Do you want a straighter smile? Dr. Catherine Wilder and Dr. Lauren Shepard are experienced Invisalign dentists in Katy, TX. Dr. Shepard is a study club leader and board member for the American Academy of Clear Aligners.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that can treat crooked teeth, bite misalignment, or gaps between teeth. This cosmetic dental solution uses clear aligners to straighten the smile over time. Often the perfect solution for adult orthodontic needs, Invisalign aligners are discreet and comfortable, allowing patients to easily maintain their dental health and enjoy their favorite foods during treatment.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces use metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. They can often irritate the gums and other soft tissues in your mouth. The inside of your lips and cheeks often rub up against the metal mechanisms. Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth plastic that minimizes irritation. They’re snug and fit close to your teeth so that your cheeks and lips don’t get caught on any edges.
Metal braces are hard to clean. There are many brackets and wires that you have to learn to clean around. Specialized tools may have to be used to clean effectively. When treatment is over, you may have white spaces where the brackets on your teeth were because you weren’t able to clean around the braces effectively. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can take them out and brush and floss your teeth as you would normally. You clean the aligners separately.
Because the aligners are removable, you can also eat without any dietary restrictions. The only thing you consume with the aligners in is water. When you have braces, there are many foods you can’t eat because they can damage your braces. You can’t chew gum or eat foods like popcorn or apples. This isn’t a problem with Invisalign.
Invisalign is available for teens and adults and can offer the perfect solution for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Invisalign often offers a quicker treatment time than traditional metal braces. On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 10 months to a year. With braces, it may take several years for patients to get the results they want.
Invisalign Treatment
We use imaging technology to help map out your Invisalign treatment. Invisalign uses a series of aligners that reposition the teeth over time. We will take dental impressions of your teeth to send to a dental lab for your custom aligners. When the aligners are complete, our team will make sure that they fit comfortably.
Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, then replaced with the next pair in the series. The aligners are meant to fit comfortably against the teeth so patients can speak and drink without discomfort. Invisalign clear aligners are removable so they can be cleaned thoroughly. Patients can also eat the foods they love after removing their aligners.
Before & After Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign FAQs
Want to know more about Invisalign? Read answers to common questions about this treatment below:
Am I a candidate for Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign is often the best treatment option for mild to moderate orthodontic problems, especially in adult patients. If you have severely misaligned teeth, metal braces or even oral surgery may be the best treatment methods for your needs.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Invisalign treatment costs depend on your orthodontic needs. The number of aligners, as well as the length of your treatment time, contribute to the cost of Invisalign. If you have dental insurance we will help you with billing and paperwork so you can maximize your benefits.
How should I care for my Invisalign aligners?
It is important to keep your aligners clean while undergoing treatment with Invisalign. The best way to do this is to remove them whenever eating or drinking and to rinse them afterwards. Patients may rinse their aligners with lukewarm water and brush them with a soft bristled brush. It is also important to maintain your oral care while undergoing Invisalign treatment, by brushing and flossing at least twice daily.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
No, your Invisalign treatment shouldn’t be painful. You may feel some soreness as your teeth adjust to each pair of new aligners, but this will quickly subside. When compared to metal braces, Invisalign aligners provide more comfort.
How many Invisalign trays does it take to notice a difference?
Every tray will feel different to you as the aligners adjust gradually to reposition your teeth. Until you’ve reached trays #2 through #5, the majority of patients do not notice that their teeth look different. This could be four to 10 weeks into the course of treatment, as you typically use each set of aligners for about two weeks.
What is the average number of Invisalign trays?
Individuals who need little teeth straightening may receive 15 to 25 Invisalign trays, while those in need of more extensive treatment can receive up to 40 to 50 trays. On average patients need about 20–30 sets of Invisalign aligners.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Want to straighten crooked teeth comfortably? Try Invisalign. You can request a dental consultation with Dr. Shepard and Dr. Wilder online. You can also contact Katy Smile Design at 281.396.4366. We welcome and treat patients from Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, and other local communities.