Invisalign tips with Dr. McFarland

Lots and lots of people know that Invisalign is a phenomenal solution to traditional braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively.

Regular (and exceptional) oral hygiene is critical, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. McFarland wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

And...

3. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at the office of Dr. McFarland, we encourage you to give us a call at 972.221.2515!

The Invisalign® advantage with Dr. McFarland

Part of what makes Invisalign "work," is that the clear aligners are custom-made and designed just for you. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing Dr. McFarland does is take an impression of your teeth as they are now -- and digitizes it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, Dr. McFarland uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time, with each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. You'll visit Dr. McFarland about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. McFarland is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.