Orthodontics is a process of providing long-term corrective services that will help correct mispositioned teeth and jaws. If you have some teeth that are out of place, come in today to talk to your dentist about solutions for getting a smile that will last a lifetime. Our office is your local Invisalign provider, an alternative orthodontic treatment option for teens and adults. Invisalign is one of the cosmetic dentistry treatments we provide at our dental office in Longview, TX.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign can help with mild to moderate orthodontic problems like:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Gaps between teeth
Invisalign is an effective and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. It consists of a series of clear aligners instead of noticeable metal brackets. Your aligners will be custom-fitted for the needs of your specific smile problem. Invisalign can be used on a wide variety of teeth types and to correct a mixture of dental issues.
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great option for teens and adults. We recommend Invisalign for patients who have:
- Good Oral Health: Before treatment, we will ensure you are in good dental health. Our office can provide gum disease treatment, fillings, extractions, and other treatments before Invisalign.
- Mild to Moderate Concerns: We recommend Invisalign for patients with milder cosmetic issues. If you’ve had braces in the past but your teeth have shifted out of place, you can quickly straighten your teeth with Invisalign aligners.
- Commitment to Caring for Aligners: You must remove and clean your aligners daily. Keeping track of your aligners and wearing them consistently is essential to keep you on track with completing treatment on time. While Invisalign is an option for teens, Invisalign for teens uses blue indicators to help them stay on track and wear their aligners.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers many benefits compared to metal braces. Clear Invisalign aligners are:
- Discreet: Because Invisalign uses clear materials, they are less noticeable than metal braces. Traditional braces use metal wires and colorful elastic. Invisalign shows more of your smile and offers a great option for adults who don’t like the look of braces.
- Comfortable: Metal braces wires can pinch and poke your gums, so you often need orthodontic wax to protect your soft tissues from them. Invisalign clear aligners are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your gums.
- Removable: You can remove your Invisalign aligners to eat and drink. With Invisalign, you can eat the foods you love, including chips, popcorn, nuts, and other crunchy foods, without restrictions. This also means you can clean your aligners without food getting stuck.
Invisalign Treatment in Longview, TX
If you are tired of your crooked teeth, Invisalign provides a perfect solution to fix them while still being able to smile like you always have. Our dentist is among the most knowledgeable in the East Texas area about Invisalign!
Consultation
Your journey begins with a visit to our office. During this consultation, we will discuss your goals and examine your teeth to determine if Invisalign is right for you. We’ll take X-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create a 3D image of your mouth. If you have dental problems we must treat before Invisalign, we will plan treatments to ensure you are a good Invisalign candidate.
Custom Treatment Plan
Using the 3D images, we’ll create a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan will show the exact movements of your teeth and give you an estimate of how long the treatment will take. You’ll even get to see a virtual representation of your new smile.
Wear Your Aligners
Once your custom aligners are ready, you’ll return to our office to pick them up. You’ll wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
You can only drink water with your aligners on your teeth. Other drinks and food can stain your aligners and increase the risk of infection. Eating food with your aligners on can also damage them.
You’ll switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Each new set gradually shifts your teeth into place, following the precise movements planned by your dentist. You must wear your aligners as instructed to ensure the best results.
Visit Our Office
Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular check-ups with us every six to eight weeks. These visits allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Invisalign check-ups are usually quick and easy. We will provide custom retainers once you complete Invisalign in our Longview, TX, dental office.
How to Keep Teeth Straight After Invisalign
Once your Invisalign treatment is over, you will have retainers to wear at night to keep your teeth from shifting over time. Orthodontic relapse is common if patients do not maintain their straight teeth. Using a nighttime retainer or mouthguard will keep that smile looking great after your treatment is complete.
We will create a custom retainer for you based on impressions of your teeth. Our office sends these impressions to a lab, where technicians create custom plastic retainers.
You can rinse your retainers after each use. To clean them, use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. When they are not in use, you can place them in their case. Never use hot water, as this can damage the material. If you lose your retainer, let us know, and we will provide you with a replacement as soon as possible.
If you have problems with clenching or grinding, a mouthguard may be the perfect solution for your smile. Our dentist can provide you with a custom-fitted mouthguard to preserve and protect your teeth for a smile that will last a lifetime.
Get a Straight Smile
Create an even bite with Invisalign in Longview, TX. Call Longview Family Dental at 903-662-7811 or schedule an appointment with us online. Do you have any questions about Invisalign treatment? Ask us your questions at your next visit, and we will be happy to help.