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Invisalign®: The Clear Choice

Dr. Harkins is an Invisalign provider for adults and teens in Beaver County

April 24, 2014
There’s a new way that adults and teens can straighten their teeth and get a great smile: the Invisalign system. You may have heard about Invisalign, but you may be unsure about what it does. This system straightens your teeth, just like traditional braces, but it’s also very comfortable, customized, and removable. That’s because Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners, instead of brackets and wires. Dr. Harkins is one of the few Beaver County orthodontists who offers Invisalign for both adults and teens, and he’s one of the top Invisalign providers in our area.

The Invisalign Advantage
Invisalign treats the same kind of common bite problems as traditional braces do: cross bite, overbite, under bite, crowded teeth, and gapped teeth. The benefits of Invisalign include:
  • Nearly invisible: Since Invisalign is made from clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, you can’t see them. They’re always straightening your teeth, but no one will know.
  • Removable: For Invisalign to work properly, then must be in your mouth about 22 hours a day. You remove them to eat and drink, and also when you brush and floss. For teens who play contact sports, Invisalign is easy to take off during practice and games.
  • Customized: Invisalign is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your treatment plan is developed especially for you from x-rays and impressions of your mouth and teeth. Because of that, Invisalign can straighten both adult teeth and teen teeth in just one to two years—if not even more quickly. That’s comparable to traditional metal braces, but the difference is that Invisalign is made just for you.
  • Affordable: Dr. Harkins’ staff can help you with your insurance coverage and also with developing affordable payment plans if you choose to use Invisalign. 
How To Get Invisalign
First, find a Invisalign provider like Dr. Harkins and schedule a consultation. Dr. Harkins will examine your bite and let you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Then, you’ll get x-rays taken and Dr. Harkins will take images and impressions of your teeth, mouth, and bite. These are sent to Invisalign, which creates a 3-D image of your teeth, and from there Dr. Harkins will develop a customized treatment plan that will show you what your teeth will look like after treatment is completed. Invisalign will then create a series of clear aligners that fit over your teeth—these will perform the actual straightening. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, then you’ll take them out and use the next set in the series. You’ll follow this pattern until you’ve used the last set of aligners, and then you’re ready to enjoy your new smile!

For Teens and Adults
Both adults and teens can use the Invisalign system. Many adults would like to straighten their teeth, but don’t want to wear metal braces, or they have had extensive dental work done. Invisalign is perfect for them.

Teens love the fact that no one knows they’re getting orthodontic treatment. Also, Invisalign Teen comes with six replacement retainers in case your child misplaces their aligners.

If you’re interested in Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, call Dr. Harkins today to schedule a consultation. He’s conveniently located in Center Township along Brodhead Road.

Harkins Orthodontics
Dr. James Harkins, Board-certified orthodontist in Beaver County
Center Twp. Office
3582 Brodhead Rd.
Monaca, PA 15061
724-728-3343