Patients have more options than ever before when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Achieving a straight smile does not necessarily have to involve uncomfortable and conspicuous metal and wire braces. In fact, with Invisalign, patients can straighten their teeth comfortably and discreetly. Our family dentist offers Invisalign for adults and teenagers who desire a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable form of treatment.
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces. This system utilizes clear, plastic oral appliances instead of fixed metal orthodontia. Two Stanford University graduate students developed this revolutionary orthodontic system in the late 1990s. Ever since its inception, Invisalign has become wildly popular throughout the United States and abroad. Especially favored among working professionals, this discreet teeth-straightening method can correct spacing issues such as crowded and gapped teeth as well as bite issues.
How Invisalign Works
Like other orthodontic systems, Invisalign straightens teeth by applying consistent pressure over time to slowly move teeth to straighter, healthier positions. The course of treatment varies from person to person but normally lasts at least six to nine months. Those receiving Invisalign will come to our office so that our dental team can take impressions of the teeth. These impressions will be used to create custom aligners. Each set of custom aligners is worn for two weeks and then swapped out for a tighter set until the end of treatment.
Benefits of Invisalign
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign offers very unique benefits. First, since patients wear clear retainer-like appliances called aligners. These oral appliances are virtually unnoticeable to others. Their plastic construction means that Invisalign’s aligners will not cut into or scrape against the linings of cheeks and lips. An added benefit to Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are removable. This means that patients can take out their aligners for meals and when brushing or flossing. The removable aspect of Invisalign allows people to enjoy their favorite foods without obstruction and makes oral hygiene much easier.
Candidates for Invisalign
Candidates for Invisalign are adults and older teenagers. Invisalign is not suitable for children because of tooth transition, a period where adult teeth slowly replace baby teeth over time. If you are interested in straightening your smile with clear braces, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our family dentist. After an oral examination, we can determine if this teeth straightening system is right for your needs.
Call our Dallas dental practice at (214) 484-5978 to reserve an appointment.