What are Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Straightening your teeth for a beautiful, confident smile is something many patients seek to achieve. While traditional metal braces are an excellent option for some teens and adults, an increasing number of people are choosing the more discreet method of Invisalign orthodontics. Made of a clear, thin material, Invisalign aligners incrementally adjust tooth alignment until the ideal positioning is achieved. Patients who want a healthier smile but wish to achieve one without the challenges of metal braces may be good candidates for the Invisalign teeth straightening aligners from our full-service team at Made Ya Smile Dental.
Correcting misaligned teeth or bite problems not only generates a balanced and brilliant smile, but straight teeth are also easier to clean and maintain. Our cutting-edge practice proudly offers the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen® systems to help you and your family overcome orthodontic issues with a nearly invisible solution. Patients find Invisalign clear aligners to be comfortable and easy to remove to brush, floss, and eat. Created through advanced digital technology, these clear aligners can resolve common orthodontic problems, like crowding, bite misalignment, and gapped teeth. To learn whether you or your teen might be a candidate for Invisalign treatment in Houston, TX, contact our family practice to schedule a consultation with our Invisalign dentists.
About Invisalign Teen® Orthodontics
Designed specifically for the unique needs of teen patients, the Invisalign Teen system may be the perfect option for younger patients who want to straighten their smiles discreetly. These nearly invisible, comfortable, removable aligners can be ideal for those who are self-conscious about wearing metal braces and teens who play sports or instruments in which brackets and wires may increase the risk of injury. Since compliance can be a concern with a removable option, Invisalign Teen aligners have blue indicator dots on each tray that fade with proper use. Parents can partner with our Invisalign dentist in Houston, TX to help keep your teen on track and make sure the aligners are being worn as recommended to achieve smile results.
Invisalign® Treatment Reviews
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
If you or your teen wish to achieve a straighter smile but do not like the idea of wearing brackets and wires, Invisalign orthodontics may be a good treatment option. Invisalign clear aligners for teeth straightening are computer-generated and customized for each individual. These aligner trays are smooth, clear, removable, and easy to keep clean but must be worn for at least 20 hours each day. Patients love that Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, and they can often undergo orthodontic care without their friends or family even knowing. Though the Invisalign system can treat a range of orthodontic concerns, traditional braces may still be the better choice for some individuals.
Jaw and teeth alignment can be affected by a range of factors, such as genetics, mouth or facial trauma, the loss of teeth, thumb-sucking, and developmental concerns. Having upper and lower teeth that do not align properly can lead to worn or chipped teeth, pain in the jaw or face, a receding gumline, among other concerns. The ability to bite, chew, and speak comfortably may also be affected by a misaligned bite. Depending on your individual needs, Invisalign clear aligners may be a treatment option for improving your bite (how your upper and lower teeth meet), oral health, and smile. Invisalign and Invisalign Teen orthodontics can correct cases of:
- Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Spacing or gaps between teeth
- Slight tooth rotation
- Teeth that protrude
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontics?
The Invisalign system can be ideal for achieving a range of oral health goals, from teeth straightening to bite alignment. Some of the top benefits of Invisalign aligners include:
- Made from a clear, smooth material
- Can be easily removed before brushing, flossing, and eating
- Allow for better oral hygiene during ortho treatment
- Carry no food restrictions
- Require fewer ortho visits
- Offer a discreet, nearly invisible treatment option
Learn more about the advantages of receiving Invisalign treatment in Houston, TX during an orthodontic consultation at Made Ya Smile Dental.
How Does the Invisalign System Work?
We can help you decide if Invisalign teeth straightening is right for you or your teen through a comprehensive oral evaluation. During this visit, we will take 3D cone beam images of your head, mouth, and jawbones, along with easy digital impressions of your upper and lower teeth. If we determine that Invisalign invisalign aligners are the best option, we will send these scans and impressions to create your personalized treatment plan. The Invisalign system gradually moves teeth to their proper places through a series of custom clear aligner trays. We partner with a special Invisalign lab that will create your trays to exactly match your unique treatment needs. After your trays are created and delivered to our Made Ya Smile Dental office, we will have you return to try the first set and provide specific instructions for wearing your aligners.
You will wear each set of aligner trays for two weeks. It is important to wear your trays so you can simply trade each set out for the next in line after each two-week period. To monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your care, we will have you schedule visits with our Invisalign dentists every 4 – 6 weeks. Treatment time for Invisalign and Invisalign Teen orthodontics usually takes about a year but is based on the needs of each patient and may vary.
After Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
Following active orthodontic treatment with Invisalign aligners, you will need to wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new place while the jaw stabilizes. Invisalign Vivera® retainers are custom-crafted from the same comfortable and clear material as your aligner trays. Our team will let you know how to properly care for your retainer each day and when to wear your retainers, which will be all the time for the first few months following your Invisalign treatment. Strictly adhering to the recommendations for retainer usage is crucial to avoid relapse in tooth positioning and protecting the investment you have made in your smile. At each of your routine cleaning and exam visits at Made Ya Smile Dental, we will monitor your bite and tooth position.
Is Invisalign Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Some dental insurance plans offer coverage for teeth straightening aligners. To determine your specific benefits, a member of our staff will contact your insurance provider and review your individual plan. At Made Ya Smile Dental, we strive to make getting the care your family needs convenient and affordable and can help you find a financial solution that meets both your needs and dental aligner cost. We take a range of convenient payment options, including flexible low-cost financing through CareCredit®.
Invisalign Treatment FAQ
How long do you have to wear clear aligners?
You will most likely need to wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 20 – 22 hours a day for the best possible outcome. You will need to take your aligners out when you eat and drink, but otherwise, you should wear them for the majority of the day. When you receive your first set of Invisalign aligners, our Houston, TX team will provide you with detailed instructions.
Are Invisalign treatments better than traditional braces?
Invisalign treatments are often a more sought-after option than traditional metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners can be a better option for patients because you can remove clear aligners when brushing your teeth, eating, or playing sports.
How do I clean my Invisalign clear aligners?
You can clean your Invisalign aligners with warm water and the suggested Invisalign cleaning crystals. You can simply brush and rinse your aligners. They can become stained, so it's important to brush your teeth after eating to prevent staining.
Teeth Straightening Solutions
If you or your teen have orthodontic concerns, the Invisalign or Invisalign Teen system may be an excellent solution for creating your healthy and confident smile. Invisalign treatment lets you straighten your teeth with nearly invisible aligners that are comfortable and convenient. Contact Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX today to schedule your consultation with our Invisalign dentists.