What Is Invisalign for Teeth?
Crowded or misaligned teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. They are more difficult to clean and are vulnerable to disease and decay. Invisalign® clear aligners offer an alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth and beautifying smiles.
Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults who want to improve their smile and enjoy the comfort, appearance, and convenience of clear, removable aligners.
How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?
Invisalign uses a system of virtually invisible clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into the proper position. These custom-made trays continue the movement of your teeth until the desired results are achieved.
Invisalign aligners are used to treat:
- Open bite
- Teeth crowding
- Gap teeth
- Some overbite, underbite, and crossbites
Our orthodontists generally recommend wearing aligners for at least 22 hours per day. They can be removed for brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking.
Stages of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment happens in stages
Consultation
Treatment starts with a consultation, during which we discuss your interest in orthodontic treatment and the options available: Invisalign, metal braces, and clear ceramic braces. We share the pros and cons of each method to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Treatment Plan
We use a fast and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth and x-rays, photographs, and impressions to create a custom treatment plan to reach your goals. Here’s the fun part—your orthodontist at Thrive Dental also shows you a digital simulation of what your smile will look like once Invisalign treatment is complete. How is that for inspiration?
Clear Aligners
Once your aligners are made and sent to Thrive Dental, it’s time to get started. Your Invisalign trays are meant to be worn for a certain time frame in a specific order. As you transition to each new aligner, your teeth will become straighter. You can take them out to eat and brush, but they should be worn for the remainder of your day. Following the treatment plan is essential, or your next set of aligners will not fit properly.
Refinements
A few teeth may require adjustments once you finish wearing the last Invisalign aligner. Orthodontists at Thrive Dental examine your teeth and may order additional refinement trays at no additional charge.
Maintenance
After Invisalign treatment, you must wear retainers to maintain your results. Retainers allow the jaw bones to settle into the new teeth placements. Ideally, you should wear them for the rest of your life to prevent your teeth from shifting and undoing your hard work.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Invisalign technology has transformed orthodontics for the better. But this method is not for everyone. Let’s look at some pros and cons of clear, removable aligners to help you decide if Invisalign is right for you.
Pros of Invisalign
- Comfortable: Smooth, wireless, bracket-free aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces.
- Removable: Aligners can be removed for easy cleaning. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want, while some foods are restricted with braces. This also allows for easier cleaning and flossing for better oral hygiene.
- Aesthetics: With clear Invisalign aligners, others may not even know you are wearing them. For this reason, many adults prefer this method to less discreet metal braces.
- Low–Maintenance: Invisalign trays are easy to clean and care for. Use a toothbrush and warm, soapy water to remove stains and debris.
Cons of Invisalign
- Discomfort: With any orthodontic treatment, you will experience minor discomfort as the teeth move into position. We may recommend a minor over-the-counter pain reliever for some patients—although many do not need it.
- Attachments: Some patients require small attachments that adhere to the teeth to improve the fit of aligners. While attachments make treatment more efficient, they are a bit more noticeable.
- Commitment: Unlike metal and ceramic braces that cannot be removed, patients must put a bit more effort into Invisalign aligner treatment. If you slack off and don’t wear them as much as you should, you will prolong treatment and may not have the desired results.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?
Every patient’s experience with Invisalign clear aligners is unique. Treatment time depends on the type and severity of misalignment and other dental issues needing correction. Most people begin seeing results within the first few months, and it can take six months to two years to complete orthodontic treatment.
After your consultation with Thrive Dental & Orthodontics, you’ll have a better picture of what to expect from Invisalign orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign Costs
The price of Invisalign treatment varies widely but is generally comparable to traditional braces. Costs depend on the complexity of your treatment and how long you need to wear the aligners. Some dental plans cover some or all of the costs of orthodontic treatment. Check with your dental insurance plan for more information.
Take the first step toward a straighter smile. Schedule an appointment with an Invisalign orthodontist at Thrive Dental & Orthodontics today. We have offices in Allen, Frisco, Sachse, Richardson, and Dallas, Texas.
