Invisalign in Plano, TX

Invisalign Offers A Discreet, Cosmetic Approach To Straightening Teeth

Is your smile as straight as you would like it to be? Clear aligners from Invisalign correct the position of your teeth without the bulky, metallic look of traditional braces. This nearly invisible orthodontic treatment complements the existing appearance of your smile while gradually moving teeth into a more desirable position. Feel free to let friends and family know about your procedure, or keep it to yourself. With Invisalign, the choice is yours! We are proud to offer our patients Invisalign in Plano, TX, here at Advanced Dental Center.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign provides a series of clear, BPA-free plastic trays you wear each day to help align your bite. Each tray is custom-designed to fit the exact size and shape of your smile. As the weeks go on, you proceed to the next set of trays in your system to continue guiding your teeth into their eventual position. Clear aligners treat most of the problems addressed by traditional braces, including:

• Underbite
• Overbite
• Spacing issues
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Crowding

The Health Benefits Of Invisalign

While you may pursue Invisalign treatment for the esthetic effect of a straighter smile, correcting misalignment problems can significantly benefit your oral health. A more uniform smile reveals the surface of each tooth, allowing you to enjoy better oral hygiene. Plaque can no longer hide in crowded nooks and crannies, helping you prevent decay when brushing and flossing! Similarly, aligning your bite distributes its force more evenly. This means that certain teeth no longer wear down prematurely, helping you preserve their enamel surface. 

Some additional benefits include:

• Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the aesthetic concerns associated with metal brackets and wires.
• Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can eat, brush, and floss with no additional hassle, ensuring better oral hygiene during treatment.
• The custom-fit design of each aligner ensures maximum comfort, minimizing irritation to your gums and cheeks.
• With Invisalign, not only can you see a preview of your expected results thanks to advanced 3D imaging technology, but you can also enjoy the convenience of fewer and shorter dental visits, making it a perfect fit for busy lifestyles.

Customizing Your Treatment Plan

During your consultation, we will examine your smile thoroughly to help determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you. Moving forward, we take a series of 3-D images of your teeth that allow us to forecast what your smile will look like after treatment. Modern software allows us to project this model instantly for your review. With your approval, we will send those impressions to a lab where skilled technicians will create your trays.

Wearing Your Aligners

You can expect to wear each set of aligners for two weeks before moving on to the next pair. To review your progress, we typically schedule an in-office checkup every six weeks. The total time to complete treatment depends upon the specific circumstances of correcting your smile, and your adherence to the treatment schedule. For best results, we ask that you wear your trays from 20 to 22 hours each day, taking them off to eat, brush, and floss. 

Cleaning and Maintenance of Invisalign Aligners

Regular cleaning ensures that your retainers remain clear, odor-free, and effective in maintaining your smile. Thankfully, the process is straightforward and easy to integrate into your daily routine. It’s recommended to rinse your aligners every night and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, unscented soap to remove plaque and prevent staining. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.

When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in the protective case provided to keep them safe and clean. Additionally, maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is essential to keep your teeth healthy and prevent cavities from forming beneath the aligners.

For a deeper clean, consider using Invisalign cleaning crystals or a retainer cleaning solution recommended by your Plano dentist, Dr. Hopkins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Invisalign Aligners Made Of?

Invisalign aligners are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®, which is specifically engineered for the Invisalign system. This material is FDA-approved and contains no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten, making it safe for most patients. SmartTrack® is known for its superior comfort and flexibility, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit over your teeth while applying the precise force needed to move your teeth gently and effectively into their desired position.

Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Treatment?

Yes, wearing a retainer after completing your Invisalign treatment is crucial to maintaining your new smile. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original position over time, a process known as relapse. To prevent this, retainers are used to stabilize your teeth in their new alignment. Initially, you may need to wear your retainer full-time, but over time, you’ll likely transition to wearing it only at night. Dr. Hopkins will provide you with a personalized retainer plan to ensure that your beautiful, straight smile lasts a lifetime.

Are Clear Aligners Painful?

While individual experiences may vary, most patients find that clear aligners cause minimal discomfort compared to traditional braces. When you first begin your treatment or switch to a new aligner in the series, you may experience some pressure and mild discomfort. This sensation is a normal part of the teeth-moving process and typically subsides within a few days. If discomfort persists or becomes bothersome, it’s important to consult with Dr. Hopkins for recommendations to improve your comfort and ensure your treatment continues smoothly.

Is Invisalign Better Than Braces?

The decision between Invisalign and traditional braces depends on various factors, including the complexity of your case, lifestyle preferences, and aesthetic considerations. Invisalign offers several advantages, such as being nearly invisible, removable for eating and oral hygiene, and generally requiring fewer office visits. These features make Invisalign an attractive option for many patients, especially adults and teens concerned about the appearance of metal braces. Advancements in technology, like Invisalign’s tooth-colored buttons, make clear aligner therapy just as effective as orthodontic treatment with braces.

Ready to Take the First Step Towards a Stunning Smile?

If you’re considering transforming your smile with the convenience and discretion of Invisalign in Plano, TX, there’s no better time than now to explore your options. Embrace the opportunity to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of with the advanced technology and expert care at our dental office.