The 21st-century solution to misaligned teeth is Invisalign, brought to you by Dr. John Paul Gallardo, DDS, PA of Miami, FL. A dental specialist with nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Gallardo finds this clear aligner system to be unrivaled by other treatment options for qualifying orthodontic cases. Invisalign is convenient, discreet, and effective, making it a great choice for men and women from all over South Florida.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign (clear aligners) are an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces. Named for the clear or “invisible” aligners that are used for orthodontic correction, Invisalign can straighten a patient’s crooked teeth in less time and is less noticeable than the metal bracket and wire system. Unlike braces, clear aligners can be removed for eating and drinking and do not restrict patients in the foods they can enjoy.
As a periodontics specialist, Dr. Gallardo recommends Invisalign for many reasons, including their ability to help patients with gum issues. Patients are better able to care for their oral health with the removable trays and can more easily maintain the reversal of their gum disease by using clear aligners vs. braces. Additionally, the Invisalign trays are situated above the gum line and will not trap food and bacteria between the teeth and gums.
Why Choose Invisalign over Braces?
We now arrive at one of the popular debates: Invisalign vs. Braces.
Most patients opt for the Invisalign system because they prefer the look of “invisible” braces that the clear aligners offer over the brackets of metal braces. Orthodontic patients are often teenagers who are self-conscious of drawing attention to their smile, adults in professional roles who want to appear mature, and those who want quicker and less detectable methods of correcting the alignment of their teeth and bite. For this reason, clear braces for adults are an excellent option.
Metal braces are also more high maintenance than Invisalign because the components are not removable. Patients can get food particles stuck between the metal and their teeth, and special flossing and brushing are required to maintain good oral health.
In addition to enhanced care, those with mental braces have to visit their orthodontist every month or two, while the clear aligners are premade for the custom course of treatment and do not require as much follow-up care.
Sometimes, Dr. Gallardo’s patients work away from South Florida or travel frequently, making invisible aligners a better fit for a busy schedule. By changing out their teeth aligners at home, patients have more flexibility in their orthodontic care.
Am I a Candidate?
Clear aligners are a good option for many patients. Candidates may include:
- Teens and adults, because the permanent teeth are fully developed and in place
- Those committed to wearing the trays because they should remain in place for 22 of the 24 hours a day
- Patients willing to have continued care in the form of retainers, which can be installed on the back of the teeth for permanently straight teeth
- Those with a problematic bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite) or crowded or gapped teeth whose cases are minor to moderate
The Invisalign website offers a complimentary Smile Assessment which can be found here and can help prospective patients learn more about how the system might benefit them. Patients can schedule an Invisalign consultation in Miami with Dr. Gallardo at his practice to learn more about their candidacy. A huge number of Invisalign reviews can be found online, and Dr. Gallardo will also be able to provide patient feedback from his practice, including Invisalign before and after photos.
Clear Aligners Consultation
How Does Invisalign Work?
If a patient is new to Dr. Gallardo’s Miami office, he may review the primary dentist’s patient records to determine if he or she would be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Dr. Gallardo will explain how Invisalign works, beginning with how the trays move against the bumps installed on the teeth, moving their position about a tenth of a millimeter per tray.
During this initial appointment, patients may be able to begin the process, though some will require a secondary visit due to their dental insurance coverage, which can cause delays during the plan assessment. If invisible aligners are not the ideal treatment for a patient, Dr. Gallardo can suggest other treatment options for straightening teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are numerous reasons Invisalign is the ideal orthodontic treatment for patients with a history of gum disease. One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign for those with prior oral health issues is that its aligners can be removed for regular tooth care – brushing and flossing.
Excellent oral hygiene is essential for improving the health of the teeth and gums. With Invisalign, patients can floss and brush as they normally would without concern for specialized dental equipment such as special flossers or a Waterpik. These are often necessary to keep teeth clean while wearing traditional braces. Patients who have had gum disease typically struggle with bad breath, but Invisalign promotes fresher breath by making it easy to brush and floss thoroughly.
Invisalign properly aligns the teeth over time which helps the gums tighten around the teeth, leading to improved periodontal health. Pockets that form due to periodontal disease can be closed organically through tooth movement. Many patients notice that their gum health significantly improves after they complete Invisalign treatment.
Wilckodontics (PAOO) and Invisalign
Wilckodontics (PAOO for periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics) involves combining orthodontic and periodontal procedures to achieve the optimal orthodontic results. The most noteworthy benefit of Wilckodontics is that it can prevent periodontal problems by creating sufficient bone in areas where it is typically lacking. During the procedure, the jawbones are demineralized and some of the bone is removed or etched away to speed up the movement of the teeth. New bone forms in its place, resulting in a stronger base for the teeth.
Other benefits include a quicker orthodontic treatment, more bone to support teeth in the long run, reduced loss of gum tissue, less root resorption, and lower chances of relapse. Wilckodontics can be paired with Invisalign to move teeth without the need for wires and brackets. The contemporary orthodontic treatment can lead to improved oral health.
Preparation
Patients should be up-to-date on dental X-rays and necessary dental procedures before beginning the Invisalign process. Those who see Dr. Gallardo as their Miami periodontist should have controlled or eliminated their gum disease before they begin straightening their teeth. Generally, the teeth will be cleaned before the attachments are bonded to the teeth.
Procedure
The standard Invisalign treatment plan in South Florida involves 5 steps. If a person opts to receive the advanced method of Wilckodontics, there will be an additional minimally-invasive surgery before wearing clear trays.
- Step 1: Staff will collect X-rays and dental impressions to begin the treatment plan.
- Step 2: Patients will have enamel-colored bumps or attachments bonded to their teeth. The Invisalign trays create resistance against these points to shift the teeth into the planned position.
- Step 3: A series of clear trays will be made from the patient’s impressions and will be worn over the teeth as directed.
- Step 4: Typically, new trays are worn every one or two weeks and during this time, the teeth will move approximately 1/10mm at a time.
- Step 5: Rubber bands that correct the bite are worn as needed, typically closer to the end of the Invisalign process.
Dr. Gallardo can advise patients on how often they should schedule Invisalign visits at his Coral Gables area office so he can evaluate the progress of the clear aligners.
Aftermath
There is no recovery needed after patients begin treatment with invisible aligners in Miami. Throughout the treatment, the teeth and gums may feel sore, but any sensations can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.
While metal brackets and wires from traditional metal braces can irritate the sensitive tissue inside the mouth, patients don’t typically experience this issue with Invisalign because of the materials that are used.
By removing the clear aligners to eat and drink all beverages but water, and by limiting sticky foods that can cause the attachments to become loose or fall off, patients can prevent issues that may cause sensitivity.
Patients who undergo the Wilckodontics version of the procedure may notice additional swelling and discomfort due to the combination of procedures, but Dr. Gallardo can address their individual needs before the appointments.
What Are the Possible Side Effects or Risks of Invisalign?
Any dental or orthodontic treatment can result in side effects and involve some degree of risk. Below are the most common complications of Invisalign, although the treatment is very safe overall.
- Discomfort
- Root resorption
- Allergic reaction to materials
- Increased salivation
- Dry mouth
- Lisp
Why Should I Choose Dr. Gallardo for Invisalign?
John Paul Gallardo, DDS, PA earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Gallardo then completed a prestigious residency program at the V.A. Medical Center, receiving the honor of “Outstanding Resident of the Year”. Dr. Gallardo continued his education and earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study at Boston University.
Throughout his 25 years in practice, Dr. Gallardo has mastered general dentistry, periodontics, and now offers Invisalign to all his South Florida patients, including those with a history of periodontal disease. Dr. Gallardo has discovered that over some time, his patients can permanently improve their oral health. To learn more about Dr. Gallardo, visit his Biography Page, or contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
With more teeth straightening options available than ever before, prospective patients should meet with South Florida periodontist Dr. Gallardo to discuss aligners vs. braces. In more complicated cases, metal braces may be the preferred option. Sometimes, metal braces can be switched for the clear aligners after some progress with tooth alignment is made.
Some patients want to know the difference of other clear braces vs. Invisalign as new products enter the market. Invisalign invisible trays are sturdier than other clear aligners and offer a compliance-tracking system so parents know their teenagers are wearing the trays as prescribed. Invisalign is also supported by two decades of research.
When it comes to clear or ceramic braces as an Invisalign alternative, traditional metal brackets can be replaced by a clear material and a white wire replaces the silver-colored metal. The system is still visible and can become stained by foods and beverages because they are not removable like Invisalign. Patients will have to use special brushing and flossing techniques, hardware may become loose, and certain discomforts will exist. Wearing aligners vs. braces will prevent common and unwanted side effects.
Invisalign treatment times can vary from one patient to the next because each case is unique. Factors like tooth structure, age, and patient compliance can affect treatment time.
In most cases, Invisalign treatment can be completed in one to two years, though in minor cases, achieving a straight smile may take only months. Invisalign before and after photos are sometimes labeled with treatment time to better illustrate timeframes for interested patients.
Dr. Gallardo’s Miami area patients often ask him how to clean Invisalign trays. He suggests rinsing them with warm water daily, then brushing them with toothpaste and rinsing them at night. This helps to eliminate bacteria buildup and decreases the risk of cavities.
In most cases, Invisalign costs more than traditional braces, but about the same as clear braces. Dr. Gallardo will assess the corrections needed and front office staff can work with patients and their dental plans to determine how much Invisalign costs and how much clear braces cost for their treatment plan.
A consultation with Dr. Gallardo will conclude with an estimate for the invisible aligners at his Coral Gables office and can be specific to the cost for top or bottom row correction.
When wearing the clear aligners at home as prescribed by Dr. Gallardo, patients can achieve a beautiful smile with lasting results, so long as they follow-up care with a retainer. These metal wires can be installed behind the teeth so that they are undetectable.
Some wires are patterned so they will not impede regular dental flossing. The clear aligners’ before and after results may not be as dramatic if the teeth are allowed to shift back into their original position.
Dr. Gallardo may recommend that periodontal patients with crooked teeth wear clear aligners at home because they can maintain their oral hygiene more easily through the Invisalign system. Gum disease occurs when bacteria accumulate between the teeth and gums.
This article about Invisalign was written by Miami periodontist Dr. John Paul Gallardo, DDS, PA {learn more about Dr. Gallardo}.