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.
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:
Our orthodontists generally recommend wearing aligners for at least 22 hours per day. They can be removed for brushing, flossing, eating, and drinking.
Invisalign treatment happens in stages
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conveniently located throughout the Dallas area to serve you better
