Invisalign the Invisible Way to Straighten Teeth
If you want to straighten your teeth, you will wish for a system that does it comfortably and discreetly. But is there such an orthodontic treatment? Before 1997, it never existed, but since then, Invisalign can straighten your teeth with a series of custom-made removable, clear braces. Invisalign treatment from Aqua Dental in Austin, Texas, gives the best of both worlds — invisible, comfortable treatment and beautiful, straight teeth.
Issues that can be addressed with Invisalign
Considering Invisalign? You may be surprised that this treatment can address more than one type of orthodontic challenge. Invisalign can fix several issues, including:
- Widely gapped teeth
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
Straightening your teeth does more good than just improving your appearance. Straighter teeth are easier to clean because there are no hidden, hard-to-clean spots that attract plaque build-up. Also, a perfectly aligned bite eliminates jaw issues that cause headaches, jaw discomfort, and other unpleasant symptoms.
What to expect from Invisalign treatment?
Straightening teeth with Invisalign is pretty straightforward. The process starts with booking an appointment with an Invisalign dentist like Dr. Chitra Pradeep. The dentist evaluates your mouth to ensure you are gum disease and cavity-free. If your candidacy for Invisalign is approved, we will take digital images of your mouth and use 3D software to simulate the progression of your treatment. Through simulation, your dentist shows you how each tooth moves to perfection during treatment.
The next step is to send the images to a dental lab to create your series of aligners. Once the aligners are ready, you will pick them up from our office, and the dentist will advise on the order in which to wear them. Typically, each set is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next.
Pro-tip: If you want faster treatment with Invisalign, wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. Only remove your aligners when eating or cleaning your teeth.
Benefits of Invisalign treatment
The benefits of Invisalign speak for themselves. But for the record, here are the pros of straightening teeth with Invisalign:
- It doesn’t alter the way you clean your teeth
- The treatment uses minimally invisible braces to straighten teeth subtly
- It’s comfortable — no wires to irritate the soft tissues of your mouth
- Suitable for patients allergic to metal
- It doesn’t restrict you to what to eat
- 50% faster than traditional braces when used correctly
Invisalign FAQs
What is Invisalign, and how does it work?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth without traditional braces. Custom-molded, BPA-free plastic trays are designed based on a digital scan of your teeth. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, and they gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Invisalign uses a series of progressive trays, ensuring controlled movement and predictable results throughout the treatment plan.
How long does Invisalign treatment typically take?
Treatment length varies by case complexity but generally ranges from 12 to 18 months. Minor corrections may be completed in as few as six months, while more extensive realignment can take up to two years. During your initial consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will provide a customized timeline based on factors like crowding, bite issues, and the number of aligners required to achieve your smile goals.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is suitable for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth, gaps, overcrowding, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Good candidates have healthy gums and are committed to wearing the aligners as prescribed—typically 20 to 22 hours per day. Patients with severe bite issues or complex tooth movements may require traditional braces or a combined approach.
How often must I wear my aligners each day?
For optimal results, aligners should be worn at least 20 to 22 hours daily and should only be taken out to drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Consistent wear ensures the gradual tooth movement stays on schedule. Skipping wear time can prolong your treatment and reduce its effectiveness, so setting daily reminders and carrying a travel case helps maintain compliance.
How frequently will I need dental visits during Invisalign treatment?
You’ll typically visit your provider every six to eight weeks to check progress and receive new aligner sets. These appointments are usually brief—around 15 to 30 minutes—and focus on fit, tooth movement, and oral health. Occasional mid-treatment X-rays or scans may be taken to confirm alignment. Fewer visits than traditional braces make Invisalign a convenient option for busy schedules.
Are Invisalign aligners comfortable?
Most patients find Invisalign more comfortable than metal braces. The smooth plastic trays are custom-fitted to your teeth, eliminating sharp wires and brackets that can irritate cheeks. You may experience mild pressure or soreness during the first few days of each new aligner, which signals that your teeth are moving. Any discomfort typically subsides within a couple of days.
What are the steps to maintain results after completing Invisalign treatment?
After completing your final aligner, you’ll receive a retainer—either fixed or removable—to keep teeth in their new position. Retainers are critical for preventing relapse and should be worn as directed, often nightly. Regular follow-up visits monitor your retention progress. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending scheduled checkups helps ensure your newly aligned smile stays straight and healthy for years to come.
The versatile nature of Invisalign aligners makes them perfect for fixing orthodontic conditions. Clear braces are the go-to orthodontic treatment, whether it’s crooked teeth, bite misalignment, or crowded teeth. To get this treatment in Austin, TX, please dial (512) 643-6571 to book an appointment with Aqua Dental.
