Discreetly Achieve a Straighter Smile
Patients with orthodontic issues shouldn’t have to undergo drawn-out and unattractive treatments to straighten their teeth. Traditional metal braces are often painful and clunky, which may make patients self-conscious about their smiles.
Thanks to revolutionary SmartTrack® technology, Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable solution to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams. With Invisalign, you can resolve your orthodontic problems while enjoying a discreet, comfortable treatment that won’t interfere with your daily activities or regular diet.
At Precision Dentistry & Implants of Kerrville, expert dentist Dr. Matthew Huff can determine if this treatment is ideal for you. We’re proud to accept new dental patients in Kerr County, including Kerrville, Ingram, and Center Point, TX.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of clear aligners instead of metal wires and brackets. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. As you wear the aligners, they will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place based on the exact movements Dr. Huff plans out for you.
There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You’ll just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks until your treatment is complete. With Invisalign, you can achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers several advantages over traditional braces, which can be uncomfortable to wear and make dental care a chore. Some benefits of Invisalign include:
- Discreet & Comfortable Treatment: Because the Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic, they’re nearly invisible. Their smooth design also makes aligners comfortable to wear, with no sharp metal wires or brackets to harm your mouth.
- Easy Maintenance: It’s difficult to properly clean your teeth with brackets and wires in the way. But with Invisalign, you can simply remove your aligners to brush and floss as normal.
- No Dietary Restrictions: Hard and sticky foods can damage brackets and are off-limits with braces. You can simply remove Invisalign aligners to eat so you don’t have to worry about damaging your appliances.
- Short Treatment Time: Braces can take a minimum of two years to fully straighten your teeth, whereas treatment with Invisalign can usually be completed in about one year, depending on your individual needs.
Candidacy for Invisalign
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that can resolve the same problems as metal braces. Dr. Huff may recommend the Invisalign treatment to patients who struggle with:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth gaps
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Open bites
The Invisalign Process
Initial Consultation
The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Huff. He’ll assess your oral health and orthodontic needs to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Your Kerrville dentist will also take X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth to develop your customized treatment plan.
Creating Your Aligners
An offsite laboratory will receive your X-rays, photos, and impressions, and use them as the blueprints for your custom-made Invisalign aligners. Once your aligners are ready, you’ll return to our Kerrville office to have them fitted.
Wearing Your Aligners
You’ll wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, moving on to a new set every two weeks. As you replace the aligners your teeth gradually shift. Most patients receive 18 to 30 sets of aligners, but this number will vary based on your individual needs. The entire process usually takes about one year, half the average time of traditional metal braces.
You can remove your aligners to eat, brush, and floss as normal. Because you remove your aligners to eat, Invisalign doesn’t require any dietary restrictions. However, it’s essential to rinse both your mouth and aligner before putting your aligner back in to eliminate any bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign treatment is one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatments available. You may feel slight pressure or discomfort when you start wearing a new set of customized aligners, but any pain should fade within a few days. In the first week of treatment, it’s normal to also experience a slight slip.
If your discomfort doesn’t fade within one week or becomes too severe to handle, call our Kerrville office at (830) 896-8343 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Huff will assess your situation and work to resolve the issue.
To properly take care of your Invisalign trays, it’s essential to remove them each morning and night to thoroughly clean both your teeth and aligners. Dr. Huff recommends rinsing your custom trays with water, antibacterial soap, and a soft-bristled brush to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
Remember not to use hot water while cleaning your aligners, as this can damage or misshapen them. It’s also crucial to soak your Invisalign aligners at least once a day and rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.
While it’s possible to substitute your traditional metal braces for Invisalign clear aligners, not every patient may be a candidate. Being able to make the switch from braces to Invisalign depends on several factors, including your individual oral health needs. It’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Huff so he can examine your teeth and determine if an Invisalign treatment is the most effective option for you.
Straighten Your Teeth Without the Hassle
When you’re ready to achieve a straighter smile you can be proud of, Invisalign may be the ideal treatment for you. With Invisalign clear aligners, you’ll be able to straighten your teeth without having to adhere to strict dietary or activity restrictions.
To schedule a consultation, call our Kerrville office at (830) 896-8343. You can also request an appointment by filling out our convenient online contact form. We welcome patients from Kerrville, Ingram, and Center Point, TX to discover how Dr. Huff can transform smiles and lives.