We offer clear aligner therapy for patients with mild to moderate crowding or malocclusion. Bringing the teeth into better alignment is not only great for the appearance of your smile. Straight teeth can improve your gum health, alleviate a traumatic bite, and prevent bruxism, gum recession, tooth chips, or tooth wear. Invisalign is one of the cosmetic dentistry treatments we provide to the public in Dallas, Texas. We are happy to see you for a free consultation to see how we can give you a straighter smile with Invisalign in our Dallas, TX, dental office.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. These aligners are custom-made for each patient. The aligners are nearly invisible when you have them in. Invisalign is the most popular alternative to traditional, metal braces. Many people prefer this treatment option for aesthetic reasons.
The Invisalign laboratory creates each aligner from a patented thermoplastic material, which is strong yet flexible. We get the exact measurements of your mouth so that each aligner will fit snugly over your teeth, applying gentle pressure. The pressure slowly shifts the teeth into their desired positions.
Why Should I Choose Invisalign?
Many of our patients choose Invisalign for its discreet appearance. The clear aligners are hard to notice. This makes them ideal for adults and teens. The benefits of Invisalign include:
Comfort
Comfort is also a major advantage of Invisalign. The aligners are made from smooth plastic. This material will reduce the risk of irritation to the gums and cheeks. Traditional braces often cause discomfort due to metal brackets and wires.
Convenience
You can also remove your Invisalign aligners when you need to. Being able to take them allows you eat what you want without restrictions. You will also be able to brush and floss your teeth with ease. This helps maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
Being able to remove them makes daily activities like eating and brushing more manageable. You will not need to abide by any food restrictions, unlike with traditional braces. You can eat any type of food without worrying about food getting stuck or breaking your brackets. The aligners are also easy to clean.
Fewer Office Visits
With Invisalign, you don’t need as many check-ups as you would with braces. Since the clear aligners are designed in advance, you simply switch to a new set every couple of weeks at home. This means fewer trips to the dentist, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
Predictable Results
Invisalign uses advanced digital technology to create a customized treatment plan. Before you even start, you’ll be able to see a preview of how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like. This makes the process more predictable and gives you confidence in your results.
Who Can Benefit from Invisalign?
There are many uses for Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment can address many different issues. These include:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
Most adults and teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic issues are good candidates. However, severe cases will most likely require traditional braces. To see if Invisalign is the best treatment for you, schedule a consultation with our Dallas, TX office.
We will assess your teeth and bite, discuss your goals and expectations, and recommend the most suitable treatment based on this assessment.
How Does Invisalign Treatment in Dallas, TX, Work?
Our dentist will create a digital plan for your treatment. We use 3D imaging technology to predict each step in your plan. We will send your custom treatment plan to the Invisalign lab, where they will make your aligners.
You will wear the clear aligners for about a week or two. After a specified amount of wear time, you will move on to the next set in the series. The total number of clear aligners you will wear will depend on the complexity of your orthodontic problems. Most patients should plan on wearing the aligners for 12 to 18 months.
Each custom aligner is designed to make a slight adjustment in the position of the teeth. They apply a controlled amount of force to move the teeth in small increments. To achieve proper results, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink anything besides water, brush, and floss. Consistent wear is crucial for effective treatment.
You will need to schedule regular check-ups with our dentist to ensure your treatment is progressing as it should. She can also adjust your treatment if necessary.
What are Retainers?
Retainers are custom-made devices that help keep your teeth in the right position after you finish your Invisalign treatment. While Invisalign aligners move your teeth into their new positions, retainers make sure they stay in place once your treatment is complete.
Why Do You Need Retainers After Invisalign?
After Invisalign, your teeth are in their new, straight positions, but they haven’t fully settled yet. Without retainers, your teeth may slowly shift back to their old positions over time. Retainers help prevent this from happening.
You’ve worked hard to straighten your teeth, and retainers make sure you can keep that perfect smile. Wearing them as instructed will help you enjoy the results of your Invisalign treatment for years to come. Retainers prevent orthodontic relapse, which is when your teeth start to shift back to their original positions after you’ve completed orthodontic treatment. Even after your teeth are straightened, the bone and tissues around them need time to adjust to the new positions. If you don’t wear a retainer, your teeth may move back to where they were before.
Our dentist will give you specific instructions on how often to wear them based on your needs. At first, you may need to wear your retainers constantly. Over time, you can wear them at night.
How to Get Started with Invisalign in Dallas, TX
The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified dentists. They will assess your teeth and discuss your goals to determine if Invisalign is the best treatment for you. Call Lochwood Family Dental at 214-544-9633 or request an appointment online to get started.