might look once braces have been applied. Innovations in orthodontic treatment have made it easier and more comfortable for people to straighten their teeth at any age. Countless students and professionals are using clear aligners to boost their confidence, improve their looks, and enhance the overall efficacy of their bites. No matter what your orthodontic or cosmetic goals may be, Invisalign is the clear choice.

Invisalign is a clear, plastic aligner designed for each patient’s mouth based on their treatment goals. At Grace Dental in Overland Park, Invisalign allows for accurate tracking of tooth movement. Rather than tightening brackets or wires, you simply replace your old aligners with new ones at the recommended intervals.

The Invisalign journey at our Overland Park dental office begins with a thorough consultation to assess how aligners can best support your smile goals. During this initial visit, we evaluate your current smile, identify any potential obstacles, and determine where pressure should be applied to shift your teeth effectively. We then take a digital scan of your teeth with profile photos and create a customized treatment plan that maps out each stage of your progress. This plan, also known as ClinCheck, allows you to preview your expected results and collaborate with your dentist before beginning treatment.

Once you receive your first set of aligners, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only to eat or brush. Depending on your personalized treatment plan, you’ll typically switch to a new aligner every one to two weeks. These clear aligners gently guide your teeth into their ideal position over time. While the entire Invisalign process at our Overland Park clinic usually takes 12 to 18 months, many patients notice visible changes within just a few weeks.

This modern and methodical approach ensures that your treatment stays on track and aligned with your goals. Invisalign also offers a patient portal to track your case and post photos of your teeth’s movement and progress. It offers a clear path to the smile you’ve always wanted, all from the comfort of your local Overland Park dental office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical duration of the treatment?
At Grace Dental, Invisalign treatment usually takes 12 to 18 months, depending on your unique needs. Many patients start noticing positive changes within just a few weeks, but full results take time as your teeth gradually shift into alignment.

How frequently are aligners replaced?
Most patients change their aligners every one to two weeks, following a schedule customized by your Grace Dental provider. These regular changes help guide your teeth gently into place. We’ll monitor your progress during check-ins to ensure everything stays on track.

How often do the aligners need to be worn each day?
To get the best results, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. They should only be removed for meals, drinking anything other than water, and brushing or flossing. Staying consistent with wear time helps keep your treatment on schedule.

How is the treatment plan created?
We begin by taking a precise digital scan using an iTero scanner. From there, our team at Grace Dental creates a custom digital treatment plan that maps out the movement of your teeth step by step. You’ll even get a preview of what your new smile will look like before treatment begins.

What is the first step in Invisalign treatment?
Your journey starts with a consultation at Grace Dental. During this visit, we’ll examine your smile, discuss your goals, and determine if Invisalign is right for you. If it is, we’ll walk you through the following steps, including taking impressions or scans to start designing your personalized treatment plan.