Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that uses multiple sets of clear plastic aligners to correct your smile. These aligners are comfortable and invisible when worn, making this a great option for those who would prefer to avoid wearing metal braces. Learn how we can help improve your smile with an Invisalign consultation at Austin Dental Company.
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To begin the process, you’ll need to see Dr. Morren for an Invisalign consultation. He will perform a comprehensive oral exam and determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. We offer Invisalign consultations at our office.
If you’re approved, Dr. Morren will use the scans taken during your consultation and work with Invisalign to create your treatment plan. Your first several sets of aligners will be sent to our office within a few weeks, in most cases.
Each set of aligners is typically worn for 20-22 hours or longer per day. They should be removed only to eat and drink, and to brush and floss. Each set is worn for about 2 weeks. You will need to come back into our office periodically for a quick oral exam and to get your next few sets of aligners.
This basic process outlined in the previous step will continue until your smile has been corrected. Then, you’ll come to our office for a final consultation and get a set of retainers to wear to keep your smile in the proper position. This completes your Invisalign treatment.
Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign. For example, if you have serious orthodontic problems or you have oral health issues like decayed/infected teeth or gum disease, you may not qualify for treatment. To find out if you’re a good candidate, you can schedule a commitment-free consultation at your Austin Dentist. Dr. Morren will help you explore your options and find out if Invisalign is right for you. We are located in Austin, but we proudly serve the dental patients of River Place, TX!
Invisalign is most effective at correcting minor orthodontic problems such as:
If you would like to correct these orthodontic problems and avoid the negative symptoms that come with wearing braces, then Invisalign is an excellent alternative. If you have more severe malocclusions like an open or overbite, we can place Invisalign attachment buttons on your teeth to help anchor the aligners. This assists the aligners in exerting the correct amount of force to encourage certain teeth to shift in the right direction.
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There are a few questions you should ask your dentist before deciding if Invisalign is right for you. Some questions you may want to consider include:
It’s important to anticipate the cost of treatment so we can work with your budget to develop a treatment that works for you. Some dental insurance plans may cover the cost of Invisalign, while others may not. This depends on whether or not the treatment is considered medically necessary or purely aesthetic. At Austin Dental Company, we offer financing options through CareCredit.
It’s also crucial that you know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign in the first place. While Invisalign can treat an array of orthodontic problems, from crooked teeth and overcrowding to bite problems, it’s not as suitable for performing complex tooth movements as braces. If you have severe malocclusions, you may be a better candidate for braces and this is something you should speak to your dentist about.
There are not as many limitations under Invisalign treatment as there are with traditional braces. That’s why so many people prefer Invisalign. However, you should know that you will be required to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, need to regularly clean your aligners, and can’t eat or drink flavored beverages with your aligners on, nor should you smoke. All of these behaviors can negatively affect your treatment.
Many people think that once they have shifted their teeth with Invisalign, their work is done. However, the truth is that once you’ve finished the bulk of the treatment, you will move into the retention stage. You will be required to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back.
First, let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. Don’t smoke, eat, drink hot liquids, or consume flavored drinks with your aligners in. We recommend abstaining from smoking during your treatment altogether. These behaviors increase your risk of staining your aligners and getting cavities.
Hot water can morph your aligners. You should clean your aligners with denture cleaner and a soft-bristle toothbrush twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night. Rinse your aligners under cold water when taking them out and put them back in their storage case so you don’t lose or break them.
You need to remove your aligners before eating but also remember to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. We recommend that you soak your aligners in denture cleaning solution or Invisalign cleaning crystals for at least 15 minutes a day.
