Invisalign Clear Aligners Bellaire
Where Clear, Comfortable Aligners Create Straighter Smiles
The idea of wearing metal braces is often a frightful thought for many patients, especially those who may be self-conscious about their appearance. But Invisalign clear aligners make for a worthy alternative, allowing individuals to pursue a clearer, more comfortable way to achieve a straighter smile. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stacy to learn how you can look forward to better oral health with Invisalign in Bellaire.
Why Choose Stacy Hebert-Schoener, DDS for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
- Digital Impression System for Improved Comfort
- In-Network with Several Dental Insurance Plans
- Dental Team That Cares About Patients’ Progress
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign clear aligners are crafted from clear plastic materials that are smooth and customized to each smile. With multiple sets designed for every patient, they are to be worn for 20-22 hours each day. The focus on prolonged wear allows for continuous, gentle pressure to keep teeth moving toward the desired location. Over time, patients will switch the sets so that as their smile enters a new phase, the trays can continue to shift teeth into alignment.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is quite versatile. So, if you are interested in straightening your teeth without noticeable brackets and wires, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our office. In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few common orthodontic problems that the clear aligners can correct, starting with overcrowding.
Crowded Teeth
Do your teeth overlap? Unfortunately, even relatively mild cases can lead to low self-esteem and an increased risk of tooth decay. That’s why we recommend exploring your treatment options, like Invisalign! If we determine that you’re a good candidate during your consultation, then we will create your custom series of aligners.
Gaps Between Teeth
Another common orthodontic problem is gapped teeth. While patients often visit us because they don’t like the space between their two front teeth, others visit us because they are having trouble enunciating clearly or keeping their smile clean. Whatever the reason for your visit, the solution may be Invisalign. If that’s the case for you, then closing the open space won’t require any metal at all.
Overbite
Do your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones significantly? If that’s the case, then we have good news: Invisalign can fix overbites. So, don’t just assume that traditional orthodontics is your only option! If we decide together that clear aligners are the ideal solution for you, then we will create a custom series to gently move your teeth and bite into their proper places.
Underbite
When you bite down, do your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones? Unfortunately, this bite problem, known as an underbite, can lead to trouble smiling confidently, enunciating clearly, and chewing properly. For all of those reasons, we recommend contacting us to schedule an Invisalign consultation. The sooner you do, the sooner we can determine if you’re a good candidate.
Crossbite
Some patients assume that they have an underbite because a few of their upper teeth sit behind their lower ones. However, if that’s the case for you, then you may have a crossbite. This bite problem, like the others on this list, can lead to chronic jaw pain and trouble chewing properly. That’s why we recommend coming to our Bellaire dental office; we want to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign!
Open Bite
As you may have assumed from the name, an open bite is when the upper and lower teeth are unable to meet, resulting in an opening. If you think you may have one, then you should get in touch with us so we can complete a comprehensive oral exam. If we determine that’s the case, then we can explore your treatment options, including Invisalign.
Benefits of Invisalign
Although traditional braces continue to deliver exceptional results, many patients aren’t thrilled about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires. If that’s the case for you, then you should schedule a consultation with us so we can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign! In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few of the noteworthy reasons why patients love clear aligners.
Discreet Aligners
Of course, one of the most common reasons that patients choose Invisalign is that the aligners are basically invisible. That’s because there aren’t any metal components. Instead, your teeth will be gently guided into their ideal places with smooth, low-profile trays that are crafted from smooth plastic. As a result, even the coworkers, friends, and family members that you see every day likely won’t notice them (unless they know what to look for, of course).
Improved Comfort
Another benefit of Invisalign: patients experience irritation because there aren’t protruding metal pieces or monthly adjustment appointments. Instead, a series of clear, comfortable aligners is used to correct common orthodontic problems, like overcrowding. Plus, if any discomfort does arise from the movement of your teeth, you can alleviate it quickly by sipping on cool water, sticking to soft foods, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
No Dietary Restrictions
Having removable aligners also means you won’t have to completely alter your diet. In fact, as long as you take them off beforehand, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods throughout your orthodontic treatment! Just make sure to take certain precautions to prevent them from accidentally getting damaged or misplaced, like putting them in their designated case instead of wrapping them in a napkin.
Easy Dental Hygiene
With Invisalign, you can avoid the struggle of picking remnants of your food out of your brackets and wires. Instead, you can remove your aligners and clean them with a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid. Then, you can brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash like usual. Once you’re done, you can put your aligners back on. Then, you’ll be all set!
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
In short, Invisalign delivers results in just 12-18 months on average. Traditional metal braces, on the other hand, usually take 2-3 years. So, if you want a considerably straighter smile by this time next year, you should schedule a consultation with us! Once we have an understanding of the severity of your case and the health of your smile, we can provide you with a more precise estimate of your treatment timeline.
Fewer Dental Appointments
If your schedule is already busy as it is, you might not be able to commit to monthly adjustment appointments. Fortunately, Invisalign allows you to complete portions of the teeth-straightening process at home. In turn, the progress visits are usually every 6-8 weeks instead. So, you’ll spend considerably less time in the treatment chair overall!