Invisalign is a modern cosmetic dental treatment that uses a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time. Traditional orthodontics, like metal braces, use wires that can irritate the gum tissue and require appointments to tighten brackets and add new wires as needed. Clear Invisalign aligners are discreet and often more comfortable than other orthodontic treatments. At Huntsville Family Dental, we provide Invisalign to straighten teeth and create even bites in Huntsville, TX.
Getting Invisalign in Huntsville, TX
Teenagers and adults with crooked and misaligned teeth benefit from Invisalign treatment. Invisalign can address underbites, overbites, crossbites, gaps between teeth, and other orthodontic problems.
To begin treatment, we will take dental x-rays and examine the smile. We will take scans of the smile to send to a lab, where technicians create pairs of clear Invisalign aligners. Patients will begin with their first pair of aligners and switch out their aligners for a new pair every two weeks. Each pair of aligners is slightly different and will shift the teeth into a more even, aligned position.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can brush and floss their smiles and clean their aligners separately. Patients can also eat without dietary restrictions.
After Invisalign treatment, we recommend that patients wear retainers to prevent orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse occurs when patients do not wear their retainers, and the teeth begin to shift out of their straight position. Patients can care for their retainers just like Invisalign aligners.
Why Choose Invisalign?
If you want a straighter smile but don’t like the idea of traditional braces, Invisalign might be the perfect option for you.
Nearly Invisible Appearance
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are nearly invisible. Unlike metal braces, which can be very noticeable, Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic that blends in with your teeth. Most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. This makes Invisalign a great choice if you want to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your mouth.
Comfortable to Wear
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, which is much more comfortable than metal braces with brackets and wires. No sharp edges or pieces can poke the inside of your mouth. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about painful adjustments.
Removable for Eating and Cleaning
One of the best things about Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. You can take them out when you eat, so you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in braces. You can enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Plus, because the aligners are removable, brushing and flossing your teeth normally is easy, keeping your mouth cleaner and healthier.
Easier to Clean
Cleaning traditional braces can be difficult and time-consuming, but with Invisalign, keeping your aligners clean is simple. You just remove them and rinse them with water or brush them gently with a toothbrush. This keeps your aligners clear and fresh, and it also helps maintain your oral hygiene since you can continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual.
No Food Restrictions
With traditional braces, you must avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you don’t have these restrictions. Since you remove the aligners when you eat, you can enjoy popcorn, nuts, apples, and other off-limits with braces. This means you can stick to your normal diet without worry.
Fewer Dental Visits
Traditional braces often require frequent visits to the orthodontist for adjustments, but Invisalign usually requires fewer check-ups. You’ll still need to see your dentist or orthodontist regularly to monitor your progress, but these visits are often quicker and less involved. This saves you time and makes it easier to fit your treatment into a busy schedule.
Predictable Results
Invisalign uses advanced technology to map out your entire treatment plan from start to finish. You’ll see a digital preview of how your teeth will move and your smile will look like at the end of the treatment. This gives you a clear understanding of what to expect, making the process more predictable than traditional braces.
Treats a Variety of Dental Issues
Invisalign can treat many of the same issues as traditional braces, including crooked teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Whether your dental problem is mild or more complex, Invisalign can help improve your smile. Your dentist or orthodontist will assess your teeth and create a customized treatment plan for your needs.
Boosts Your Confidence
A straighter smile can greatly boost your confidence. With Invisalign, you can feel good about your appearance even during treatment. Because the aligners are clear, you won’t feel self-conscious about your smile while straightening your teeth. This can improve your self-esteem and make you feel more comfortable in social situations.
Caring for Invisalign
Caring for your Invisalign aligners ensures your treatment goes smoothly and your teeth stay healthy. Proper care helps keep the aligners clean, clear, and free from bacteria, improving your overall experience. Fortunately, taking care of Invisalign is simple and easy, requiring a few basic habits.
To start, always remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food and colored drinks can stain the clear plastic, making the aligners look dirty and unattractive. Additionally, chewing with your aligners in place can damage or change their shape, affecting your treatment.
After eating, brushing your teeth before putting your aligners back in is important. This keeps food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners, which can cause plaque buildup, tooth decay, or bad breath.
Keeping your aligners clean is another key part of caring for them. You should gently brush your aligners daily with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid using toothpaste because it can be abrasive and may scratch the plastic, making the aligners look dull and less clear.
Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water, but never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic and ruin their fit. Some people like to soak their aligners in special Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner a few times a week to keep them extra fresh and bacteria-free.
It’s crucial to store your Invisalign aligners properly whenever they’re not in your mouth. Always keep them in their protective case when you take them out to eat, drink, or clean your teeth. This helps prevent them from getting lost, broken, or accidentally thrown away. Never leave your aligners in the open or wrapped in a napkin because they can easily be forgotten or mistaken for trash. Keeping them in their case also protects them from germs and bacteria on surfaces like tables or countertops.
Wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours daily is important to ensure your teeth move as planned. The more consistently you wear them, the better your results will be. Only remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. If you don’t wear your aligners enough, your treatment time can extend, and your aligners may not fit properly when you try to put them back in.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is as important as caring for the aligners themselves. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily, ideally after every meal. Clean teeth and gums will keep your breath fresh and prevent plaque and cavities from forming while you wear your Invisalign aligners.
Regular dental check-ups are also a must while using Invisalign. Your dentist or orthodontist will monitor your progress, make sure your teeth are moving correctly, and provide you with your next set of aligners. If you have any concerns, like rough edges on the aligners or discomfort, don’t hesitate to bring them up during your appointments.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is a subtle way to straighten your smile. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long do I have to wear Invisalign aligners each day?
You must wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day. You should only take your aligners out to perform your oral healthcare routine or eat or drink something other than water. If you don’t wear them for the correct amount of time, your treatment will take longer, and you may not get the results you want.
Can I eat or drink with my aligners?
You should never eat or drink anything besides water when your aligners are in your mouth. One of the main benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are practically invisible on your teeth. However, if you drink staining beverages like coffee or red wine, they discolor the aligners, and you can see them on your teeth. Eating with your aligners can scratch or damage them, making the aligners more visible.
How long does Invisalign treatment last?
It all depends on the severity of your case. On average, Invisalign treatment takes 12-18 months to achieve your desired results. Every person is different, so we create a personalized treatment plan so you know exactly how much longer you’ll need your aligners.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
No, you shouldn’t feel any intense pain with Invisalign. Each time you change to a new set of aligners, you’ll experience some soreness and discomfort for the first few days. This is the only type of pain that you should feel. If there’s any sharp or sudden pain, call our office immediately.
Does Invisalign make your breath smell bad?
If you don’t clean them properly, your aligners can start to smell. Odor-causing bacteria love nothing more than a warm, wet environment and they multiply faster in this condition. This is why cleaning your aligners is so important. The smell can get stuck in the material, making it harder for you to reverse the issues.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is ideal for patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. If you have more complicated problems with you teeth, we may need to refer you to an orthodontist that can assist you further. You also have to be in overall good oral health to ensure that treatment goes smoothly.
Realign Your Smile
Do you want to straighten your smile? Are you looking for a way to address an uneven bite? Contact Huntsville Family Dental for more information about Invisalign treatment today at (936) 220-3158. You may also request a dental appointment on our website. If you have questions about Invisalign, please let us know, and we will be happy to help.