Dr. Pamela Cain is a Knoxville area Invisalign® provider, offering patients the option of straightening teeth and improving oral health with clear aligners. Invisible braces in Knoxville, TN can be the perfect solution for teen and adult patients who can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is just one service we offer for cosmetic dentistry.
The unique clear aligner system can be used to treat a range of concerns, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
Why Straighten Teeth with Invisalign?
Straight teeth provide many benefits in addition to a smile that enhances your overall appearance and smile confidence. Crooked teeth and malocclusion are often the underlying problems for a wide range of concerns related to the function and comfort of your smile.
Crooked teeth are also more difficult to clean effectively, increasing your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. If your teeth are not making proper contact with each other due to malocclusion, this can increase the risk of tooth damage and cracked teeth.
Solutions for TMJ Disorders
Dr. Cain takes a comprehensive approach to your dental health needs and aesthetic goals. She may recommend Invisalign treatment to reposition teeth and allow the bite to function naturally and comfortably for patients with a bite disorder.
Using advanced diagnostics, including T-scan technology, Dr. Cain will analyze your bite and check to see if the teeth are making proper contact. It’s an important aspect of your overall dental health. We take it into consideration as part of your treatment planning.
Your orthodontic treatment will be designed to address both cosmetic concerns related to the appearance of your smile and underlying bite problems that can impact the integrity of your results and your long-term oral health.
Invisalign in Knoxville, TN
After an initial consultation, Dr. Cain will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs to determine if Invisalign is the best solution for you.
The next step is to take digital impressions that will be used with the unique CAD/CAM software for designing your set of custom aligners. The number of aligners and the overall length of your treatment depend upon the desired result. Most patients complete treatment with Invisalign in about a year.
You wear your aligners for 22 hours each day. You remove them temporarily to eat and perform your oral hygiene routine. Compliance is an important part of your treatment and will impact both treatment time and your final result.
Invisalign aligners are made of hard-soft plastic material. The material minimizes irritation of the soft tissues by putting gentle pressure on the teeth to move them into the desired position. You may experience minor discomfort and pressure when wearing a new set for the first day or two, but Invisalign is typically comfortable when compared to alternative treatment options.
Once treatment is near completion, Dr. Cain will again use T-scan technology to recheck the function of the jaw joints and how the teeth are making contact. A properly aligned bite is an important goal of your short-term orthodontic treatment plan. It’s the foundation of lasting, comfortable results.
After treatment, patients wear a retainer daily to maintain their new smiles for as long as possible. You will need to wear your retainer for at least twice as long as your Invisalign treatment plan.
Invisalign FAQs
What happens if I don’t wear my Invisalign for 22 hours daily?
It is highly recommended that patients wear their aligners for 22 hours per day. If they do not, treatment will take longer. Your teeth need a certain amount of pressure and force applied to move within treatment time goals.
How long do you have to wear a retainer after Invisalign?
After Invisalign, most dentists will give their patients a permanent retainer behind their teeth for at least six months. This is to prevent teeth from shifting post-treatment.
What liquids can you drink while wearing Invisalign?
While wearing Invisalign, patients should only drink water. Anything else may stain or lead to plaque buildup on aligners and teeth.
