Dentist in Cleveland, OH offers alternative to braces to discreetly, comfortably straighten teeth: Invisalign®

A lifelong learner, Dr. Tony Lu began his career in experimental biology before supporting people’s health in a new way: as a dentist. He went on to acquire extensive knowledge and experience in procedures that are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing. These treatments include dental implants and Invisalign® orthodontics designed to correct crooked, crowded teeth, and bite problems non-invasively and discreetly.

More options to improve smiles in Cleveland, OH

Unlike other general dentist offices in the area, Downtown Dental Services has the knowledge and tools to offer this removable alternative to conventional braces. As an Invisalign® provider, Dr. Lu and his professional team have invested considerable time in training, and in the equipment that supports this efficient and comfortable process.

Oral appliances known as aligner trays or “aligners” are at the heart of this treatment alternative. When worn as directed by your dentist, these trays gradually reposition teeth and jaws (for correction of “bad bite,” such as underbites or overbites). Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires, as well as bands, to bring teeth and jaws into healthy alignment. For treatment to progress, your dentist or orthodontist must tighten or adjust the braces.

Invisalign® is great for busy professionals who work in the downtown area and elsewhere. You do not have to wait to visit the dentist for the straightening process to move forward. Getting or restoring a healthy, attractive smile is as easy as wearing Invisalign’s aligners.

The process

If Dr. Lu determines that Invisalign® is right for you, images of your mouth will be made using a specialized “scanner.” The scanner is appropriate even for patients with bad gag reflex; it non-invasively and comfortably “scans” your teeth and associated structures. Using proprietary Invisalign® software, images of your mouth are transformed into a 3-Dimensional model. We can pull up the model on a monitor. So, you can see exactly how your teeth look now – exactly where overlaps and spaces are located, and to the severity of these spacing issues. This aids in your understanding of the need for orthodontic treatment and what is involved with it. We can then show you exactly how those spaces will be closed and how overlaps will be corrected. In fact, we can show you every phase of treatment. Our patients love the ability to “try on” their new smile!

We also use this same information, the simulation of your teeth and treatment plan, to create your custom aligners. We don’t have to take goopy, uncomfortable impressions. The aligners are made from a smooth, lightweight yet strong thermoplastic that was specially engineered for Invisalign®. The aligners slide right into your mouth. There are no wires or brackets that poke at the insides of your mouth. Also, since the aligner trays are transparent, your workmates or friends do not see the trays in your mouth when you smile.

Each aligner goes with a different stage in your treatment plan. So, it is important to wear them in the correct order, and for around one to two weeks each. You can put the aligners in and take them out as you please. But, for best results, Align Technology recommends a wear time of 20 to 22 hours daily. Dr. Lu only needs to check your progress once every six to eight weeks.

Invisalign® is not only easy to wear. But the trays are also easy to care for. We’ll provide you with instructions on how to keep the trays in top shape and free of stains. Call to schedule your consultation at our downtown office. You can start to see noticeably straighter teeth in just a couple of weeks. Most treatments may be completed in 6 to 12 months.

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