You better believe that a smile can change you. If crooked teeth or malocclusion are dampening your confidence, do something about it with Invisalign®. (click to tweet) As experienced Invisalign® providers, Heroes Dental Orthodontist can help you achieve that confident smile you’ve always dreamt of.
Plus, not only do we cater to heroes big and small, we’ve also got locations across the Rio Grande Valley so you and your family can enjoy our dental and orthodontic services close to home. Click here to request an appointment.
What are my options?
Let’s face it. You might feel that adult braces are unsightly and cumbersome. There’s also an awareness that time is a precious commodity that must be spent wisely. Metal braces can be time-consuming because they require extensive maintenance and care. They can also be visually unappealing, which only adds to your discomfort.
That’s where Invisalign® comes in. If you’re weary of bulky metal braces, clear aligners are the best option to perfect your smile, while providing little to no impact on your daily life.
How does Invisalign® work?
Treatment involves a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that straighten teeth over the course of 12 months – on average. The aligners are made of a thermoplastic material customized to fit your mouth and specific dental needs. They resemble teeth-whitening trays or retainers, but are comfortable enough to wear throughout the day and blend in flawlessly with your teeth. Only you’ll know you’re wearing them!
The process of teeth alignment is mapped out by your orthodontist in advance, so adjustments are gradual and painless. Your aligners are replaced every two weeks to adjust for movement of your teeth throughout the treatment. As your teeth change position, each new pair of aligners is designed to use controlled force to continue the straightening process. Because only certain teeth will move at specific time intervals of your treatment, it’s important not to expect obvious structural changes right away. Changes in the position of your teeth will depend on the controlled force applied by the aligners and the time frame designated by your orthodontist.
What can Invisalign® treat?
Every individual is different, particularly when it comes to orthodontic treatment needs. Invisalign® is a great option for those looking for a more flexible and less painful alternative to traditional metal braces. However, the treatment does have limitations, and only an experienced Invisalign® provider can offer the best orthodontic treatment to meet your needs. The following orthodontic issues can be effectively treated with clear aligners:
- Overcrowding
- Bite irregularities
- Tooth gaps
- Overbites
- Crossbites
What are the benefits of Invisalign®?
The most popular feature of these clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible. Imagine wearing braces without anyone knowing about it. Well, you don’t have to imagine with Invisalign®!
Unlike regular braces, Invisalign® aligners are removable. You can eat and drink all the foods you would typically have to sacrifice with clunky brackets lining your teeth. Also, the aligners only require 20 to 22 hours of wear per day for the best results.
Invisalign® also makes maintaining your oral hygiene routine easy. Metal braces require special dental care materials and extra time to properly brush and floss. With Invisalign®, you don’t have to worry about food bits getting stuck in your teeth, or brackets and wires falling out or bending. You can remove your aligners with ease, plus brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breathe.
If you’ve been holding off braces because your pain tolerance is nonexistent, don’t worry. There are no brackets or wires to cause irritation or cuts to your mouth. You also spend less time in your orthodontist’s office as there is no need for wire adjustments and replacements.
How long does treatment take?
The length of orthodontic treatment will always depend on the severity of your case. Your orthodontist will determine the best course of action and time frame for treatment with Invisalign®. As mentioned before, the average treatment time for adults is 12 months. Treatment for teens may vary. It’s best to contact your local Invisalign® provider for an appointment for more information.
What if I have had orthodontic treatment in the past?
More and more often, orthodontists are treating patients with a combination of traditional braces and Invisalign®. Invisalign® is an acceptable choice for patients who have had braces in the past and are noticing a shift in their teeth. (click to tweet) Because treatment with braces is generally done during an individual’s developmental years, and retainers are not used optimally, shifting of teeth is not uncommon in adulthood. Invisalign® can address those subtle shifts and correct them without having to resort to metal braces.
Heroes Orthodontist is ready to help you develop the perfect orthodontic treatment plan to suit your needs. Check out Invisalign® treatment option and other orthodontic services for any member of your family.