Dr. Ballou is a Certified Invisalign Provider. Invisalign is an aesthetic orthodontic technique that uses a series of doctor-prescribed, clear aligners to correct misaligned teeth, bites, and smiles for teens and adults. Invisalign allows Dr. Ballou to use extremely precise, 3-D, digital technology to control the way that teeth move with aligners. The aligners are made of an FDA approved, medical grade plastic that is customized to fit your teeth. Dr. Ballou determines how teeth move in terms of speed, order, and direction.
About every two weeks, there is a new aligner that fits your teeth slightly differently from the previous one to gradually improve alignment. Just like regular braces that place force on the teeth all the time, Invisalign must be worn for as close to full-time as possible. The general rule is for 22 hours per day, allowing two hours for brushing, flossing, and eating. The average treatment time with Invisalign depends on many patient-specific factors.
Why Would I Want Invisalign?
Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
What Are The Primary Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are clear; no one should even notice that you’re wearing braces, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others. Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment simply by removing the aligners when you eat. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign does not use metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. In addition, you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s chair and scheduling appointments, and more time out doing the things you love. Lastly, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start your treatment, so that you can preview how your straight teeth will look once your treatment is complete.
How Does Invisalign Work?
You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to their final positions. You’ll visit us about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time typically lasts nine to 15 months, and the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both numbers will vary from case to case.
Will Invisalign Fit My Lifestyle?
Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.
Since Invisalign is virtually invisible, chances are no one will even notice anything is different, until your new smile is revealed, of course.
You can remove your Invisalign aligners, so you can brush and floss regularly and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
You can occasionally remove your Invisalign aligners and enjoy a special night out.
There’s no need to change a thing. Continue your day-to-day activities while still straightening your teeth.
Be yourself with Invisalign. Since it’s clear, you don’t have to hide your smile while going through treatment.
With Invisalign, it’s easy to make your smile picture perfect for that special occasion.
Invisalign appointments work with your schedule. Most visits are in and out, with a quick progress check once every six weeks.