Dr. Ratti Handa offers Invisalign® treatment in Acton, MA. This clear aligner system is a comfortable alternative to traditional, metal braces. It uses a series of clear plastic aligners instead of the metal brackets and wires.
Patients with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite are good candidates for this cosmetic treatment option. Dr. Handa also offers an airway approach to dentistry. Patients that receive Invisalign will benefit from this. Learn about these benefits and more below.
Benefits of Invisalign®
The clear aligners in this treatment are not only almost invisible but you can also remove during the course of your treatment. Patients are able to clean their teeth and gums and eat a normal diet. The treatment timeline for Invisalign® is faster than traditional braces and capable of correcting alignment issues.
Invisalign® is a highly beneficial treatment used in Airway and Biorejuvenation Dentistry because it can help prevent several problems caused by crooked teeth. Patients with a misaligned bite are more likely to develop conditions such as teeth clenching and grinding, sleep apnea, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Dr. Handa offers an Airway centered approach to her dental treatments. We focus on treatments that offer more comfort to patients for improved aesthetics and oral health.
Treatment with Invisalign® from Dr. Ratti Handa
During your evaluation, Dr. Handa or a member of her dental staff will discuss your goals for your smile and take dental impressions and photographs of teeth. Using the information gathered at the exam, we will create a treatment plan. We will be able to digitally move the teeth in your bite model so that you can see the end result.
Once you receive your aligners, you will wear each set for about 2 weeks for 20-22 hours per day. You should only remove them to eat, drink, brush and floss. With each new set of aligners, your teeth will move closer to their optimal positions.
Some patients will experience mild discomfort from the pressure on the teeth. However, this should fade quickly. You should clean your clear aligners daily with gentle brushing using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also clean them with a prescribed solution or warm water.
Financing Your Orthodontic Treatment
There are many insurance plans that now cover at least a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign®. Our Acton, MA staff would be happy to speak to your provider on your behalf to maximize any available coverage for this treatment.
If you need assistance financing any portion of treatment not covered by insurance, please speak with our staff. We will work with you to develop a payment plan that fits comfortably within your budget.
Invisalign FAQs
Does Invisalign give you bad breath?
If your Invisalign is giving you bad breath it is probably due to poor oral care. Another reason may be that you are not cleaning your aligners well enough. If you find that your aligners smell bad, develop a more frequent cleaning routine.
How often should I soak my Invisalign?
Patients may soak their aligners up to twice a day. This is a great way to maintain them, prevent stains, and ensure that they are always clean. Patients should brush their aligners each time after taking them out and before putting them back in.
What happens if I don’t wear my Invisalign for 22 hours a day?
If you are unable to wear your aligners 22 hours per day, it will extend your treatment time. Your teeth will not shift at their expected times, and you will need to wear your aligners for a longer period, thus prolonging treatment.
What can you not do with Invisalign?
Patients with Invisalign should avoid eating or drinking with aligners in. This may transfer bacteria to the aligners, which can cause damage to both teeth and your Invisalign trays. Patients should also be careful when removing their aligners.
We recommend using a case to protect them. Lastly, patients should be sure to brush their aligners periodically to keep them clean.
Should I drink through a straw with Invisalign?
If you choose to drink with your aligners, we recommend doing so through a straw. This allows the liquid to make less contact with the aligners and your teeth, which prevents the transfer of any bacteria in the drink.
Can I eat with Invisalign trays in?
We recommend patients remove their Invisalign aligners before eating. It will be difficult to chew with aligners in, and there is potential for them to break under pressure from chewing. Food may also stain your aligners, so it may affect your appearance since they are clear and “invisible”.
Request a Dental Exam Today
Do you want to correct your misaligned bite? Straighten crooked teeth more efficiently with Invisalign®. Schedule a dental exam with Dr. Handa online today. You can also call our office at 978.212.3783.
Dr. Handa and her professional team of dentists aim to give patient advanced care in a friendly and warm office environment. If you have any queries about your current dental problems or possible solutions, feel free to ask one of our dentists. They will be happy to assist you.