Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Do you feel dissatisfied with your misaligned teeth but hesitate to get traditional metal braces? Maybe you’re an adult in a professional position who worries that braces will make you look younger and less professional. You could be an athlete who has taken hits to the mouth and wonder if your injuries would be worse with a mouth full of metal braces. Whatever your situation, Invisalign clear aligners in Houston, TX may be the solution you have been seeking.
What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Invisalign was the first company to create clear aligners as an orthodontic alternative in the late 1990s. Your customized clear aligners fit over your top and bottom rows of teeth, placing pressure on them to move.
As the name Invisalign suggests, others cannot see your aligners unless they are sitting or standing right next to you. The ability to be discreet with orthodontic treatment and remove the clear aligners when needed are two benefits that patients of Restore Dental at Montrose really seem to appreciate.
What is the Process for Starting Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign?
To learn more about Invisalign and determine if you’re a good candidate for clear braces, the first thing you need to do is schedule a consultation with Dr. Patton. Your Invisalign dentist will take several three-dimensional photos of your teeth, gums, and jaws to create a customized treatment plan. Here are some of the most common reasons patients choose to complete orthodontic treatment with Invisalign:
- Crooked/misaligned teeth
- Crossbite
- Large gaps between teeth
- Open bite
- Overbite
- Underbite
The desire to improve the appearance of their smile is what motivates most patients to schedule an initial consultation. You should also know that correcting your bite, alignment, or gap problem promotes better oral health by making it easier for you to clean your teeth.
After your consultation, Dr. Patton sends your impressions to our dental laboratory. The technicians create a series of clear aligners customized to your specific treatment plan. You will receive enough aligners to swap the current one for the next one in the set approximately every two weeks. Feeling pressure on your teeth and mild discomfort for the first day or so after putting in a new aligner is normal.
How Long Does Treatment with Invisalign Clear Aligners Take?
Clear aligners offer another benefit over traditional metal braces in that treatment time can be significantly less. Some patients finish wearing their aligners in as little as six months, while others require two years or more. Every patient is unique, and the length of time they wear clear aligners depends on the severity of their orthodontic issue.
Best Practices for Success with Invisalign
Although Invisalign clear aligners are removable, we recommend that you only take them out for eating, cleaning, and special occasions like having a professional picture taken. You should plan to wear them for at least 22 to 23 hours a day until you reach the last aligner in your set. Dr. Patton may recommend that you wear a retainer at night at that point, but it all depends on the progress you made during treatment.
Be sure to run your aligner under warm water if you should happen to keep them in while eating. You also want to brush the aligner regularly to remove saliva and food particles.
Dr. Patton is happy to answer any additional questions you have about Invisalign clear aligners in Houston, TX. Please contact our office to request a consultation at your convenience.
