Invisalign is a cosmetic dentistry system that can straighten teeth without conventional braces. This alternative to braces uses a series of clear plastic aligners to create tooth movement. Moving teeth with removable aligners is not new. However, Invisalign’s computer program, which can generate a series of aligners with small changes, is new. At Broadway Dental, we use digital technology to provide predictable movement with Invisalign in Galveston, TX.
We recommend Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate spacing or crowding. Invisalign aligners are virtually undetectable, easy to use, and comfortable.
Comparing Invisalign and Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces use brackets, wires, and colorful elastic to place pressure on crooked teeth. Braces are effective for patients with moderate to severe orthodontic problems. Metal braces are the best choice for patients with large tooth gaps, overlapping, and overcrowding.
However, if you’re a teen or adult and don’t want people to notice your braces, Invisalign is a great alternative. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth discreetly. Clear aligners can treat an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, tooth gaps, and crooked teeth.
Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning they are easy to clean and do not have dietary restrictions. With metal braces, you must carefully floss between your wires and brackets. Food can also get stuck in your braces. If you wear Invisalign aligners, you can brush and floss as usual after you remove your aligners.
Patients who wear braces can’t have foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard candy. Hard and crunchy foods can damage metal braces. However, Invisalign does not have any restrictions. As long as you clean your teeth and gums before putting your aligners on your teeth, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Is Invisalign Right For Me?
Good Invisalign candidates have healthy teeth and gums but want to treat crooked teeth. Invisalign suits teens and adults with most of their permanent teeth and a fully developed jaw. Invisalign is best for non-smokers with healthy teeth and gums. If you have problems like gum disease or tooth decay, we recommend treating those problems before receiving cosmetic care.
We will not recommend Invisalign if you experience severe teeth clenching or grinding. This can damage your aligners.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Straightening your teeth can prevent these problems:
- Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Crooked teeth are hard to clean. Because of this, harmful bacteria can build between crooked teeth. This can contribute to problems like gum inflammation and tooth pain, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
- TMJ problems: These bite issues can occur when you’re stressed and begin to clench and grind your teeth. TMJ disorders can create jaw pain, headaches, and other painful symptoms. A misaligned bite can worsen TMJ problems. Sometimes, straightening crooked teeth can relieve pressure on your teeth and jaw.
- Tooth Wear and Damage: A misaligned bite can sometimes damage your natural teeth. Some teeth protrude more than others, wearing down as you bite and chew. This imbalance can increase the risk of worn or damaged teeth.
Cosmetic dental treatments aren’t just for improving the look of your teeth. Straightening your teeth will also motivate you to maintain an improved oral hygiene routine at home.
Invisalign in Galveston, TX
Before Invisalign, we will take dental X-rays to examine the teeth, gums, and jaw. These X-rays will help us determine if you are an Invisalign candidate.
Then, we take detailed images of the smile with a handheld scanner to plan Invisalign treatment in our Galveston, TX office. The scanner takes a detailed image of your bite, displayed on computer software.
We send these images to a lab that creates a series of clear Invisalign aligners. Once the aligners are complete, you will return to our office. We will provide the first aligners and their case. Then, you can begin treatment.
Wear the aligners twenty to twenty-two hours a day, only removing the aligners to eat and drink. On average, you can complete the Invisalign treatment in 12 or more months. Your treatment time will depend on your orthodontic problems and how you care for your aligners.
Once you complete Invisalign, we will provide retainers to keep your teeth straight. Retainers help prevent orthodontic relapse, which occurs when teeth begin to shift out of positions.
If you do not wear the retainers consistently or lose them, your teeth can shift out of place. Contact our office if you damage or lose your retainers so we can provide a replacement. Sometimes, patients who do not wear their retainers for years may need more Invisalign treatment again later in life. Consistently wearing your retainers will help you keep your results.
How To Care for Invisalign Aligners
Because you can remove your Invisalign aligners, you can clean your mouth and aligners separately. Remove your Invisalign aligners before eating and drinking. Eating without aligners on your teeth also allows you to eat the foods you enjoy.
Also, clean your teeth and gums before placing your aligners back on your teeth. Food and bacteria can collect in your aligners. This increases your risk of tooth or gum infection. Not brushing before putting your aligners back on your teeth can also stain your aligners permanently. This can make your aligners look yellow.
When cleaning your aligners, use a clear antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, as most toothpastes are too abrasive for the aligners. You can also soak your aligners in Invisalign crystals to remove harmful bacteria. However, do not use hot water to clean your aligners because this can warp them. If you damage or lose your aligners, let us know immediately so we can provide a replacement.
We recommend wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. You can make your treatment time longer if you don’t wear your aligners long enough. We recommend removing your aligners to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will answer some of the most commonly asked questions concerning Invisalign aligners.
How soon do you see Invisalign results?
Most Invisalign patients start noticing subtle changes in their teeth within the first few weeks of treatment. However, significant visible results typically become noticeable around the 3-month mark. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners. We’ll track your progress at each visit to ensure your teeth are moving as planned.
Can I eat and drink normally with Invisalign?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally because you remove the aligners during meals. This allows you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions. Just remember to brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in. Avoid drinking anything other than water while wearing them to prevent staining.
Will insurance cover Invisalign?
Insurance coverage for Invisalign depends on the plan. Many dental insurance policies cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. The coverage amount can vary based on your age, the complexity of the case, and the annual maximum benefits. We’ll verify your benefits and let you know what out-of-pocket costs to expect before starting Invisalign treatment.
What is the failure rate of Invisalign?
Invisalign has a high success rate when used as directed. Compliance is key—you need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. While most people achieve their desired results, complex orthodontic issues might require additional treatments. Your orthodontist can assess if Invisalign is suitable for your needs.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Invisalign might cause a slight lisp during your first few days. Your tongue needs time to adjust to the aligners in your mouth. Most patients adapt quickly and return to normal speech within a week. The minimal impact on speech is one reason many people prefer Invisalign to traditional braces.
Can I get Invisalign if I’ve had braces before?
Yes, you can get Invisalign even if you’ve had braces before. Teeth can shift at any age, and Invisalign can help realign them discreetly. We will evaluate your current alignment to determine if it’s the right option for you. Many adults choose Invisalign for minor corrections after previous orthodontic treatment.
Straighten Your Teeth
Change the look and health of your smile with clear aligners. Please contact our office if you are unsure if Invisalign is right for you. We will work with you to find the best treatment for your crooked teeth.
Call our dental office for Invisalign in Galveston, TX, today at 409-235-0789. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Broadway Dental online.