Invisalign in Dallas, TX
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment method similar to braces, except it uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal wires to straighten and reposition the teeth. Invisalign can correct a variety of orthodontic issues, offers several benefits over traditional metal braces, and provides an effective and convenient way for you to achieve a confident, healthy smile.
Benefits of Invisalign over Traditional Braces
Invisalign offers orthodontic patients a flexible alternative to traditional metal braces. Some of the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces include the following.
Aesthetics
Many patients find Invisalign more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces since Invisalign is virtually unnoticeable. Clear aligners allow you to journey through the teeth-straightening process without obvious metal or ceramic brackets and wires.
This advantage is especially beneficial for those who regularly have professional obligations or networking/social events where they are conscious of maintaining a natural-looking smile.
Comfort
Traditional braces can sometimes cause more discomfort due to the brackets and wires rubbing against the soft tissues in the mouth.
Invisalign is made of smooth plastic, which is less irritating to the mouth and more comfortable to wear.
Customization and Precision
As you go through Invisalign treatment, you will change out your aligners on a weekly or bimonthly basis. Each Invisalign aligner is custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and shift them gradually.
This is accomplished through advanced scanning and 3D printing technology, which allows for precise designing of just the right amount of pressure in all the right places to ensure efficient movement of the teeth.
Oral Hygiene
Invisalign aligners are removable throughout treatment, unlike traditional braces, which are bonded to the teeth until removed by an orthodontist.
This removability aspect of clear aligners can provide a significant advantage when it comes to maintaining proper oral hygiene. Food particles often get stuck in brackets and wires of traditional braces and can be challenging to clean. This challenge can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Invisalign shines in this aspect because the aligners are easily removed when you eat, which enables you to brush and floss your teeth to remove any food before replacing the aligners.
Fewer Dental Appointments
Since traditional braces have to be manually tightened by an orthodontist, you have more frequent appointments for adjustments. Invisalign, on the other hand, requires less frequent appointments.
Depending on your treatment plan, you might only have an appointment every two months. This not only saves time but makes the treatment more convenient overall.
Fewer Food Restrictions
Food restrictions are often one of the biggest challenges when getting traditional braces. With braces, you have to avoid certain foods that can damage the brackets and wires, such as:
- Chewing gum
- Caramel and sticky foods
- Biting into apples and other crunchy foods
- Popcorn
Since you remove Invisalign aligners before you eat, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods throughout treatment.
Predictability and Visualization
Due to advancements in 3D imaging technology, we can give you a sneak peek of your post-Invisalign future smile before you even start treatment. This is one of the most impressive benefits of Invisalign since it helps you set realistic expectations and gives you something to look forward to.
Invisalign Treatment Process
Everyone is unique, so your individual Invisalign treatment process may differ slightly. However, here is a general overview of the journey of Invisalign.
Consultation and Examination
We’ll begin with an initial consultation, where Dr. Rick Miller examines your teeth and discusses your smile goals to help determine whether clear aligners are the right treatment method for you. This includes a thorough examination and discussion with the doctor to understand your needs and goals for treatment.
3D Imaging and Custom Treatment Plan
If Dr. Miller determines you are a good candidate for Invisalign, we’ll use a special 3D imaging tool to capture detailed images of your teeth.
These images help us create a digital map of your mouth, which serves as the basis for your custom treatment plan. This digital map also helps create precise aligner trays and gives us an approximate idea of how long your treatment will take.
Custom Aligners
Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are created just for you. Each aligner will gradually shift your teeth so that by the end of the treatment timeline, they’re in their correct positions.
Depending on your treatment plan, you’ll switch to your next set of aligner trays every one or two weeks, which advances you to the next stage of treatment.
Wearing Your Clear Aligners
This is the most important step of the journey. You need to wear your Invisalign aligners between 20 and 22 hours a day. Only remove them to eat, drink (anything other than water), and brush or floss your teeth.
The more you wear your aligners and adhere to your treatment plan, the more successful your treatment will be.
Check-Ups
You’ll receive a custom check-up schedule, which allows us to monitor your progress and make any adjustments necessary for your treatment plan. These follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every six to eight weeks so we can review the shifting of your teeth and ensure your goals are being met.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The complete Invisalign treatment process varies from patient to patient, but the average treatment time is 12-18 months. In contrast, traditional braces often require at least two years of treatment to get the right results.
Are Clear Aligners Right for You?
Invisalign could be an appropriate treatment option for you if you have any of the following concerns:
- Overcrowding
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
Invisalign can correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues. The only way to determine whether it’s an appropriate treatment method for you is to schedule a consultation.
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
To learn more about Invisalign and to schedule a free consultation to determine whether it’s an appropriate treatment method for you, contact our office at Bent Tree Dental. Our team can help you set up an appointment.
Dr. Rick Miller has been serving patients in Dallas of all ages for several years. He will discuss your goals and concerns, answer your questions, and recommend the best treatment method to help you achieve your desired smile. Contact us today to get started.
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