Clear Aligners, Clearer Results: Why Invisalign is Your Best Bet for Straight Teeth in Columbia, SC

I want you to think about your favorite sports team (maybe the Columbia Fireflies) or a store you like to shop at (Columbia Sportswear, for example). Now ask yourself, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? 

It can be anything, but I bet somewhere in that mind of yours is a logo. 

That logo is what differentiates a business from its competitors – or a team from its rivals. It serves as the face of the business – not only representing its identity and core values, but also its image and likeness. 

Now I want you to think of your smile like a logo. 

It’s one of the first things a person notices about you, is one of the few things they’ll remember about you, and is a universal gesture that conveys a wide range of emotions related to happiness and positivity. 

And like a logo, it’s something we should all be wearing proudly. 

But most of us aren’t wearing our smiles proudly…

And misaligned teeth are one of the biggest reasons why. 

Crowding, gap teeth, open bite, underbite, overbite, crossbite – the truth is there are a lot of things people don’t like about their smile, and these issues often result in a lack of confidence, self-esteem, and pride. 

But don’t worry – Soda City Dentistry is here to help!

Dental Braces: Are Metal Brackets & Metal Wires Right for You?

Patients have a variety of choices to consider when straightening their teeth, but they’re often grouped into one of two categories – dental braces (the traditional technique) and aligners (the modern method). 

Let’s first talk about the traditional way – braces. 

Dental braces are orthodontic devices that correct misaligned teeth, crooked teeth, and jaw irregularities by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to gradually move teeth into their desired positions.

It’s like a traffic officer directing cars when the traffic light isn’t working.

They typically consist of metal brackets bonded or cemented to the teeth, archwires threaded through the brackets, and elastics or ligatures to secure the metal wires – but they can also be customized, if needed.

As effective as dental braces are, they do come with some downsides. 

For example, braces can be annoying and irritating at times, they alter your appearance throughout the duration of treatment (which generally lasts months, even years), and they limit your ability to eat and talk.

Invisalign: 5 Reasons Why Clear Aligners Reign Supreme

Dental braces might be the traditional way of straightening your teeth, but they’re far from your only option and better options do exist – especially for those trying to avoid the hassle that comes with dental braces. 

If that sounds like you, then you can go the modern route – aligners. 

Dental aligners are clear, removable orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. They’re designed to be more discreet, comfortable, effective, and faster than traditional metal braces. 

So wait, what is Invisalign? 

Invisalign is one of the most popular brands of clear aligners available today. They’re virtually invisible to the naked eye, which is where it gets its name from – Invisalign is a play on the term ‘invisible aligners.’ 

They work like any other clear aligner, but are unique in five major ways: 

1. iTero Element™ Scanner

The iTero Element Scanner is where the incredible transformation begins. It’s a high-tech camera capable of taking up to 6,000 images per second – and uses the images to create a 3D image of your teeth.

This allows your dentist to create the perfect mold for your aligners. The result? Aligners that fit like a dream – hugging your teeth with precision and comfort. Say hello to a snug and comfy smile journey!

2. ClinCheck Software

Meet ClinCheck, your smile’s personal GPS! Your doctor uses this nifty outcome simulator to craft the ultimate treatment plan – mapping out the perfect blueprint, down to the tiniest little shift in tooth position.

It then calculates the exact force needed on each individual tooth to ensure they’re shifting properly, while also giving you a sneak peak at what the end result will look like – further minimizing potential for error.

3. SmartTrack Material

Aside from being clear, the aligners are made of SmartTrack material – a patented material made from a multi-layer polymer, allowing for greater flexibility and durability compared to traditional aligner materials.

The result? Aligners that are not only invisible to the naked eye, but are also comfortable, non-invasive, and easy to take on or off. Over time, you’ll get the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle. 

4. SmartForce Attachments

SmartForce attachments are small tooth-colored shapes that are attached to your teeth before or during your Invisalign treatment. They help give your Invisalign aligners something to grip onto and push off of.

They're applied at the start or during your treatment, blending seamlessly with your smile – no one will know they're there. And while they aren’t always necessary, some patients can benefit from having them.

5. Precision Wings

They say Red Bull gives you wings, but you can get wings with Invisalign too – they’re called ‘Precision Wings’ and are designed to treat retrognathic Class II malocclusions, while also straightening the teeth. 

Precision Wings are small, wing-like extensions built into your aligners to help guide your jaw into the perfect position.They work by gently shifting your lower jaw forward, tackling that pesky overbite head-on. 

Vivera Retainers: Your Secret to Long-Lasting Results

They say nothing good lasts forever, and that’s certainly true with Invisalign. Over time, it’s natural for the teeth to shift back to where they were prior to starting orthodontic treatment, but there’s no need to worry. 

Invisalign has already thought of a solution. 

And it’s called the Vivera Retainer. 

Vivera retainers look and feel like your Invisalign aligners – they’re made by the same company – but instead of shifting your teeth into a new position, they’re designed to keep your teeth in that position. 

Just like your Invisalign aligners, Vivera retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. 

And since they’re made from the same material as your aligners, they’re built to last and are extremely easy to take off and put back on. In fact, Vivera retainers are 30% stronger than other clear retainers. 

Soda City Dentistry: Columbia’s One-Stop Shop for Straighter Teeth

Are you experiencing dental crowding? Do you have gaps in your teeth? Do you have an open bite, underbite, overbite, or crossbite? Are you tired of your crooked smile? Do you want an easy fix? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions above, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Soda City Dentistry – where we help Columbia residents get their smile back. 

Dr. Rob Guerriero is ready to guide you through the process – whether that means going the traditional route with braces or going the modern route with Invisalign aligners. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Contact us today at (803)-794-5430 or schedule an appointment with us online for more information!