invisalign® in Little Rock, AR

You are never too old get the straight, attractive smile you have always wanted. Dental issues, like misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth, are being corrected well into the adult years and by a number of patients. Many people, however, may not love the idea of being obvious about their orthodontic care. Invisalign® offers a clear and comfortable way for adults and teens to meet their smile goals without brackets and wires getting in the way. Dr. Michael Ashcraft is pleased to offer the Invisalign advanced clear aligner systems for patients in Central Arkansas. Digitally designed for a custom fit, Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable and easily removed when eating and cleaning your teeth. If you or your teen want a more discreet way to achieve an attractive, healthier smile, schedule a visit at Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock today.

A number of conditions and factors can affect how the jaw and teeth are aligned. Genetics, thumb-sucking as a child, tooth loss, and oral injury can all contribute to improper tooth alignment or malocclusion. Leaving these issues unresolved may lead to other dental and functional concerns, including jaw pain, gum disease, tooth decay, gum recession, difficulty speaking or eating, TMJ problems, and wear on the teeth. If you have a misalignment in your upper or lower teeth, Dr. Ashcraft may recommend orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.

Invisalign clear aligners may be beneficial to help you overcome a wide range of occlusal issues. By moving your teeth into their ideal positions, you can minimize your risk for future dental problems and improve your oral function. Straighter teeth are not only more attractive, but they are also easier to keep clean. You may be a candidate for Invisalign if you have any of the following conditions:

• Crooked or crowded teeth

• Misaligned or rotated teeth

• Spacing between teeth

• Overbite or openbite

• Crossbite or underbite

During your Invisalign consultation, our team will take digital impressions of your upper and lower arch along with low-radiation x-rays so that Dr. Ashcraft can create your orthodontic treatment plan. This information is then sent to our special Invisalign lab. Using cutting-edge digital technology, our lab custom crafts a series of aligners made just for you. They are fabricated of smooth, comfortable plastic that does not poke or irritate your cheeks or gums. When your aligners are ready, you will return to our office to try in the first set and receive instructions for use and care. 

Invisalign aligners work by gradually guiding your teeth into proper position through gentle force on the teeth. To achieve your best results, you will need to wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day, only removing them to brush, floss, or eat and when playing sports. Every two weeks, you will change out your set of trays for the next in the series. Our team will schedule visits at our practice every 4 – 6 weeks so that Dr. Ashcraft can monitor your treatment progress. Treatment time with Invisalign varies among patients and their needs, but thanks to innovative technology, it is typically faster than that of traditional braces.

Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, it is important to maintain your teeth in their new position. At your follow-up visit, our team will take another set of digital impressions to create your Vivera® retainers. These comfortable retainers are made of the same material as your aligners and are highly discreet. When your retainers are ready, you will return to our office to pick them up and receive information on how often to wear them and on proper cleaning techniques. Dr. Ashcraft will continue to assess your bite alignment and treatment results at annual checkups at our practice.

Many dental insurance companies offer coverage for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. We accept most major insurance plans and are happy to submit your claim on your behalf. If there are any out-of-pocket expenses that your insurance will not cover, our team at Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock can review our convenient payment options. We have special in-office financing plans, or we can provide information on third-party financing through CareCredit®.

Invisalign from Dr. Ashcraft in Little Rock, AR offers an innovative, discreet alternative to traditional bracket and wire braces. You can straighten your teeth in a nearly invisible way to get a healthier, attractive, and more comfortable smile. To learn if this treatment is right for you or a family member, get in touch with Ashcraft Orthodontics Little Rock today to schedule your consultation.