Services

Invisalign® in Hickory, NC

What Is Invisalign® ?

Often compared to traditional braces, Invisalign corrects teeth alignment using removable clear trays that fit perfectly to the patient’s smile. These trays are made from a special type of plastic that is strong enough to slowly position your teeth to create a better smile, but gentle enough to fit comfortably over your teeth.

If you’re interested in Invisalign in the Hickory area, call Robinette & Associates at 828-267-0651 today to schedule a consultation. Dr. J.D. Robinette has extensive experience with Invislaign and will make sure you feel comfortable and confident with the entire process.

How Are They Different From Retainers?

Although retainers and Invisalign trays may look similar at first glance, they have very different purposes. While Invisalign is designed to move the teeth to a better position, normal retainers only hold the teeth in place. Here are other reasons why someone may need a dental retainer:

Retainers are usually an after product of braces where the patient is instructed by their dentist to wear them at night in order to hold their newly aligned smile in position. Even though the braces may have straightened out your teeth, they can still shift position until bones, nerves, and gums have adjusted to the new alignment.
To relive pressure for those who bite or grind their teeth during sleep.

Getting Fitted for Invisalign Trays

In order to get fitted for Invisalign, your dentist or orthodontist will need to take a 3D scan of your smile that will be done quickly and accurately, this will ensure the aligners will fit comfortably in your mouth. This process takes about one hour to complete. These trays need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day in order to have the teeth straightened properly. The trays can be removed easily when you are eating, brushing, flossing your teeth, or for special events.

How to Maintain Invisalign Trays?

In addition to having the Invisalign trays replaced every 1 to 2 weeks, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene in order to care for the trays. In addition, these trays can be costly to replace so it’s important to take care of it by brushing it (without toothpaste) every day and rinsing out with water. This will ensure that your retainer stays crystal clear and free from any harmful bacteria.

Typically speaking, for adults who had braces when they were growing up, their teeth won’t move as much. In this case, doctors will likely recommend nighttime use only.

Comparing Invisalign to Braces

Sometimes the lines comparing traditional braces to Invisalign can seem very blurry. To clear those lines, here are the differences between braces and Invisalign trays.

Invisalign

Time of Use: 20-22 hours/day, depending on the patient, but they are removable.

Maintenance (at home): Brush daily and rinse with water. Replace trays with the doctor every 1-2 weeks.

Maintenance (at the doctor’s office): Routine checkups every 1-2 weeks at the doctor’s office.

Post-Care: Get fitted for a retainer in order to hold your teeth in place.

Braces

Time of Use: Glued on to the teeth for 24/7 wear. These are only removable by the doctor.

Maintenance (at home): Brushing and flossing teeth.

Maintenance (at the doctor’s office): Routine visits to check on the state of braces and tighten any wires on the brackets that look loose.