For patients with crooked or misaligned teeth, Dr. Hedlund proudly offers Invisalign® as a cosmetic treatment in Alpharetta and Roswell, GA. Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that gradually apply pressure to your teeth. They will straighten them into your desired position.
Dr. Hedlund is a certified Invisalign provider in the Fulton County area. She personalizes each Invisalign treatment so it works the first time. We can correct issues like crowded teeth, over-bites, underbite, gap teeth, and open bite. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, our customized treatment plans will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Invisalign® in Alpharetta, GA
Invisalign is a modern way to straighten teeth using clear aligners that you can remove. Dr. Hedlund begins by taking digital scans of your teeth. She will send these scans to a lab to create a custom set of aligners made just for you.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before switching to the next one. This process gently moves your teeth into place over time.
The aligners are comfortable, so you can wear them for most of the day. To get the best results, you need to keep them in for at least 22 hours each day. You’ll only take them out when you eat, drink anything besides water, or when you brush and floss your teeth. Sticking to this routine is the key to seeing the changes you want.
The Invisalign® Process
The Invisalign process starts with a consultation, where Dr. Hedlund will check your teeth, take X-rays, and decide if Invisalign is the right choice for you. If she thinks it’s a good fit, she’ll create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your smile.
Next, we’ll take digital scans of your teeth. These detailed images help us plan how your teeth will shift during treatment. We send everything to the Invisalign lab, where they will make your first set of clear aligners.
At your next visit, we’ll check how the aligners fit and make sure you’re comfortable with how to wear and care for them. You’ll usually wear each set of aligners for about a week before switching to the next one. Throughout treatment, you’ll come in for checkups so we can track your progress and make changes if needed.
Invisalign is a popular choice because it’s almost invisible and doesn’t involve metal wires or brackets. It’s best for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues. It’s also very predictable! You’ll know exactly how your teeth should move at every stage. Using a digital plan based on your scans, we can show you how each tooth will move throughout the clear aligner treatment.
Dental patient before and after Invisalign at Esthetic Dental Solutions.
Invisalign® FAQs
Invisalign is a cutting-edge orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. If you’re considering clear aligners instead of traditional braces, you probably have plenty of questions. The information here covers the most common things patients ask us. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please give our office a call.
We know choosing an orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and we want you to feel completely comfortable with whatever you decide. Our team can explain how Invisalign works, what to expect during treatment, and whether it might be the right choice for your smile goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any other questions that come up as you’re learning about your options.
Are Invisalign Aligners Removable?
Yes. Unlike traditional braces, you can remove your Invisalign aligners to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. For example, you can remove your aligners during a special occasion like a job interview or a wedding. That way it won’t affect your confidence and smile in pictures. Just remember, you need to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day for them to really work.
Are There any Food Restrictions with Invisalign?
There aren’t any food restrictions with Invisalign. You’re free to eat and drink whatever you like, as long as you take the aligners out first. Brush your teeth before putting them back in after you finish, especially if you’ve had something that could stain your teeth.
If any staining remains, it can transfer to the aligners and make them look less clear. Keeping both your teeth and aligners clean helps you keep your treatment as invisible as possible.
How Often Will I Replace My Aligners?
This largely depends on your personalized treatment plan. On average, Invisalign patients replace their aligners every two weeks. As your teeth keep getting straighter, you’ll move on to the next step of treatment, just like we planned at the beginning. Dr. Hedlund will help by mapping out this process in full detail at the start of your treatment.
Patient Review
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign doesn’t usually cause pain, but you might feel a little sore when your teeth start to move. Each time you switch to a new set of aligners, your teeth will adjust to the added pressure. This can lead to some discomfort for the first few days.
Most patients say it feels mild and goes away quickly. It’s also generally more comfortable than traditional braces or other types of orthodontic treatment.
Do Teeth Relapse After Invisalign?
After finishing Invisalign, your teeth can shift back if you don’t wear your retainer. This is known as relapse. To keep your teeth in their new position, we’ll give you clear instructions on how to care for them after treatment. Wearing your retainer is one of the most important parts of this process.
The retainer helps your teeth stay in place while the bone and tissue around them settle into the new position. If you skip this step or don’t follow the instructions, your teeth can get crooked again.
How Do I Know if My Invisalign is Working?
Invisalign may take some time before you begin to see the effects. They slowly and methodically move teeth into the correct position so the teeth stay in their new position. After a few months you should be able to notice your teeth shifting into proper positioning.
What Happens if You Don’t Wear Invisalign 22 Hours a Day?
If you don’t wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day, your teeth won’t move the way they should. For the treatment to work properly, the aligners need to stay in place most of the time, even while you sleep. You should only take them out when you’re eating or cleaning your teeth. Skipping time can slow down your progress or even cause setbacks.
How Much Do Teeth Move with Each Invisalign Tray?
Each new set of aligners moves your teeth a small amount, usually about a quarter to a third of a millimeter. This may not seem like much, but it adds up over time. Invisalign works gradually, so it’s important to stay patient and consistent to see the full results.
Dr. Hedlund is happy to see you for a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. If so, she can start right away in preparing your treatment plan so you can get a straighter smile as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment online today or call us at 678-352-1333 for more information.