Are you tired of hiding your smile because of crooked teeth? Or maybe your bite feels off because of untreated orthodontic issues? At Tyler Family Dental, we’re here to help you achieve a straighter and healthier smile with Invisalign. This clear aligner system offers a discreet and comfortable way to tackle mild to moderate orthodontic concerns.
What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?
Invisalign is a modern alternative to braces that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, so you can work on your smile without it being obvious. That’s why so many adults and teens love this effective and discreet treatment.
Each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. They work by gently shifting your teeth into place over time. You’ll switch to a new set of aligners about every one to two weeks. This gradual movement is comfortable and allows you to see progress as your teeth move into their ideal positions.
Invisalign can fix a wide range of dental issues for teens and adults, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Open bites
- Crooked teeth
What to Expect with Invisalign
Your journey with Invisalign starts with a consultation. Our dentists will take a close look at your mouth to make sure Invisalign is the best choice for you. Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll take digital scans of your teeth with a handheld scanner. We won’t use messy molds or uncomfortable impressions.
From there, we will send the impressions to the dental lab where they’ll create your custom aligners. In about 2-3 weeks, the first set will arrive at our office. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, like how often to change your aligners and how to care for them.
The great thing about Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners whenever you need to eat or brush your teeth. Just make sure to wear them for about 22 hours a day to keep your treatment on track.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Invisalign and traditional braces both straighten and correct misaligned teeth. However, they are vastly different in their approach and aesthetics. Invisalign uses a series of see-through, removable aligners that the Invisalign software custom-creates for each patient.
Appearance
One of the main differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is appearance. Invisalign aligners are clear and nearly invisible, making them a more discreet option. Those that are self-conscious about wearing braces often prefer Invisalign because the aligners are difficult to notice.
Traditional braces use metal and are much more visible. Options for ceramic or tooth-colored brackets to make braces less noticeable exist, but they’re still visible. Some younger patients enjoy customizing their braces with colorful rubber bands. But for those who want a subtle look, Invisalign is the clear winner.
Comfort and Convenience
Invisalign aligners consist of smooth plastic, so they’re easy on your mouth. They don’t have sharp edges like braces. You can also take them out to eat, brush, or floss, which makes everyday life easier. Just remember to put them back in afterward!
On the other hand, braces need extra care and come with some food restrictions. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can damage the brackets and wires. But remember, you should wear Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours every day to make sure they work properly. It’s important to stay disciplined and remember to put them back in after eating or brushing.
Treatment Time
Invisalign treatments typically take about 12-18 months. Minor corrections can take as little as six months. Braces might take a bit longer, usually 18-24 months, but they’re better for more complex issues like severe bite problems. For example, braces can correct significant bite problems or rotate teeth more efficiently than Invisalign.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign is similar to braces, though it can be slightly higher. Although, prices can vary depending on your case’s complexity, location, and the orthodontist’s fees. Many patients find the comfort and discreet look of Invisalign worth the extra expense. It’s important to check with your orthodontist and insurance provider to understand the full cost of each option.
Maintenance
Traditional braces require regular visits to the orthodontist for adjustments and extra care when brushing and flossing. Food can easily get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it more challenging to keep teeth clean.
Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean is as easy as brushing them and soaking them in a cleaning solution. Plus, since you can remove them, brushing and flossing your teeth is esay. Braces, however, require a bit more effort to keep everything clean.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Proper care of your clear aligners is essential to getting the best results from Invisalign. Good care ensures that your treatment stays on track and keeps your aligners clean, clear, and odor-free.
1. Clean Your Aligners Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to your clear aligners is to clean them properly. Cleaning your aligners regularly helps avoid buildup of plaque, bacteria, and food particles. Here’s how to avoid bad odors, stains, and keep them in great shape:
- Rinse Them Often: Rinse them with lukewarm water to remove saliva and bacteria every time you take them out.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap to gently clean your aligners. Don’t use toothpaste because it can scratch the surface and make them look cloudy.
- Soak Daily: Use an Invisalign cleaning solution or a mix of water and denture cleaner to soak your aligners at least once a day. This keeps them fresh and bacteria-free.
- No Hot Water: Avoid using hot water to clean your aligners. High temperatures can warp the plastic and affect the fit of the aligners.
2. Keep Your Teeth Clean
Your oral hygiene matters just as much as cleaning your aligners. Since aligners cover your teeth most of the day, bacteria can accumulate in them.
- Brush After Meals: Always brush your teeth after eating or drinking (unless it’s water) before putting your aligners back in. This prevents food from sticking to them and cause plaque buildup and bad odors.
- Floss Every Day: Flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth, preventing cavities.
- Rinse When You’re in a Hurry: If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash before putting your aligners back in.
3. Watch Out for Stains
- Invisalign aligners are clear, so you’ll want to keep them that way. Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce can stain your aligners and teeth. Some common staining culprits include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Soda
- Tomato sauce
- Berries
- Grape juice
- Mustard
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Turmeric
- Beets
If you enjoy these often, take your aligners out first and brush your teeth before putting them back in. Water is the only thing you should drink while wearing aligners.
4. Remove Aligners the Right Way
Being gentle when removing your aligners helps prevent cracks or bends. Follow these tips to safely take out your aligners:
- Use Both Hands: Start at the back of your mouth and work your way forward to take them out evenly. This prevents unnecessary strain on the aligners.
- Skip the Nails: Avoid using your nails to remove aligners. It’s bad for both your aligners and your gums. If needed, use a removal tool.
- Use the Case: Always store your aligners in their case when not in use to keep them safe and clean.
5. Keep Them Safe
Never leave your aligners loose in a napkin, on a table, or in your pocket. They could get lost or damaged. Having an extra aligner case on hand for travel or when you’re on the go is also a good idea.
If you lose your aligners, contact your dentist right away. We might suggest wearing your last set or ordering replacements to stay on track.
6. Wear Them as Directed
To get the best results, wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day. Only take them out to eat, drink, or clean your teeth. Skipping wear time can delay your progress.
- Set Reminders: Use your phone to remind you to put your aligners back in after meals.
- Keep Your Case Handy: Always have it with you so you can easily remove and store your aligners when needed.
7. Switch Aligners on Schedule
Your treatment will include several sets of aligners, each designed to gradually move your teeth. Typically, you’ll switch to a new set every one to two weeks, as directed by your dentist.
Follow the schedule carefully. Switching too late can slow things down, while switching too early might cause discomfort or interrupt the process.
With a little care and attention, your Invisalign aligners will stay in great shape, and your treatment will stay on track!
Invisalign FAQs
Are you ready to align your teeth with a discreet orthodontic treatment? We get that you might have some questions about how it works and what to expect. Here are some answers to common questions. Ask us if you’re curious about anything else related to Invisalign.
Are You a Candidate for Invisalign?
We’ll check out your teeth and bite to see if Invisalign is right for you. Most patients are good candidates, but we want to make sure it’s the best choice for your smile and that you’ll get great results.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Invisalign usually takes about 12-15 months to complete. For more complex cases, it could take a little longer. During your visit, we’ll give you an estimate of how long your treatment will likely last.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Most patients find Invisalign pretty comfortable. That said, you might feel some pressure or mild discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners. This is totally normal and means your teeth are moving as they should. Compared to metal braces, Invisalign is much smoother and doesn’t cause the cuts or irritation that braces can.
What are Invisalign Aligners Made Of?
Invisalign aligners are made from a special material called SmartTrack®. This clear, flexible plastic is will fit your teeth snugly while applying gentle and consistent pressure to move them. It’s also super discreet, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
What Happens After Invisalign Treatment?
Once you finish your Invisalign treatment, you’ll get a retainer to keep your teeth straight. Wearing the retainer is super important because teeth naturally try to shift back to where they started over time.
At first, we’ll ask you to wear your retainer full-time. Your dentist will let you gradually cut back to wearing it only at night. During your regular checkups, we’ll keep an eye on your progress to make sure everything stays on track.
Can Invisalign Fix My Teeth if They Shifted After Braces?
Yes, Invisalign can help if your teeth moved after previous orthodontic treatment. This is called orthodontic relapse, and it’s pretty common. Invisalign is a simple, clear, and comfortable way to fix mild to moderate shifts in your teeth. Talk to your Tyler, TX, dentist to see if Invisalign is the right solution for your situation.
How Does Invisalign Fit into My Lifestyle?
Invisalign is perfect for those with busy lives. The custom aligners deliver great results quickly compared to traditional braces. Plus, they’re super easy to wear and manage.
With Invisalign, you can eat and drink whatever you like, just pop out the aligners first. Keeping your teeth clean is a breeze, too, since you can brush and floss without any extra hassle. Because they’re nearly invisible, aligners are perfect for work, social events, or anywhere you want to feel confident. And on top of all that, Invisalign is an affordable and effective alternative to metal braces.
Schedule a Visit for Invisalign in Tyler, TX
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile, Invisalign could be the perfect fit. Call Tyler Family Dental today at 903-623-8317 to book your appointment. You can also request an appointment online and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Our team is here to make your smile goals a reality in the most comfortable and convenient way possible.