If you want straighter teeth but don’t want to go through the challenges associated with conventional braces, there’s never been a better time. Thanks to Invisalign®, gone are the days of requiring a mouth full of metal for a straighter smile.
This advanced treatment uses a series of clear aligner trays to gently shift your teeth into optimal position. Given that Invisalign trays are virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice that you’re wearing them.
Our expert team at Trident Dental in Houston, Texas, offers Invisalign for people who long for straighter teeth with minimal hassle. Is it a smart choice for you?
Invisalign basics
Invisalign straightens your teeth using custom-fit, clear plastic aligners. It can correct:
- Crooked teeth
- Crossbite — when your upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between your teeth
- Open bite — when there’s a space between your top and bottom teeth when your jaw is closed
- Overbite, or buck teeth
- Underbite — when your lower teeth are positioned in front of your upper teeth
Each set of aligners makes slight movements in your teeth to gradually address your alignment issues. You wear each set, one tray on your top teeth and one on your bottom, for 20-22 hours per day.
Good candidates for Invisalign
If you’re an older teen or adult of any age and have a common alignment issue, you’re likely a good candidate for Invisalign. Younger kids and teens aren’t always good candidates for traditional Invisalign. Once your child’s teeth are fully grown in, they may be better suited. Before then, they may be a candidate for Invisalign First, which helps guide teeth into a better position as they grow in.
To benefit fully from Invisalign, you also need to be willing and able to take care of your Invisalign trays, wearing and cleaning them as directed. You’ll need to protect them when you take them out for meals, switch to new provided trays on designated dates, and schedule any needed follow-up appointments.
If you have an existing dental health problem, such as an infection or cavity, we’ll likely recommend treatment for that issue before you get started with Invisalign. You may be a particularly good candidate for Invisalign if you’re prone to issues like cavities because of crooked or crowded teeth, which make thorough brushing and flossing more difficult.
To find out if Invisalign is ideal for you or to get started with treatment, call Trident Dental. You can also request an appointment through our website.