Do you want to straighten your teeth but don’t want braces? Try orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Invisalign is a modern cosmetic dental treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth.
The clear Invisalign aligners shift teeth into straighter positions over time, often without many in-office adjustments. Invisalign treatment in our Groesbeck, TX office can help many patients get straighter, better-aligned smiles.
Invisalign Treatment in Groesbeck, TX
We recommend Invisalign for patients with all their permanent teeth and mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Invisalign can treat tooth gaps, crooked teeth, bite misalignment, overbites, underbites, cross-bites, and other orthodontic issues.
To begin Invisalign treatment, we take dental x-rays to determine if the patient is a good fit for treatment. We will take impressions of the teeth to send to a lab, where they create the aligner sets. Once the aligners are complete, we will fit you with your first pair.
During Invisalign treatment, you will replace your aligners for a new pair every two weeks. Because each pair of aligners differs, they will gradually straighten your smile over time. You may need to visit our office occasionally so we can keep track of your progress.
For the best results, wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. You should also remove them whenever you eat or drink anything other than water. When cleaning your aligners, use a mouthguard soak or liquid soap and water.
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The Benefits of Invisalign
There are numerous benefits to choosing Invisalign over traditional braces. One of the main advantages of Invisalign is its aesthetic appeal. The clear aligners are much less noticeable than metal braces, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly. This is particularly appealing to adults who may be self-conscious about wearing braces.
Another benefit of Invisalign is its comfort. The aligners are made of smooth plastic and customized for your teeth. No sharp wires or brackets can poke or irritate your mouth.
Invisalign is also removable, allowing you to remove the aligners when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. This means you can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods without any dietary restrictions. Traditional braces often come with a list of foods to avoid, such as popcorn, gum, or hard candies, to prevent damage to the braces. With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners and eat whatever you want.
Furthermore, because the aligners are removable, it is easier to maintain good oral hygiene with Invisalign. You can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. You don’t have to navigate around wires and brackets like traditional braces. This helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, which can be common issues with braces.
Invisalign also requires fewer visits to the orthodontist than traditional braces. With traditional braces, you typically need to visit the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. With Invisalign, you only need to visit the dentist every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and get new aligners. This means less time spent in the dentist’s chair and more time enjoying life.
One of the best benefits of Invisalign is the shorter treatment time compared to traditional braces. Most people can complete their Invisalign treatment in about 12-18 months, compared to 2-3 years with traditional braces. This means you can achieve a straighter smile in less time with Invisalign.
Invisalign is also safe for all ages, from teenagers to adults. The clear aligners are made of medical-grade plastic that is BPA-free and FDA-approved. They’re safe to wear in your mouth and are gentle on your teeth and gums. They don’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth.
Caring for Invisalign
To care for Invisalign aligners, follow a few simple steps. First, remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This will prevent trapping food particles and bacteria between the aligners and the teeth. When this happens, it can lead to decay and cavities.
After removing the aligners, cleaning them thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is important. Avoid using hot water to clean the aligners, as it can cause them to warp and lose shape. Instead, use lukewarm water and gentle brushing motions.
It is also important to soak the aligners in a cleaning solution or retainer cleaner at least once daily. Bacteria can build up on the aligners, causing odor and potentially making you sick. Many different cleaning solutions are available, so choose one specifically designed for Invisalign aligners. Soaking the aligners for the recommended time will help keep them clear and bacteria-free.
Brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal is important before putting the aligners back in. This will help prevent plaque and bacteria from building up on the teeth.
Another important aspect of caring for Invisalign aligners is avoiding using toothpaste containing abrasive ingredients or whitening agents. These can scratch the surface of the aligners and cause them to become discolored or damaged. Instead, use a non-abrasive toothpaste and brush gently to avoid damaging the aligners.
Avoid drinking colored beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine while wearing Invisalign aligners. These stain the aligners and make them more noticeable. If you consume these beverages, brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to prevent staining.
To ensure that Invisalign aligners work effectively, wear them for at least 22 hours daily. You should only remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Failure to wear the aligners as directed can delay the treatment process, making the results less effective.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is a subtle way to straighten a crooked smile. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of your Invisalign treatment varies based on your case and your wearing the aligners as directed. Most treatments take between 6 and 18 months, but Invisalign can complete minor adjustments in as little as 3-6 months. During your consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will provide an estimated timeline based on your unique needs.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign aligners?
You should remove your Invisalign aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents food particles or liquids from becoming trapped, which can stain the aligners and increase the risk of tooth decay. After meals, rinse your mouth and aligners before reinserting them to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent odors.
Are Invisalign aligners noticeable?
Invisalign aligners are made of clear, medical-grade plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them unless they look closely. Invisalign is a discreet option for adults and teens who are self-conscious about traditional braces.
Can Invisalign treatment fix severe orthodontic issues?
Invisalign is highly versatile but may not be suitable for severe orthodontic issues. In such cases, traditional braces or other treatments may be more effective. During the consultation, we will evaluate your teeth to determine whether Invisalign is the right option.
How often do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?
For Invisalign to be effective, you must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours daily. You should only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Failing to wear the aligners as directed can prolong treatment time and affect the results.
How do I maintain my results after Invisalign?
After completing Invisalign treatment, you must wear a retainer to maintain your results. Retainers prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. Your dentist will instruct you on how often to wear the retainer, which may initially be full-time, and then transition to nighttime wear.
Treat Crooked Teeth Today
Are you in the Mexia or Groesbeck, TX, area? Do you want to try Invisalign treatment? Request a dental consultation with Dr. Todd Collins or Dr. William Jennings online. You may also call our dental office for an appointment at (254) 556-3973.