Invisalign Clear Braces in Austin, TX

Invisalign treatment is for anyone. Literally, teenagers and grandparents can all benefit from Invisalign.

Invisalign is fast becoming the most popular option for straightening teeth and mild to moderate movement of the teeth. We’ve definitely seen that same trend at The Hills Dental Spa in Austin. The key is wearing the aligner trays from 20-22 hours every day, but that’s easy because once the trays are on their teeth patients usually forget about them.

Here are four reasons why our patients love Invisalign:

First, their most obvious reason is that no one knows you’re having your teeth straightened. This is because the aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible when on the teeth. Even a person talking to you in close proximity can’t see the aligners on your teeth. This is a dramatic contrast to the metal bands, wires, and colored rubber bands of traditional braces. The removal of the “metal mouth” stigma of braces is the most popular benefit of Invisalign.

Second, Invisalign is comfortable. Metal bands rub on your cheeks and lips. Wires poke your tongue and cheeks. Monthly “adjustments” usually call for some ibuprofen for one to two days afterwards to deal with the serious aching. If you play an instrument or sports, metal bands can be a serious pain.

Third, keeping your teeth clean with braces is quite difficult. Removing food stuck on the bands and under wires requires diligence. To floss, you need a threader. Often teens with traditional braces find there was an area of decay under a band or between teeth when they have those braces removed. With Invisalign, you simply remove the trays and brush and floss your teeth normally. You also lightly brush the aligner trays, or clean them with a couple of other options.

Fourth, with traditional braces, some foods are off limits. Corn on the cob has to be cut off. Very sticky or chewy foods are not OK as they can dislodge or break a band. With Invisalign, you simply take out the trays and eat whatever you want.

People can assume that a problem such as an overbite is too complicated for Invisalign, but that’s not the case. The Invisalign clear plastic aligners are very comfortable, but they work hard. The aligners progressively shift your teeth and bite into alignment. While Invisalign cannot be used in cases where severe problems exist, it can work for most mild to moderate conditions such as:

• Gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites

When we’re explaining the Invisalign system to patients, we stress the importance of consistency. Patients need to wear their aligner trays at least 20-22 hours every day. Really the only time to take them out is for eating and cleaning your teeth. This may seem like a long time, but once your trays are in most people forget they’re even wearing them. Plus, remember that traditional braces are on 24 hours a day.

We begin the process here in the office by taking special digital scans of your teeth which are then sent to Invisalign. They make a series of aligners that are worn for two weeks each. Each tray gradually moves your teeth into the proper alignment.

An interesting fact about Invisalign is that most patients assume their treatment will take longer than traditional braces simply because Invisalign is so comfortable. The opposite is true. Invisalign treatments average about one year, while traditional braces require from 18 months to over two years. Less severe alignment issues may take less time. If, at the end of your treatment, Dr. Winters and you agree that more movement is needed, then we can order more aligners.

Costs are a per case basis but can range from $2500 to $6500. We do offer payment options. Be sure to ask for details.

Most dental insurance covers a part of your Invisalign cost (which is basically the same cost as traditional braces). This is the same arrangement as for traditional braces.

Previous dental work does not affect using Invisalign.

When you are done with your aligners, you will need to have retainers made to make sure your teeth stay where they are

It’s easy to keep both your teeth and your aligner trays clean because you simply take out the aligner trays to brush and floss your teeth. At this time you also clean your aligner trays. This is also simple.

You have some options when caring for your aligners. You can remove them and gently brush them every night with a toothbrush. You can also soak your aligners in denture cleaner, Retainer Brite®, or the official Invisalign crystals to keep them clean and sanitized. Another option is to use clear anti-bacterial soft hand soap to clean your aligners.

The length of how long retainers have to be worn depends on your goals. Most orthodontists recommend patients wear retainers for their entire life. However, it is possible to wear them routinely. When you first acquire your retainer, it is best to wear them full-time for about 3-to-6 months.

Although Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter smile, there are certain contraindications that can disqualify you as a potential candidate.

Below are a few major contraindications to getting Invisalign:

• Having dental implants.
• Getting bridges.
• Having a TMJ disorder.
• Your teeth are rather small.
• Your teeth are eroded.
• Your teeth are misshapen.

To find out if you’re a suitable candidate, you will have to schedule a consultation at our Austin, Texas office.

You will be pleasantly surprised to know that if you qualify for Invisalign, it has an astounding success rate of 96 percent. It has been reported by numerous recipients that Invisalign is a fantastic way to correct problems such as underbites, overbites, crowded teeth and crooked teeth. One thing we should mention is that Invisalign is not a permanent solution. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, your best bet is to get a traditional retainer instead.

Demineralization involves removing ion minerals such as dentin, enamel and cementum. Mineralization is one of the main drawbacks of getting Invisalign treatment. However, you can easily avoid it by refraining from consuming acidic drinks, following the instructions provided by one of our dentists and drinking a lot of water.