Downtown Dental Excellence offers

Invisalign

Many people are self-conscious about the way their smile looks. This is especially so for those with crooked, crowded, or otherwise misaligned teeth. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you would like them to be or you have gaps between your teeth that you would like closed, you’ll want to consider Invisalign.

Choose Downtown Dental Excellence for Invisalign today.

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(281) 592-0597

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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a dental aligner that helps with a variety of dental issues that involve the alignment of the teeth or jaw. It is based on cutting-edge technology that has been changing and evolving over the last twenty years.

What Issues Does Invisalign Resolve?

Invisalign is a wonderful choice for various alignment issues, as well as gaps between teeth, crowding, and overbites. Essentially, Invisalign helps to resolve many of the same issues that traditional braces are used to resolve.

What's the Difference?

While both traditional braces and Invisalign serve the same essential function, there are some stark differences between the two. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Traditional braces, for instance, can be used to treat more severe alignment issues that Invisalign is not always able to resolve. The cost of braces may also be less than that of Invisalign, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.

The material used for the two is the main difference that you will find between traditional braces and Invisalign. While traditional braces are made with metal or enamel, Invisalign is made with plastic. Because of the wires and materials used for braces, the wearer runs the risk of injury to the cheeks if the wire becomes damaged. This can be very painful and can sometimes only be treated by visiting the orthodontist. It’s also important to note that braces are not removable without the help of a dentist. Because of this, they can be difficult to clean, and they can be a nuisance at times.

So, Why Invisalign?

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign offers a similar treatment without all of the fuss that comes with traditional braces. Because they are made of plastic, they are more comfortable to wear. There are also no wires to worry about. This lowers the risks of injury to the cheeks, tongue, and mouth overall.

Beyond being more comfortable, Invisalign braces are also removable. Because of this, it is easier to keep your mouth clean and to keep your braces clean as well. It also means that you can remove them while playing sports or during any other activity that may require a mouth guard. Finally, you can remove them while eating—allowing you to eat freely without having to worry about food getting stuck in your braces.

Many people like plastic braces because they are clear, which makes them more difficult to notice. This cosmetic difference can be a major factor for patients who would like to repair the alignment of their teeth, but also don’t want to have metal pieces attached to their teeth. Due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and comfort, many people prefer Invisalign over traditional braces.

The Invisalign Process

The process of getting Invisalign braces begins with a consultation with a dentist who specializes in the placement of these braces. Finding the right dentist may actually be easier than you’d think! You may consider asking your general dentist for a referral or asking a friend or family member who has worn Invisalign braces in the past.
You can also search online for the right dentist. This will allow you to find a dentist who is close to you and has good reviews.

Once you’ve found the right dentist, you can set an appointment for a consultation. During this consultation, your dentist will take digital images of your teeth and your mouth. These images will be used to determine the right treatment plan for your individual needs. Once the right plan of action is decided by your dentist, they will send the images out to a lab that will create custom trays for your needs. They will then send the trays back to your dentist, and you can meet with your dentist to ensure the aligners fit properly.

Based on the plan of treatment that your dentist designed, you will be given additional trays that are meant to be changed out every two weeks. You’ll also need to set appointments with your dentist every few months to make sure the alignment is going according to plan.

If there are any issues with your aligners between visits, make sure to contact your dentist and discuss the issues with them. You may need to push your appointment forward a bit and see them before you had originally planned.

Make sure that you are wearing your aligners at least 20-22 hours a day to ensure the results that you and your dentist are looking for.

Before you know it, you’ll have perfectly straight teeth!

Call Downtown Dental Excellence Today!

(281) 592-0597

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Insurance and Costs

Like most dental procedures, what is covered by your insurance depends on your individual insurance plan. Still, most insurance plans cover braces, which include Invisalign. Keep in mind that your insurance plan may not cover 100% of the costs, so be prepared to pay some of the costs out of pocket.

Oral Health with Aligners

Invisalign is wonderful for the straightness of your teeth, but they don’t help with your overall oral hygiene. You’ll still need to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your mouth. Along with regular care for your teeth, you’ll also need to keep your aligners clean. This means rinsing them nightly and brushing them lightly.

Straightening your teeth and filling gaps may be possible with the assistance of Invisalign. Speak with your dentist today about whether they are right for you.