Invisalign® Clear Braces  – Fort Worth, TX

How Does Invisalign Work?

Instead of relying on metal brackets and arch wires to shift the teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear trays that each represent a different stage of your realignment. These trays are fully transparent, so you don’t have to worry about making dramatic changes to your appearance just to resolve mild to moderate levels of crowding or an uneven bite. A pair of aligners is worn for 20 to 22 hours per day over the course of one week. Once you finish wearing one pair, you simply move on to the next. You’ll need to visit our office every six weeks so we can confirm that the aligners are shifting your teeth as planned.

Indications for Invisalign

Many patients aren’t aware that Invisalign in Fort Worth can treat a variety of orthodontic issues, not just crowded teeth. Here are some problems that clear braces can help fix.

Crowded Teeth

Teeth that are overlapping and too close together can be difficult to clean and efficient at trapping harmful substances such as food debris and bacteria. Invisalign aligners can act to gradually move these teeth side-by-side to reduce the risk of developing oral health problems down the road.

Gaps Between Teeth

Having spaces between teeth can make you feel embarrassed by your smile. It can also create hard-to-reach nooks and crannies for food particles to become trapped in. Invisalign aligners can help shift these teeth closer together, creating a fuller-looking and more even smile.

Bite Misalignment

Moderate overbite, underbite, and crossbite can put you at a high risk of developing additional issues down the road, such as TMJ disorder and bruxism, which is when you grind and clench your teeth at night. All of these bite alignment issues can be addressed with Invisalign trays.

Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that allows patients to achieve a straightened and aligned smile without having to deal with inconvenient and intrusive oral appliances, such as metal brackets and wires. This procedure offers a variety of unique benefits compared to traditional braces, including:

• Faster Average Treatment Time: The average Invisalign treatment plan lasts between eight and 14 months, while traditional braces often require 24 to 36 months to achieve optimal results. Plus, Invisalign progress appointments only last between 15 and 30 minutes and take place every six to eight weeks.
• Added Comfort: Aligners are made from a smooth, plastic material that’s customized to fit your unique dental structure, while traditional metal braces are known to scratch and irritate oral tissues.
• Discretion: Aligners are made from a virtually unnoticeable material that doesn’t stick out like shiny metal. That will allow you to smile with confidence, even as you’re undergoing treatment.
• Easy Maintenance: Because your Invisalign aligners will be removable, you won’t need to worry about maneuvering around bulky brackets and wires in order to clean your teeth and gums properly. All you have to do to brush and floss is take out your aligners. That means that you’ll be at a decreased risk of developing oral health problems during your treatment.

The best way to learn if you can benefit from Invisalign orthodontic treatment is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Fort Worth, Dr. Anil Patel. He will examine your mouth and let you know if you’re a good candidate for this modern procedure.

Invisalign FAQs

Do you still have questions about getting Invisalign in Fort Worth? Our team has answered some common questions that we receive from patients below to help you decide whether this advanced orthodontic treatment is the right solution for you.

Does it hurt to wear Invisalign aligners?

Unlike traditional metal braces that can rub against cheeks and lips, causing irritation and wounds, Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth plastic that’s more comfortable. With Invisalign treatment, you won’t have to worry about constantly carrying around orthodontic wax with you. Plus, since each set of trays is custom fitted to your mouth, they won’t protrude or snag on your oral tissues.

Many patients do report slight discomfort when they advance to a new set of aligners because they place a different amount of pressure on the teeth. However, this typically goes away within a day and can be avoided if you switch your aligners at night. That way, you sleep through a majority of the adjustment period. You can also take pain medication such as ibuprofen to help make you more comfortable.

How do I clean my Invisalign trays?

Maintaining your trays during your treatment is an important part of your oral hygiene. Without regular cleanings, food debris and plaque could become trapped between your appliance and teeth, increasing your risk of developing oral health problems. Here are some basic tips to help keep your trays clean:

• Soak your aligners in a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar for 15 minutes each day.
• Brush your aligners using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap.
• Rinse your aligners before you put them in your mouth.
• Brush your teeth after each time you eat.

If you need any extra help and tips to maintain your aligners, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our team can answer any questions you may have and provide you with some helpful guidance.

What should I do if I break or lose an aligner?

If you damage or lose one of your trays, contact our office immediately so we can solve the problem without pushing back your treatment. Depending on how far you were through your two week time period on that certain set of trays, we may recommend moving to your previous ones, advancing ahead, or getting you a replacement. The longer you wait to contact us, the further back your treatment timeline will be pushed, so let us help!

How much does Invisalign treatment cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on each unique patient’s situation. Typically, the more severe your orthodontic problems are, the more aligners you’ll need in your treatment, the longer it will take, and the higher the cost. However, we’ll let you know during your initial consultation how much your treatment price will be.