Keep Your Secret With Invisalign

Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that corrects teeth that are crowded, protruding, or too far apart. Until recently, orthodontic treatment was focused mainly on children and teenagers, and the preferred method was metal band & bracket braces. Today, about 20% of orthodontic patients are between twenty and sixty years of age – and millions of them have chosen to straighten their teeth discreetly with Invisalign^®clear aligners.

Invisalign has quickly revolutionized the world of orthodontics because there are now other options available to straighten your teeth besides metal, ceramic, or clear braces. You may want to visit an orthodontic dentist in Plano to start Invisalign treatment, and you probably want to investigate your braces and aligner options. Or perhaps you have general questions since this decision affects your overall quality of life.

Here’s how Invisalign works.

During your free consultation, we’ll decide together if Invisalign is the right choice for you. We will create a treatment plan, take a digital impression of your teeth (no more goop!), and using some amazing technology, will design your new smile together. Then we’ll submit your smile design and digital impressions off to Invisalign who will translate our instructions into a series of medical-grade plastic aligners. Each one of your comfortable aligners is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit snugly over your teeth and gently move them through every stage of your treatment plan.

Every two weeks, you will receive a new set of aligners that slowly move your teeth towards their ideal positions. Compared to braces that are attached to your teeth, the Invisalign process allows you to take the clear aligners off whenever you want. Playing sports, eating your favorite foods, and even playing a musical wind instrument are possible during Invisalign treatment. However, if you want the best results, we recommend wearing the clear aligners for 20-22 hours every day.

Because it is a new piece of hardware in your mouth, you may encounter some discomfort and may need to spend a few days adjusting to speaking. But don’t worry – this adjustment happens quickly and before long you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing them.

What happens at your first visit/consultation?

While Invisalign can be useful in treating gaps, under and over bites, crowding, and other issues, it is not ideal for every case. More severe cases of malocclusion would still require more traditional treatments like metal braces. Your consultation with Dr. Winters will help determine if Invisalign is right for you or if you need a more traditional method, like the Damon Braces system.

How long do you have to wear the aligners?

The course of your treatment will be determined by the complexities that your individual case presents. Some studies suggest that while under orthodontic treatment, teeth move at approximately 1mm per month, but of course, every person is different, and this rate will vary.

Tooth movement is influenced by:

whether you’re still growing (faster) or whether you’ve finished growing (slower)
genetics
how well you adhere to the daily recommended aligner wearing time.

How do you clean the aligners?

To clean your Invisalign aligners, simply rinse them with cool water and brush them gently with your toothbrush and toothpaste. There is also an Invisalign cleaner you can purchase. Never use hot water. It can change the shape of your aligners. To protect your smile and your overall health, always ensure your teeth are clean before you place the aligners in your mouth

What if you lose an aligner?

If you lose an aligner, give us a call. Your Invisalign treatment plan is digitized so that any aligner can be replaced quickly. We’ll help you ensure you stay on track with your care.

How much does Invisalign cost?

Due to the length of treatment, specialized equipment, and the expertise required to become an orthodontist, the expense of traditional orthodontic treatment like braces varies and Invisalign is usually slightly higher. The exact cost of your individual treatment is determined by how complex your bite is, the duration of your treatment, and your dental insurance coverage options (if applicable). Dr. Winters will give you a treatment plan (which includes cost) once he fully understands your unique needs.

What to expect after treatment?

The technology that is used to develop these aligners is quite robust, meaning you’ll be able to see what your teeth will look like after your treatment plan is complete – before you even start! So, there won’t be any surprises or false expectations of what Invisalign can do to help your smile.

Something to keep in mind is that with all orthodontic procedures, there’s always a risk that your teeth will try to revert to their original position over time. Talk to our orthodontist in Plano to find out why a retainer may be important in your treatment and make sure to wear your retainer as directed to maintain your new perfect smile. At Wincrest Orthodontics, we use a 3D printer, so getting the retainer you need to keep your smile straight and beautiful is easier than ever!

With Invisalign orthodontics, not only will you notice improved aesthetics, but your occlusion (bite), periodontal (gum) health, and overall health may improve too.

When teeth are misaligned, they can be difficult to clean. Gaps and crowding can worsen the buildup of bacteria, making the development of periodontal problems likely. The resulting gum disease has been linked to overall health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and a host of other systemic troubles. This illustrates the need for straighter teeth – not just for looks, but for your health.

Once treatment is complete, your bite will be correct and stress on the supporting bones and jaw joints relieved. And, of course, your proud smile will be bright and beautiful.

You’ll smile more during treatment and you’ll spend less time in our office at Wincrest Orthodontics having adjustments! If you’re inspired and think you’re a candidate for Invisalign, please call to arrange a consultation. We want you to feel happy and confident about your smile!

Invisalign is available at Wincrest Orthodontics in Plano and the surrounding area. Call us at +1 (972) 975-5729 to schedule an appointment to see if this treatment is right for you.