Do you hide your smile because of crooked teeth? Is your bite uncomfortable due to untreated orthodontic issues?
Tyler Family Dental is your local Invisalign provider. Our dental care team can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile using this clear aligner system. Invisalign can provide a discreet way to treat your mild to moderate orthodontic concerns.
What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?
Invisalign is a somewhat new orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, the aligners are nearly invisible, making the treatment more discreet. Clear aligners are more appealing to adults and teens due to hardly being noticeable.
Each Invisalign aligner is custom-made to fit each person’s teeth. These aligners work gently, gradually shifting teeth into the most healthy and appealing position. Each week, you will start a new set of aligners. This slow and steady tooth movement ensures your teeth continue to move toward the correct position, providing a comfortable and reassuring treatment experience.
Invisalign can address a wide range of dental issues for teens and adults, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Open bites
- Crooked teeth
Invisalign: What To Expect
The Invisalign process begins with a consultation and evaluation of your smile to be sure that this treatment option is the best solution for your needs and aesthetic goals.
Once the choice has been made to move forward, we will take digital scans of your mouth chairside using a handheld scanner. This easy, convenient process will provide the digital imagery necessary for creating custom aligners to reposition your teeth.
It takes about 2-3 weeks for the aligners to be prepared and sent to us by the Invisalign lab. When they are ready, you will come to the office for the placement of the initial set of aligners. During this visit we will discuss the timing of aligner changes and how to care for them during your treatment.
Typically, patients change aligners every two weeks. Invisalign is a convenient orthodontic treatment option, and the aligners can be removed as needed, making it easy to enjoy your favorite foods and to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Other than removal for oral hygiene and eating, the aligners are kept in place for around 22 hours per day.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Invisalign and traditional braces are teeth-straightening treatments that will correct misaligned teeth. However, they are vastly different in their approach and aesthetics. Invisalign uses a series of see-through, removable aligners that the Invisalign software custom-creates for each patient.
While wearing the aligners, they are nearly invisible. Being discreet is what makes them a popular option for teens and adults. Also, you can remove the aligners to care for your teeth and eat.
On the other hand, traditional braces use metal brackets and wire that the dentist affixes to the teeth, where they remain for a long time. They are very noticeable and can be uncomfortable. Cleaning around traditional braces can be challenging. It is very important to take extra time to clean and make sure food and debris do not get stuck between the brackets.
It’s important to note that while Invisalign is a good choice for mild to moderate issues, traditional braces are the go-to for more complex orthodontic issues. However, both treatments effectively move teeth into the desired position.
Invisalign FAQs
Are you ready to align your teeth with a discreet orthodontic treatment? We understand you may have several questions about the treatment and what to expect. Our team put together a list of common questions we receive about Invisalign. Please read through the answers to these frequently asked questions and contact us if you have further questions.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
Our dental care team will evaluate your teeth and bite before recommending Invisalign. While most patients are candidates for Invisalign, we want to be sure that treatment will be successful for you.
How long is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign is typically completed in 12-15 months, with some patients needing more time for complex tooth movement. We will give you an estimated treatment time during your consultation.
Does Invisalign hurt?
For patients, Invisalign treatment is very tolerable. However, you should expect some discomfort when forcing your teeth to shift into a new position. When you begin a new set of aligners, you will feel some pressure and mild pain or discomfort. This minor discomfort is a normal indication that your treatment is working and your teeth are shifting.
The aligners are smooth, small, and generally more comfortable than metal braces. Traditional braces often cause irritation and cuts inside the mouth. Invisalign comfort level is often what makes it more popular than braces.
What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Invisalign aligners are made from a particular thermoplastic known as SmartTrack® material. This material provides a more precise and comfortable fit than traditional aligner materials. Each aligner exerts consistent and gentle pressure because SmartTrack® material allows better control over tooth movements. Also, the clear and almost invisible material offers an aesthetically pleasing choice for discreet orthodontic treatment.
What happens after my Invisalign treatment?
After your Invisalign treatment, we will give you a retainer to maintain your new smile. This retainer is vital to keep your teeth in their new positions. After orthodontic treatment, it is normal for teeth to shift back over time naturally.
We suggest that you wear a retainer full-time after you finish your last set of aligners. Your dentist will slowly reduce the time you need to wear it. You will eventually wear each evening to maintain your results. During your regular dental visits, we will monitor your results to ensure your long-term success.
Can I use Invisalign to treat orthodontic relapse?
Yes, you can use Invisalign to treat orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse is when teeth shift back to their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable way for you to correct minor to moderate relapse issues. Consult with your Tyler, TX, dentist to see if Invisalign will work for your specific case of orthodontic relapse.
How will Invisalign fit my needs and lifestyle?
Invisalign offers a tailor-made solution that fits your dental needs and lifestyle. Your custom aligners work fast, ensuring quicker results when you compare them to traditional braces. Also, the clear aligners provide you with more freedom than braces. You can eat, drink, and maintain oral hygiene with ease. The clear aligners are discreet, making them a good option for professional and social settings. Also, the treatment is a cost-effective alternative to metal braces and is just as effective.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign in Tyler, TX
Call Tyler Family Dental today at 903-623-8317 to book your appointment to learn more about Invislign in Tyler, TX. You can also request an appointment online and we will get back to you as soon as possible.