Our highly accurate, hugely hassle-free approach to Invisalign®: Get to know this braces alternative in 6 FAQs

A life of healthy, happy smiles is built on exceptional dental care. Our team strives to stay ahead of damage that negatively affects everything from how we eat and speak to how we feel about ourselves and our looks. Dr. Timothy Schmidt promotes optimal health and well-being by repositioning crooked and unevenly spaced teeth. Straight teeth are generally easier to clean and contribute to an attractively balanced-looking smile. And, comfortable and clear aligners at Life Smiles Dental Care can provide relief from chronic migraines, jaw pain, and other TMJ symptoms associated with misalignment and bite imbalances.
The search for an “Invisalign® dentist near me in Phoenix, Arizona” is over!
Dr. Schmidt not only provides this alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment (with braces), but he has also invested in the training and technologies to offer “fast track” accelerated treatment options and a seamless patient experience with the Invisalign Go™ system. We are often asked about this popular therapy, and it is our pleasure to share some of the most common questions we get from patients about Invisalign®.
What is Invisalign®?
As an alternative to braces, Invisalign® treatment involves using custom-made oral appliances or “aligners” to gradually reposition the teeth. These aligners are made from clear, flexible, and smooth advanced plastic. So they are comfortable and not visible when you smile. They can also be removed. With braces, the components that “do” the straightening (metal brackets and wires) are fixed to the teeth. They can only be removed or adjusted by an orthodontist or dentist.
When and how do I wear my aligners?
Each patient’s treatment experience is a little different and tailored to their needs. Generally, a series of aligners are required to complete treatment. The number of aligners that are required depends on the nature and extent of your misalignment and the need for bite correction. Each aligner is customized to fit your mouth perfectly. You simply slide the appliances over your teeth, similar to how you might wear a retainer, oral splint, or mouthguard. Only take the aligner out for meals and when cleaning the appliance or your teeth. You will wear each aligner in a specific order. After around one to two weeks, you wear a new aligner corresponding to the next stage of your one-of-a-kind treatment plan.
How long does treatment take?
There are many factors that contribute to each patient’s total treatment time. In addition to accounting for your specific needs, these factors include how well you follow any instructions provided by Dr. Schmidt. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can delay your results and add to the total treatment time. In general, Align Technologies (the makers of Invisalign®) reports that some patients may see results in as little as six months and five months sooner, on average, than patients who underwent treatment with traditional braces.
Am I a candidate for “fast track” treatment?
Dr. Schmidt will know for sure only after he examines your mouth and evaluates your needs. This option, Invisalign® Express, may be appropriate for some patients, such as adults who have experienced “relapse” or whose treated teeth have shifted back into their pre-treatment positions over time. It is also well-suited to individuals with less challenging orthodontic cases, such as minor crowding and spacing issues. It can also be an appropriate precursor to other treatments, such as veneers.
Why should I choose Life Smiles Dental Care for my Invisalign® treatment?
It is not sufficient for us to say that we provide a specific service. We strive to provide the highest-quality treatments and to give our patients a world of options within each treatment category. Plus, we have invested in the technologies that support the most comfortable and convenient experience and the exceptional outcomes that patients expect from Dr. Schmidt and the rest of the team. For instance, with the Invisalign Go™ system, every step to straighter teeth is as simple and hassle-free as possible. We can take digital scans of the mouth in just 60 seconds and use convenient remote monitoring tools to stay connected and up-to-date at every stage. Using the latest technologies for planning and monitoring also promotes the most accurate and predictable treatment by tracking elements like movement, tooth wear, and soft tissue changes over time. See your transformed smile for yourself. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmidt today by calling our office in Phoenix, AZ, at (602) 786-5484.