Invisalign
A straight, well-aligned smile is more than just an aesthetic goal. It is a key factor in long-term oral health, proper bite alignment, and everyday self-confidence. However, many adults and teenagers hesitate to seek orthodontic treatment because they want to avoid the appearance, discomfort, and lifestyle disruptions of traditional metal brackets and wires.
At Michael Barnard DDS PA, we offer a modern, nearly invisible solution: Invisalign clear aligners. Led by Dr. Michael Barnard, who offers over 40 years of clinical excellence to South Florida, our Fort Lauderdale practice helps you achieve a beautifully aligned smile discreetly, comfortably, and efficiently.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic alignment trays to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Made from a patented, flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, these aligners fit snugly over your teeth, offering a virtually invisible way to correct orthodontic issues.
Unlike traditional braces that are permanently bonded to your teeth for the duration of treatment, Invisalign aligners are completely removable. You take them out whenever you eat, drink, brush, or floss, allowing you to maintain your normal lifestyle and oral hygiene routine without interruption.
Invisalign effectively treats a wide range of orthodontic concerns:
- Crowded Teeth: Overlapping teeth that are difficult to brush and floss effectively
- Gaps and Spacing: Unwanted spaces between teeth that leave gums vulnerable
- Overbite: Upper front teeth overlapping the lower teeth excessively
- Underbite: Lower teeth resting in front of the upper teeth when closing your mouth
- Crossbite: Some upper teeth sitting inside the lower teeth rather than outside
- Open Bite: Front or back teeth failing to touch when the jaw is fully closed
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Finding Your Ultimate Orthodontic Match
Understanding how clear aligners compare directly to classic metal braces helps you evaluate which treatment fits your daily life best. The comparative matrix below outlines key differences between these two orthodontic solutions:
| Feature / Criteria | Invisalign Clear Aligners | Traditional Metal Braces |
| Visual Appearance | Near-invisible, transparent aligners | Highly visible metal brackets and wires |
| Removability | 100% removable for meals and brushing | Fixed to teeth throughout full treatment |
| Dietary Restrictions | Zero restrictions, eat all your favorite foods | Must avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods |
| Oral Hygiene Routine | Normal brushing and flossing without special tools | Requires special threaders to floss around wires |
| Comfort Level | Smooth plastic, no sharp wires to irritate cheeks | Metal brackets can cause mouth sores and scrapes |
| Check-up Frequency | Brief visits every 6 to 8 weeks | Frequent visits for wire tightenings and adjustments |
Our Step-by-Step Invisalign Treatment Process
At Broward DDS, we combine digital technology with personalized clinical planning to make your journey to a straighter smile seamless and predictable:
1. Comprehensive Orthodontic Consultation
Your transformation begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Barnard. We evaluate your bite alignment, review your dental health, and discuss your personal aesthetic goals to confirm that Invisalign is the right choice for you.
2. High-Precision 3D Digital Scanning
Say goodbye to uncomfortable, messy impression putty. We take precise 3D digital scans of your teeth using advanced imaging technology. Using these scans, we map out a step-by-step digital movement plan that shows you how your teeth will shift and what your finished smile will look like before you even begin treatment.
3. Custom Aligner Fabrication
Once your treatment plan is finalized, your custom aligner trays are fabricated. Each set of aligners is engineered to exert gentle, controlled force on specific teeth at precise stages in your timeline.
4. Wearing Your Aligners
You will wear each set of clear aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day, switching to the next set in the series every one to two weeks as directed by our team. You will visit our Fort Lauderdale office every six to eight weeks so we can track your progress.
5. Retaining Your Beautiful Result
Once your teeth reach their ideal positions, we fit you for custom retainers to preserve your gorgeous new alignment and prevent teeth from shifting back over time.
Top Benefits of Choosing Invisalign Clear Aligners
Investing in Invisalign offers major physical, functional, and emotional advantages:
- Unmatched Aesthetic Discretion: Smile, present at work, and socialize confidently. Most people will never even notice you are wearing aligners.
- Superior Comfort: Smooth, custom-molded aligners eliminate the cuts, scrapes, and wire pokes common with metal brackets.
- Optimal Gum Health: Because you remove aligners to brush and floss naturally, you avoid the plaque buildup and swollen gums often associated with fixed braces.
- Freedom to Eat Anything: Enjoy popcorn, apples, nuts, and chewing gum without worrying about breaking wires or popping off brackets.
- Fewer Office Visits: Invisalign requires fewer emergency repairs or frequent adjustments compared to traditional braces, saving you valuable time.
The Barnard DDS Advantage
When you choose Michael Barnard DDS PA for your Invisalign transformation, you receive comprehensive care backed by unique advantages:
In-House Lab for Faster Retention Care:
Following orthodontic treatment, wearing a retainer is vital to protect your investment. Thanks to our in-house dental laboratory, we can craft your custom retainers directly on-site with rapid turnaround times, ensuring your newly straightened smile stays protected without delay.
- Decades of Trusted Experience: Dr. Michael Barnard brings over 40 years of clinical excellence to every patient’s smile design.
- Top-Rated Doctors: Supported by Dr. Michael Barnard, our doctor team delivers attentive, gentle, and precise orthodontic planning.
- Multilingual Practice: Our friendly team proudly communicates in English, Spanish, and Creole.
- Flexible Payment Options: We accept most dental insurance plans and offer an accessible in-house Dental Membership Plan ($195/year for individuals) to keep ongoing care affordable.
- Prime Location: Conveniently located 1 mile east of I-95 on Broward Boulevard, directly across from the Fort Lauderdale Police Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
For optimal results, you should wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. You should only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and perform your daily brushing and flossing routine.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The average Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners. Many patients begin noticing visible improvements in their smile within just a few weeks.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
Invisalign is significantly more comfortable than traditional metal braces. You may feel mild pressure or tightness for the first day or two after switching to a new set of aligners, which is a normal sign that your teeth are moving into alignment.
Can I drink coffee or tea while wearing my aligners?
We recommend removing your aligners before drinking hot or dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. Hot liquids can warp the plastic aligners, and dark liquids can stain both the trays and your teeth.
How do I clean and care for my clear aligners?
Clean your aligners daily by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool or lukewarm water. You can also use specialized clear aligner cleaning crystals. Avoid hot water, as high heat can warp the plastic.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover Invisalign just as they would cover traditional metal braces. Our knowledgeable team will review your policy, verify your coverage, and help maximize your available benefits.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today!
Ready to straighten your teeth discreetly and achieve the smile you have always envisioned? Contact the expert team at Michael Barnard DDS PA today to schedule your personalized Invisalign consultation.
