Invisalign

If you have misaligned teeth and don’t want to deal with the burdensome and conspicuous metal braces, Invisalign® may be an apt solution for you. The Invisalign process is similar to traditional metal braces but without bulky metal brackets and painful wires that require tightening.

Invisalign is an excellent alternative for adults with cosmetic and functional concerns due to crooked teeth and may be a viable alternative for teens with malocclusion, an overbite, or an underbite. In any situation, the important benefit of Invisalign is that the clear aligners are virtually invisible while being worn. At TruCare Dental in Garland, Texas, we will help you achieve a straight, beautiful smile with our Invisalign treatments.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic procedure that can straighten and realign your teeth through the use of transparent and removable plastic aligners. The Invisalign system comprises a series of aligners, which gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment option designed to correct a variety of cosmetic and oral health issues.

The Invisalign Process: What to Expect

Before your treatment begins, your dentist will first take digital impressions of your teeth. Those will then be used to create a series of customized aligners. The aligners are made of smooth plastic that won’t irritate your gums and teeth, and they are BPA-free.

You’ll wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks before you switch them out for the next set in the series. Each aligner is shaped slightly differently so that when you change to the next set, it will continue to move your teeth into proper alignment. Your dentist will be able to tell you exactly how long you’ll need to wear the aligners. They are removable so that you can brush and floss your teeth and eat any foods you normally would do during treatment.

As you go through your treatment, you’ll begin to see your smile transform.

Which orthodontic problems can Invisalign correct?

Invisalign aligners are used to treat mild to moderate malocclusion, teeth crowding, and spacing issues. The clear aligner system is a cosmetic alternative to metal braces that utilizes a series of custom-made plastic trays to move a patient’s teeth into better alignment. If the patient has a more severe misalignment, then a dentist may recommend traditional orthodontic treatment. A dentist will schedule a consultation appointment to determine if a patient is a candidate for Invisalign treatment. Teenagers and adults who want to improve their smile without any noticeable wires or brackets should consider Invisalign treatment at their local dental office.

Benefits of Invisalign

The beauty of Invisalign is that the clear plastic trays are virtually invisible, so no one will even know you’re wearing them! Another benefit is that you can remove Invisalign to eat and brush your teeth, which makes maintaining proper oral health care a breeze compared to traditional metal brackets and wires.

Expected Results Can Be Generated

Our dentist, Dr. Truc Le, will take impressions and scans of your mouth during your initial consultation, which is sent off to the Invisalign manufacturer to fabricate your aligners. With the data collected, we can also show you the expected results after you have completed your Invisalign treatment.

Clear and Comfortable to Wear

A significant advantage of Invisalign is its seemingly invisible appearance, which makes it a more attractive option to adults, teens, and working professionals. The transparent aligners are also more comfortable than the conventional orthodontic braces with brackets and wires. As the aligners are custom-made using advanced 3D computer imaging technology, they fit snugly on your teeth while slowly moving your teeth over time.

Removable

Invisalign braces are easily removable, which allows you to perform your oral functions comfortably. The removable nature of Invisalign means that patients do not have to restrict their food choices or fear breaking their braces. The aligners can be taken off to eat your meals and brush your teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Dr. Truc Le will take scans and impressions to design your treatment plan. The data collected will be sent to the Invisalign manufacturer to fabricate the clear aligners sets, each slightly different from the previous one. You must wear one aligner on the top teeth and one on the bottom teeth for about fifteen days at a time. Each aligner will make the teeth move slowly towards the proper position. After two weeks, you must move on to the next set of aligners and so on. By the end of the treatment, the teeth would have shifted into their correct position, giving you a stunning new smile.

Invisalign is required for several reasons related to dental alignment and bite correction. Here are the key reasons:

Teeth Misalignment: Invisalign corrects crooked, overlapping, or misaligned teeth, improving function and appearance.
Spacing Issues: It helps close gaps between teeth or realign crowded teeth where spacing is too tight.
Bite Problems: Invisalign addresses various bite issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, helping to prevent future problems with chewing, speech, and jaw alignment.
Improved Oral Health: Misaligned teeth can make cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Invisalign helps align teeth for easier maintenance and better oral hygiene.
Cosmetic Reasons: Many patients opt for Invisalign to achieve a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile without the visibility of traditional metal braces.

FAQ

1. What is Invisalign, and how does it work?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system designed to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and gradually shifts teeth into the desired position. The process typically requires regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist to monitor progress.

2. How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies based on the case's complexity but generally lasts between 12 to 18 months. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide a personalized treatment plan that outlines the expected timeline for your specific needs.

3. Are the aligners comfortable to wear?

Most patients find Invisalign aligners comfortable, made from smooth plastic, and custom-fitted to their teeth. However, you may experience mild discomfort or pressure when switching to a new aligner, which is a normal part of teeth-straightening.

4. Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?

You can eat and drink with Invisalign, but the aligners must be removed before consuming food or beverages (except for water). This allows you to enjoy your meals without restriction and helps maintain oral hygiene by preventing staining and damage to the aligners.

5. How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?

To care for your Invisalign aligners, clean them daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic. Additionally, brush and floss your teeth before reinserting the aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.

At TruCare Dental, we provide dental solutions to improve your oral health while transforming smiles. Please contact us to make an appointment.