Invisalign®

Our dentist in Leander, Texas is proud to provide our patients with comprehensive dental care, including teeth-straightening treatment with Invisalign®. Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile and confidence in addition to their oral health and comfort.

What Is Invisalign®?

An orthodontic treatment, Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. The Invisalign® system can be used to address a variety of orthodontic issues, correcting many cases of crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and malocclusion.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Invisalign® uses a system of custom-designed and manufactured clear aligner trays. These trays are made from smooth, yet rigid plastic and are designed to fit snuggly over a patient's arches of teeth.

The clear aligner trays are designed in a graduated system that puts gentle pressure on the teeth in specific locations. While the aligner trays are worn, they slowly and gently shift the patient's teeth into the desired locations.

Every patient's Invisalign® treatment system is slightly different because they are custom-designed to meet each patient's treatment needs. As a result, treatment times vary. For best results, patients must wear their Invisalign® aligner trays for at least 22 hours each day. Each set of trays is typically worn for about two weeks before the patient moves on to the next set of trays in their treatment kit.

Depending on the complexity of the case, treatment with Invisalign® can take anywhere from about six months to around two years.

The Benefits of Invisalign®

Invisalign® offers several advantages over traditional metal braces.

• Invisalign® provides discreet treatment with virtually invisible aligner trays.
• Invisalign® does not require any special oral hygiene tools.
• Invisalign® won't rub painfully against the soft tissues the way metal braces can.
• Invisalign® can be removed at meal times, allowing patients to continue enjoying all of their favorite foods.

What to Expect During the Invisalign® Treatment Process

The Invisalign® treatment process begins with a consultation and orthodontic evaluation. During this appointment, our dentist talks with the patient about their treatment needs, goals, and expectations. We then take a set of diagnostic images to evaluate the patient's teeth, jaw, and bone structure before recommending a treatment plan.

To begin treatment with Invisalign®, we digitally scan the patient's mouth, taking a set of digital oral impressions. These scans are then uploaded into a software system where we can design the patient's Invisalign® treatment plan. We then submit the patient's specifications and treatment plan to Invisalign® where their custom aligner trays are manufactured.

Once the trays are ready, we introduce the patient to their treatment system and provide them with instructions for use. The patient can then begin wearing their aligner trays and working their way toward a straighter, healthier smile.

Throughout the treatment process, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This helps to ensure the patient stays on track.

Once treatment with Invisalign® is complete, there is a possibility that the patient might need to wear a retainer to prevent their teeth from shifting back toward their original positions and out of proper alignment.

Is Invisalign® Right for Everyone?

Invisalign® is an excellent treatment option for many patients. In some cases, however, it might not be the best treatment option.

Some patients with more complex orthodontic issues might benefit from receiving treatment with traditional or lingual braces instead of Invisalign®. Additionally, Invisalign® patients must be committed to their treatment program and responsible enough to wear their aligner trays for the recommended amount of time every day. For this reason, Invisalign® is not always recommended for children under the age of 16.

Invisalign® does offer a unique treatment system designed specifically to help teens adhere to their treatment plans.

Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile Today With Our Dentist in Leander, Texas

Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth not only affect the aesthetic appearance of your smile but can also harm your oral health. In addition to impacting the symmetry and balance of your smile, orthodontic issues can cause the painful symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and also make it more difficult to keep your teeth and gums adequately clean, increasing the risk of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and cavities.

If your teeth are crooked or crowded or you have a misaligned bite, we strongly encourage you to request a consultation with our dentist. We can talk with you about your aesthetic and oral health concerns, examine your teeth, and provide you with a personalized orthodontic treatment plan designed to help you create the smile of your dreams while improving your oral health.

To learn more or request an Invisalign® consultation, we welcome you to contact our office today.