Invisalign® in Kitchener-Waterloo
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, virtually invisible aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. Each aligner fits closely over your teeth and gradually guides them into position.
At Westheights Dental Centre, we offer Invisalign for teens and adults in Kitchener-Waterloo who want to correct crowding, spacing or bite concerns without traditional braces.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces:
- Virtually invisible in everyday wear
- Removable for eating and drinking
- No metal brackets or wires
- Compatible with normal brushing and flossing
- Fewer office visits than traditional braces
- Digital preview of your projected results
What Can Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign can address a range of alignment concerns in both teens and adults:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing between teeth
- Overbites and deep bites
- Underbites and crossbites
- Open bites
- Mild to moderate crookedness or relapse after braces
At your consultation, we assess your bite and show you a digital preview of how your teeth are expected to move over the course of treatment.
How Invisalign Treatment Works
From your first visit to your final retainer, here is what to expect:
Your Complimentary Consultation
We examine your teeth, discuss your goals and determine whether Invisalign is the right fit for your smile. If it is, we explain what treatment will involve.
Digital Scans and a Custom Plan
We take digital impressions of your teeth. Invisalign's software then maps a step-by-step plan showing how your teeth will move from start to finish.
Receiving Your Custom Aligners
Your series of custom-made, clear aligners arrives from the lab. Each set is shaped to move your teeth incrementally, and each is worn for one to two weeks.
Wearing Your Aligners
Aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day and removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. You switch to the next set at home as your teeth move.
Progress Visits
Every six to eight weeks, we review your progress, answer your questions and provide your next sets of aligners. These visits are brief, with no wires to adjust.
Retention and Your New Smile
When treatment is complete, we provide retainers to hold your teeth in their new position and maintain your results over time.
Caring for Your Aligners
Invisalign is effective only when worn as directed. Wearing your aligners consistently, keeping them clean and following the schedule we provide are the keys to finishing treatment on time. If you lose an aligner or notice an issue, contact us promptly so we can keep your treatment on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invisalign?+
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. Each aligner fits snugly over your teeth and gradually moves them toward their ideal position.
Does Invisalign hurt?+
Most patients find Invisalign more comfortable than braces because there is no metal to irritate the cheeks or lips. You may notice mild pressure or tenderness for a day or two after switching to a new aligner, which indicates that your teeth are moving as planned.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?+
Treatment length depends on your case. Simple movements can be completed in as little as 6 months, while more comprehensive treatment may take 12 to 18 months. At your consultation we provide an estimate specific to your smile.
How long do I need to wear the aligners each day?+
Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day for treatment to progress on schedule. They are removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth.
Will Invisalign affect how I speak or eat?+
Most people adjust to speaking with aligners in within a few days. Because aligners are removed for meals, there are no food restrictions, unlike with traditional braces.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?+
Invisalign can correct a range of issues, including crowding, gaps, overbites and underbites, for both teens and adults. At your consultation we examine your teeth and advise whether Invisalign or another orthodontic approach is best suited to your needs.
How do I care for my aligners?+
Rinse aligners with cool water each time you remove them, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush daily, and store them in their case when not in use. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Is the consultation really free?+
Yes. Your Invisalign consultation at Westheights Dental Centre is complimentary. We assess your smile, explain your options and answer your questions, with no obligation to proceed.
Ready for a Straighter Smile?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Westheights Dental Centre to find out whether Invisalign is right for you.
Request an Appointment