Invisalign Teeth Straightening – Orsatti Dental in San Antonio

Invisalign by a San Antonio Dentist – Orsatti Dental

If you’re reading this, you or someone you know must be considering teeth straightening. It is an exciting step that for some can mean life-long confidence and a healthier smile! The days of bulky metal are gone, replaced with sleeker braces and invisible correction trays. Invisalign is a system of plastic trays designed to adjust your teeth gradually while being nearly invisible to the average person. These clear, removable aligners are easy to use and come with none of the restrictions of traditional metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®. Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, or latex. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.

As a working adult, it may not be as comfortable to wear metal braces. Invisalign treatment can be a great solution for both adults and teens looking for a virtually invisible method to improve their smile. Innovations and technological advancements make it possible to fix nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from simple to complex — all without interrupting your life. Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break, sending you to your doctor for an emergency visit. Therefore Invisalign is great for athletes and students as well as adults who may feel more comfortable without noticeable mouth gear.

Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation with your dentist. The dentist will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your dentist. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile. Your dentist or orthodontist must receive specialized training to begin Invisalign, so rest assured you will be receiving quality care.

Length of Invisalign Treatment

The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Your doctor will determine exactly how long your treatment will take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months, though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks. As previously stated, you must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing only for the best and quickest results. You will have appointments with your dental professional usually once about every four to six weeks to make sure your progress is going along as planned.

Cost of Invisalign Treatment

In most cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of braces. Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment based on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount. You may also be able to finance your Invisalign through affordable monthly payments, depending on your dentist.

Advanced Teeth Straightening Treatment

Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, backed by more than two decades of innovation. Unlike braces, Invisalign clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. There are no wires and brackets, so you don’t need to change the way you brush and floss. And, you can continue to eat all your favorite foods. The SmartTrack material also helps to ensure that your teeth move more predictably and up to 50 percent faster.

Many people find Invisalign useful after having had braces at some point in the past. Without regular usage of a retainer, it is likely that your teeth may shift somewhat. Many people who formerly had braces choose Invisalign treatment as the discrete solution to improve their smile when they find that their teeth have shifted back. Invisalign clear aligners can treat nearly all common teeth-straightening issues, from simple to complex. Slight shifting can be annoying, but with Invisalign, there is an option to quickly and subtly adjust those imperfections.

The Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

There are many benefits to choosing Invisalign. For starters, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle. You also can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument (just remember to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results!). There also are no food restrictions like there are with typical braces. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces.

However, Invisalign is not for everyone. Talk with your dentist about the dental work you’ve had done, including veneers and crowns, and he or she will evaluate your individual needs. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to move each tooth individually, so those with bridgework may not benefit. Because bridgework connects two or more teeth, clear aligners may not be effective.

It is important to care for your aligners so they can work most effectively. You can brush them with a toothbrush and toothpaste and rinse them in lukewarm water. Never use hot water on your aligners — it could permanently warp the plastic. It is important to consider that staining the clear plastic would disrupt their intended seamless look. That’s why it’s important to brush after every meal, before placing your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth. Further, that is why one should avoid smoking with the trays in. If the aligner finds itself in an unsanitary place, it is very important to always ensure your aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them in your mouth. If you lose or break an Invisalign aligner, immediately let your doctor know. Your doctor will work with you to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan, which may involve wearing a previous set of aligners, your next set of aligners, or ordering replacements aligners. In the event that replacements are needed, you must contact your dentist. All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign doctor, as they are considered a prescription item.

Most San Antonio dentists recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position. Every case is different, so ask your dentist if you need retainers when you complete your treatment.