Invisalign has changed the way we fix teeth by giving patients a modern alternative to metal braces. When people come to our office to ask about straightening their teeth we often find Invisalign is the answer to many orthodontic problems. This new therapy uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into place.
The first step is a full exam where we check your teeth, bite and overall oral health. We use the latest digital scanning technology to make exact 3D models of your teeth. These models help us plan your whole treatment from start to finish. At Marrecau Orthodontics we can show you what your teeth will look like after treatment. This helps patients know what to expect and stay motivated throughout the process.
Invisalign are built in to your teeth and are meant to apply moderate pressure to your teeth to slowly move them. For about two weeks you’ll wear each set of aligners before moving on to the next set in the series. Most patients get multiple sets at once. This means they don’t have to go to the office as often as they would with traditional braces which need to be adjusted every month. Surgical Orthodontics is recommended for advanced bite or jaw concerns that require a combined approach of braces and corrective surgery. This type of treatment helps improve both function and facial balance.
One of the best things about Invisalign is that the aligners are hardly noticeable while you wear them. Many patients love that they can straighten their teeth without having to wear metal brackets and wires that are easy to see. Because of this, adults and teens who are embarrassed to wear braces in key situations or professional situations are embarrassed to wear braces in social or professional settings love Invisalign.
Invisalign aligners can be taken out which is a big plus for everyday living. You can take them out while you eat so you can eat all your favourite foods and not worry about what to wear and not have to wear metal so to eat and not have to eat and not have to worry about what to eat. This also makes it easier to brush and floss than with regular braces which helps patients keep their teeth clean during treatment.
But for Invisalign to work patients have to follow the rules. To get the teeth to move as planned you have to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Patients who take their aligners out a lot or forget to put them back in may have to wait longer for their treatment to work or get less than desirable results.
Invisalign can help with many common orthodontic problems like crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites. Over the years the technology has come a long way and now we can treat cases that used to only be possible with traditional braces. But for the best results some complex orthodontic problems may still need traditional braces or other appliances.
The length of treatment depends on how complex your case is but most people finish their Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months. Some easy cases can be done in as little as 6 months but more complex ones can take up to 2 years. During your consultation we will give you realistic time frames based on your individual orthodontic needs.
Every 6 to 8 weeks you will have a regular check up to see how your teeth are progressing and make sure they are moving as planned. These appointments are usually shorter than regular braces adjustments which makes them easier to fit into your busy schedule.
Invisalign is a comfortable, convenient and beautiful way for Parkland residents to straighten their teeth. Straighter teeth are worth it for more than just how they look. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean and will keep your mouth healthier in the long run. Contact us to schedule an appointment to have us look at your individual situation and discuss if this treatment is right for you.
Dr. Tomas Marrecau brings a strong academic background and a genuinely patient-focused approach to orthodontic care. After studying molecular biology at Princeton and completing dental school at Tufts, he finished his orthodontic residency at the University of Pennsylvania, gaining advanced training in modern treatment techniques. At his Parkland practice, he focuses on individualized care, creating treatment plans that fit each patient’s needs and long-term goals. Outside the office, he stays active through tennis, golf, and travel, keeping the same easygoing energy he brings to his work.