Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign® (Clear Aligners)

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners?

They are oral appliances for realigning teeth in orthodontics in 77070. Invisalign® clear aligners provide an alternative to traditional metal braces that feature metal wires and brackets. Instead, the Invisalign clear aligners in Houston, TX, feature a transparent plastic-like material fashioned into an aligning tray. The transparency of the material makes Invisalign virtually invisible. It is the reason they are sometimes called invisible braces.

When Would You Benefit from Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Although they are more appealing than metal braces, Invisalign braces are not for everyone. Orthodontists recommend Invisalign to patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems. For complex malocclusions, traditional metal braces are the better options. Some oral issues that need Invisalign clear aligners are:

1. Spaces between teeth
2. Misplaced midline
3. Misaligned jaw
4. Overlapping teeth
5. Improper bites – including crossbites, underbites, and overbites

How Does Invisalign Work?

If you opt to straighten your teeth with clear braces, the treatment will be different from conventional metal braces. The dentist will first take a mold of your teeth after developing a treatment plan to correct your orthodontic problem. The impressions will create a mold that helps customize your aligning trays.

You require multiple aligning trays to complete your orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. The first tray will only be effective for between 3 and 6 weeks. Afterward, you will get a new tray that will fit more snuggly than the previous one. Ultimately, you may use up to 30 or 32 clear trays.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The treatment period with Invisalign at OASIS Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics – Implant Dentistry & Periodontics differs for patients. A huge determining factor is the complexity of your malocclusion. Simple misalignment can take about 6 months to correct. However, the general timeline for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign takes between 6 and 18 months.

Crucial Facts to Know About Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign Clear Aligners

If you will endure orthodontic treatment for up to 18 months, you should at least know enough about the clear aligners you will get. Besides, the more you heed the information a dentist near you provides about clear aligners, the more successful your treatment will be. Some facts about Invisalign are:

1. They are removable – you can remove and wear your Invisalign aligners whenever you want. This flexibility allows you to eat whatever you want without fear of damaging your teeth aligners.
2. Wearing your aligners is crucial for your treatment – the more diligently you wear your clear aligner, the more likely you will complete the treatment within the projected period. If you keep forgetting to wear your aligners daily, your teeth may take longer to shift. Dentists recommend wearing Invisalign aligners between 20 and 22 hours daily.
3. Oral hygiene is paramount – although brushing your teeth daily is a basic matter, the stakes are higher when you get Invisalign. They can catch stains easily if you do not keep your teeth and aligners clean. Besides, you have no excuse not to keep a clean mouth when your clear aligners are removable.
4. You will experience a little discomfort – even though invisible aligners are more comfortable than metal braces, anticipate some discomfort during your treatment. The clear aligners will fit your teeth snugly, applying pressure consistently to shift teeth. Every time you get a fresh aligning tray, your gums and jaw will experience some soreness due to the snug fit and the underlying pressure of your teeth aligners.
5. You must wear retainers after your orthodontic treatment – even though Invisalign works differently from other teeth-straightening appliances in orthodontics, retainers are paramount. Once your treatment ends, you need to wear retainers that will hold your teeth in place. It will prevent them from shifting back to their original positions, undoing the effects of the orthodontic treatment. In many cases, you will need retainers for the rest of your life. Liaise with a dentist near you for different options if you are unwilling to commit to a lifetime of retainers post-treatment.

What Is the Cost of Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Various factors impact the overall cost of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners. A major one is the severity of your orthodontic problem. Generally, the estimated cost of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners ranges between $3,000 to $9,500.