Invisalign – Pasadena, TX
The Clear Path to a Straight Smile
Before Invisalign, there was really only one orthodontic treatment: traditional braces. While they continue to be effective and reliable, many patients have opted for clear aligners instead because they are convenient, comfortable, and clear. If you are interested in finding out if you’re a candidate for this popular cosmetic dental service, then schedule a consultation with us so we can learn all about your dental needs and smile goals! You’re also welcome to read on to learn more about this innovative teeth-straightening treatment.
Why Choose Pasadena Family Dentistry for Invisalign?
- Experienced and Caring Team
- Affordable Payment Options
- Convenient Appointment Times
How Invisalign Works
The first step of the Invisalign process is determining if you’re a candidate and, if you are, taking impressions of your teeth. These are used to create your custom series of aligners. Each one is worn for 1-2 weeks, ensuring your teeth are gently and gradually guided into their properly aligned positions. Throughout the process, you will come to our office periodically so we can monitor the movement of your teeth and make sure they are tracking as anticipated.
Who Invisalign Can Help
At your initial consultation, one of our talented dentists will sit down with you one-on-one to learn about your dental history, the complexity of your case, and your smile goals. Then, they will determine if Invisalign is the best solution for you. Fortunately, the clear aligners are quite versatile; they have proven to be effective at addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:
Crowded Teeth
Sadly, crowded teeth can lead to several issues – from low self-esteem to tooth decay. That’s why we encourage our patients to schedule an Invisalign consultation sooner rather than later. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, we can improve the look, health, and function of your smile without metal brackets and wires!
Gaps Between Teeth
Gapped teeth also can take a toll on your oral health. So, even if you are happy with the appearance of your smile, it’s important to explore your orthodontic treatment options. If we determine that Invisalign is an option, then we can gradually close the gaps with a custom-made series of aligners (usually in just 12-18 months too!).
Bite Alignment
Of course, we aren’t just concerned with the alignment of your teeth; we’re concerned about the alignment of your bite. The good news is that mild to moderate cases of overbites, crossbites, underbites, and open bites can often be corrected with clear aligners, ensuring no unwanted attention is drawn to your smile during your orthodontic treatment.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Millions of patients have chosen Invisalign because:
- The aligners are see-through, making them basically invisible
- The average treatment timeline is shorter
- There are fewer check-in visits
- There aren’t any dietary restrictions
- The trays are removable, so brushing and flossing are easy
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
In order to provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of Invisalign, we need to conduct an oral exam and learn about your dental history and needs. For example, have you had braces in the past? Is single-arch treatment possible? Are any orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, needed? How many aligners need to be made? Once we have this information, we can create your custom treatment plan, provide you with an estimate of the cost, and review the financial solutions available.
Invisalign FAQs
Does Invisalign Hurt?
To be completely honest, it’s common for patients to experience soreness and sensitivity in the hours following the transition to a new set of aligners. That said, it’s only temporary. Plus, there’s a silver lining: that means your aligners are working!
Tip: Eat soft foods (i.e., plain yogurt, oatmeal, vegetable soup) and take OTC pain medication as directed – it will help alleviate feelings of discomfort until your teeth adjust.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average treatment timeline is 12-18 months. The biggest factors that will impact the length of your orthodontic treatment are how many aligners are needed, if you wear them as directed, and the type of retainer you need to preserve your results. Fortunately, we can review all of this information and more with you at your consultation. Not only that, but we can provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline, and share the habits you should incorporate into your daily routine to stay on-track.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, as long as you take your aligners off first! Keeping them on while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee might seem like a good way to make sure you wear them for 20+ hours a day, but it actually can cause them to warp or stain (as well as increase your risk of developing cavities). That’s why we recommend drinking it with a meal instead of separately: your trays will already be off!
How Do I Keep My Invisalign Aligners Clean?
Many patients find it helpful to buy clear aligner cleaning tablets, but you really only need three things: clean, cool water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and clear, mild dishwashing liquid. The key is consistency. Make sure to rinse your trays with water every time you take them off and that you use a toothbrush to clean them before putting them back on.
Tip: Bring your aligners to your check-in visits! Not only will this help prevent your teeth from moving out of position, but it also allows your dental team to give them a deeper clean.
What Happens After My Invisalign Treatment?
After we’ve straightened your teeth and aligned your bite, we will transition to the next step of the treatment process: the retention phase. This is crucial because orthodontic relapse is something upwards of 50% of patients struggle with. A custom retainer will help keep your teeth in their properly aligned positions throughout the years, preserving the time and money you invested in Invisalign in the process.
Is There Anything You Can’t Eat with Invisalign?
Actually, there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign! All we ask is that you do your best to fill your diet with foods that contain essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in an effort to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you have attachments, then exercise caution with crunchy foods as well, like raw celery, whole apples, and almonds.