Get a Great Smile with Invisalign in The Colony
Want to achieve straight teeth without enduring the “braces” part? There is a wonderful alternative to fixed metal brackets and wires, and it’s Invisalign in The Colony. We are pleased to offer this treatment for older teens and adult patients of Ridgepointe Dental -- keep reading to learn what Invisalign is, what the benefits are, and whether it’s right for you.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that repositions misaligned teeth using a set of customized clear aligners that you receive in the mail after an initial appointment with our office. You will be instructed to wear each set of aligners for 1 to 2 weeks before advancing to the next in the series. As long as you have them inserted for a minimum of 20 hours each day, you can feel free to take the aligners out for big occasions like important meetings or introductions. The average treatment time for Invisalign depends on the complexity of the case, but most cases are completed between 1 to 2 years.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a number of advantages compared to conventional braces. That’s why more than 12 million patients around the world have chosen this teeth-straightening solution! If you’re interested in learning the specifics, here are some of the most considerable benefits of clear aligners:
Improved Comfort
It’s no secret that traditional braces aren’t the most comfortable. The good news is that Invisalign doesn’t use any metal brackets and wires. Instead, your teeth are guided into their properly aligned positions with custom-made aligners, which are crafted from high-quality, low-profile, and smooth plastic. As a result, they fit the unique contours of your mouth and prevent soft tissue irritation.
Virtually Undetectable Trays
This is one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign: the trays are completely see-through. As a result, they are hard to detect when worn. In fact, even those in your inner circle will have a hard time telling when you’re wearing them! Of course, the key to keeping them clear is taking good care of them. So, make sure that you consistently brush your teeth and your trays.
Freedom To Eat What You Want
Simply put, there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign! All you need to do is gently remove your aligners first. Then, you can eat whole apples, raw nuts, thin pizza crust, and all of your other favorites. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that keeping your teeth and gums healthy is a priority, so don’t overindulge on foods and drinks with added sugar and opt for nutrient-dense options when you can.
Fewer Follow-Up Visits
Usually, patients with traditional braces come in every four weeks for their adjustment appointment. However, Invisalign works a bit differently. You’ll be given several sets of aligners at a time so that you can progress through your treatment plan at home. Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come in so we can take new scans of your teeth and monitor how well your teeth are tracking. Typically, this appointment only takes about 15 minutes too!
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Oftentimes, patients with traditional braces need to commit to 2 or 3 years of orthodontic treatment, including monthly appointments and dietary restrictions. The same cannot be said for Invisalign since the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months! Since there are several factors that impact the length of yours, we’ll provide you with an estimate at your consultation.
Hassle-Free Dental Hygiene
Another perk of having removable aligners is that you don’t have to adopt a cumbersome oral hygiene regimen. Instead, you can take off your trays, store them properly, and complete your brushing and flossing routine as usual!
Who Can Get Invisalign?
Just about anyone who could benefit from conventional braces can undergo treatment with Invisalign. The most complex orthodontic cases should still be treated with metal braces. In general, Invisalign can be used to correct the following:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
The only way to find out for sure if you can undergo the Invisalign treatment is to get in touch with our office and ask about adult orthodontics in The Colony.
Cost of Invisalign
There’s one thing that we haven’t talked about yet, and that’s the cost of Invisalign. Our team at Ridgepointe Dental is dedicated to providing patients with high-quality, cost-effective dentistry, which is why we offer several flexible ways to pay. Because the treatment is completely customized to your needs, the only way that we’re able to determine the cost is to conduct a consultation. Once we’ve done that, we’ll discuss all of the pricing factors with you and break down the process.
Invisalign Teen
Since teenagers are often quite conscious of their appearance, it’s not too surprising that many are hesitant to wear metal brackets and wires for 3+ years. The good news is that there is an equally as effective alternative that is also discreet: Invisalign Teen. If you are interested in learning more about this orthodontic treatment – including who is a candidate and what the benefits are outside of appearance – then read on!
How is Invisalign Teen Different?
There are two key differences between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. The first is that the aligners for Invisalign Teen have a small blue dot on them. This gives both the patient and their parents insight into how well they are following the treatment guidelines, like wearing their aligners for 20+ hours a day.
The second distinction is that Invisalign Teen includes replacement aligners. So, if your child accidentally throws away one of their trays at lunch or can’t remember where they placed them at home, it’s no sweat – we can provide them with a replacement at no extra cost.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?
Although Invisalign Teen is ideal for a wide range of patients, it’s not suitable for everyone. That’s why our dentist in The Colony, Dr. Amos, will need to determine:
- The severity of your teen’s misalignment : Although Invisalign can address mild to moderate cases of malocclusion, more severe cases require traditional braces.
- Your teen’s habits : Since the clear aligners aren’t bonded to their teeth, they bear the responsibility of wearing them for 20+ hours a day.
- Your teen’s expectations : Life with braces can be an adjustment for anyone. That’s why we want to provide them with all of the pros and cons of Invisalign before they commit.
The Benefits of Invisalign Teen
Of course, one of the most well-known benefits of Invisalign Teen is that the aligners are virtually undetectable. However, that’s far from the only reason children and adults alike are interested in this orthodontic treatment. Here are a few additional perks:
- The aligners are removable, so there aren’t any dietary restrictions.
- No special oral hygiene products or tools are needed.
- The trays won’t interfere with sports. Just make sure they wear a mouthguard!
- Orthodontic treatment can improve their oral health.
- The check-in visits are short, which makes them easy to fit into even the busiest schedules.
If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign Teen, then give us a call to schedule a consultation!
Who Can Invisalign Help?
It can be hard to be proud of your smile if you live with crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth. These issues can be unsightly while also making it harder to chew and practice oral hygiene. Bite misalignments can also lead to jaw pain, headaches, backaches, and neck pain. Luckily, Dr. Amos can straighten out smiles with Invisalign, an orthodontic treatment that doesn’t involve the dietary restrictions or conspicuous metal parts of traditional braces. Contact our office to learn more.
Crowded Teeth
Crowding can become worse as the teeth shift with age, and it can have negative consequences for your oral health. When teeth become crowded, they can overlap one another, which makes cleaning between them much harder. This can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, food debris, plaque, and tartar. Crowded teeth can lead to oral health problems such as:
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Gum disease
- Aching or discomfort in the jaw
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
Invisalign uses clear aligners to shift teeth into better a alignment so they sit neatly next to one another, making much easier and more efficient tasks out of brushing and flossing.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps can form between teeth as a result of natural bone development, small teeth, a large jawbone, or other natural factors. They can even develop as a result of thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting during childhood. Addressing gaps can reduce the risk of bacteria and plaque building up, tooth decay, and gum disease due to the gum tissue between teeth going unprotected.
While Invisalign can often be used to close these gaps, they can sometimes be addressed with direct bonding.
Overbite
Overbites or overjets are alignment issues that cause the top teeth to protrude too far over the lower teeth, and they can cause jaw pain, speech issues, uneven dental wear, and difficulty with closing and opening the mouth. These issues can also put the top teeth at a higher risk of being injured since it leaves them more exposed.
Underbite
An underbite is when the bottom teeth match or stick out further than the top teeth, and it can happen due to genetics, injuries, tumors, or non-nutritive habits during childhood such as thumb-sucking or excessive pacifier use. If left untreated, underbites can make a patient more likely to develop sleep apnea, mouth breathing, or difficulty with speaking and chewing. While underbites are easier to address in younger patients, it is still important for adults to have them treated. Addressing underbites with Invisalign typically requires the use of appliances like rubber bands to gradually pull the bite into a better position.
Crossbite
Crossbites occur when the bottom teeth are slightly in front of the upper teeth, and they are typically caused by genetics, poor oral habits, or premature loss of baby teeth. Treating a crossbite with Invisalign may involve using elastics or other appliances to help reposition the jaw. Unaddressed crossbites can cause long-term issues such as an increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease, jaw pain, difficulty speaking, headaches, bruxism, and facial asymmetry, all of which can take a toll on one’s self-confidence.
Open Bite
An open bite happens when the front teeth on the top and bottom don’t touch or overlap when the mouth is closed. It is usually caused by poor bone development or non-nutritive habits such as thumb or pacifier-sucking during childhood. This issue can often make it difficult to speak clearly while causing excessive wear on the enamel of the back teeth, which makes them more likely to be damaged. Invisalign aligners can shift the top and bottom front teeth into better positions, causing them to bite together properly and reducing the likelihood of dental damage and wear.
Invisalign FAQ’s
If you’re considering Invisalign in The Colony, you’re probably curious about certain aspects of the treatment process. That’s why we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign and life with clear aligners. Keep reading to get the information you need before committing to this amazing orthodontic option.
How Is Life with Invisalign?
Possibly the biggest benefit of Invisalign is that it can seamlessly fit in with your life—no hassle or inconvenience like with traditional braces. These clear aligners are almost impossible to notice, allowing you to wear them in your social and professional lives without feeling self-conscious or embarrassed. Additionally, Invisalign is completely removeable, which means you won’t have to change your diet or avoid certain foods to accommodate your orthodontics. Instead, take your aligners out of your mouth for each meal. Just be sure to clean your teeth and rinse your Invisalign before putting the trays back in.
How Should I Care for My Invisalign?
One of the most important parts of your treatment is maintaining your aligners. This will not only keep them clean and clear, but it will prevent you from developing oral health issues while wearing your aligning trays. Invisalign has their own cleaning system that you can purchase, but you can also use a nonabrasive toothbrush, clear hand soap, and room temperature water. Remember to avoid using hot water because it could permanently warp the plastic. It’s also a good idea to lay towels down on your sink and/or floor to minimize the chances of your aligners cracking or breaking if you drop them.
What Should I Do if I Break or Lose an Aligner?
If you lose or break an aligner, call our office right away. Dr. Amos will provide you with the best recommendation based on your smile. Typically, he will ask that you wear your previous aligner in the series until he can get you your replacement. While this won’t progress your treatment, it can successfully maintain your results during the wait for a new aligner. The easiest way to prevent misplacing or damaging your Invisalign is always to keep your aligners in your mouth or in your carrying case!
What Happens When I’m Done with Treatment?
When you’re done with Invisalign, you’ll come back into our office, where Dr. Amos will give you a retainer to wear. This is a device that you’ll wear to ensure the success of your Invisalign. At first, your retainer should be worn consistently, then you can switch to nighttime use. Eventually, you may not even have to wear a retainer at all! This imperative final step protects your investment and your newly aligned smile, giving you beautiful results for years to come.
For any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today!
Contact Us Today!
We want to help all of our patients enjoy straighter teeth and a well-aligned bite. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign and whether or not you can benefit, we invite you to contact your dentist in The Colony for an appointment today!