Clear aligners to Straighten Teeth

Invisalign® Consultation in Katy TX

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A smiling female placing a clear aligner into her mouth

How is Invisalign® Different From Traditional Braces?

Invisalign® straightens your teeth just as effectively as traditional metal braces, but using a modern approach that is best suited for an active and social lifestyle. The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, so no one has to know they are there. And unlike traditional braces, they are removable! This makes it possible to brush and floss your teeth without the interference of brackets that can contribute to tooth decay. You can pop these clear braces out to eat and drink whatever you like with no food restrictions. Traditional braces use wires and metal that can poke and irritate your gums. Invisalign® is made of smooth plastic that is comfortable to wear. The convenience of Invisalign® appeals to people in all stages of life. Enjoy the significant benefits of improving your smile with minimal impact on how you look and feel.

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How Does Invisalign® Work?

Invisalign® effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems, including teeth that are widely gapped, overly crowded, or somewhere in between. Invisalign® treatment begins with a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate and to answer all of your questions. Not all dentists or orthodontists work with Invisalign®. We are specially trained providers who will develop an individualized treatment plan for your best results.

We’ll start with x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3-dimensional image. Using this, we can map out the exact movements of your teeth and create a virtual image for you of how your teeth will look. Based on your individualized plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are made specifically for you. The aligners are made of BPA-free clear plastic and fit easily over your teeth. They are smooth and should be comfortable to wear. You can remove them to clean your teeth and to eat and drink. About every two weeks you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, progressing you through to your treatment goals. To make sure things are going well, you will have a check-up in the office every six weeks or so to monitor your progress.

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How Long Will I Have To Wear Invisalign®?

While each case is unique, depending on the treatment needed, Invisalign® usually takes approximately one year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces. For fastest results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually shift into place. Once you have achieved the beautiful smile you desire, we may recommend retainers to keep your teeth looking good.

What About Special Occasions or Playing Sports?

Since Invisalign® is designed to be removable, it is perfectly fine to take out your aligners for a special night or event. Or if you play a contact sport that requires a mouth guard, you can simply replace your aligners with the mouth guard while you play. If your contact sport does not require a mouth guard, an extra advantage to Invisalign® is that it allows you to continue to wear your aligners without worrying about sharp brackets or wire ends cutting your mouth.

More than One Million Patients Worldwide Have Been Treated with Invisalign®. Call us for an appointment to get the smile you want without having to change a thing!

Clear Aligner Options

clear aligners atop a set of artificial teeth

Clear aligners are the most versatile and convenient choice among all orthodontic treatments. Made of a clear, flexible material, orthodontic aligners are comfortable, virtually invisible and removable, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who are seeking a more discreet approach to straightening their teeth. Clear aligners treat the same bite and alignment issues that traditional metal braces do, without the brackets and wires.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

A series of custom-made aligner trays is used to gradually shift your teeth into place. Each tray is designed to move just one tooth or one section of teeth at a time. Once the tray’s work is complete (typically every two weeks), we move on to the next.

Pain and Soreness

Because there are no brackets and wires, clear aligners do not cause significant pain or soreness. In some cases, patients feel temporary discomfort (pressure) for the first few days after switching trays. That pressure may be uncomfortable but is actually a good sign that the trays are doing their job!

Caring for Clear Aligners

Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for cleaning, eating and drinking. To clean your aligners, simply brush and rinse them each time you brush your teeth.

Treatment Time

Treatment time typically falls within the range of 9-16 months. Some patients may also benefit from wearing a retainer after treatment is complete to prevent regression. This will all be discussed as part of your overall treatment plan.

For more information on the various invisible braces solutions, please give us a call at Katy TX Family Dentistry Offfice Phone Number (281) 492-0600!