In the past, the only option patients had to remove gaps and straighten their teeth was traditional metal braces. Unfortunately, this treatment is hardly for everyone. If you’re an adult who needs to maintain your professional image, metal braces are likely out of the question. And, if you have an allergy to certain metals, wearing them will likely cause irritation to your gum tissue. However, with the clear aligners of Invisalign in Fort Worth, all of these concerns are quickly put to rest. To learn more about how the Invisalign process works, call our office to schedule a consultation!
Instead of relying on metal brackets and arch wires to shift the teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear trays that each represent a different stage of your realignment. These trays are fully transparent, so you don’t have to worry about making dramatic changes to your appearance just to resolve mild to moderate levels of crowding or an uneven bite. A pair of aligners is worn for 20 to 22 hours per day over the course of one week. Once you finish wearing one pair, you simply move on to the next. You’ll need to visit our office every six weeks so we can confirm that the aligners are shifting your teeth as planned.
Many patients aren’t aware that Invisalign in Fort Worth can treat a variety of orthodontic issues, not just crowded teeth. Our team will evaluate your smile during your initial consultation to determine how best to address your bite misalignment issues. Until you’ve come to visit us, here are several common problems that clear aligners can help fix.
Teeth that are overlapping and too close together can be difficult to clean and efficient at trapping harmful substances such as food debris and bacteria. Invisalign aligners can act to gradually move these teeth side-by-side to reduce the risk of developing oral health problems down the road.
Having spaces between teeth can make you feel embarrassed by your smile. It can also create hard-to-reach nooks and crannies for food particles to become trapped in. Invisalign aligners can help shift these teeth closer together, creating a fuller-looking and more even smile.
A subtle overbite is typically natural and healthy for chewing food effectively and showing off a nice smile. However, if your upper teeth are protruding too far away from your bottom set, this can result in orthodontic complications. Not only can this make eating more difficult, but it can also increase the risk of uneven wear and tear on your smile as well as increase the risk of jaw discomfort, speech problems, and more. With aid from specialized accessories, Invisalign can help correct this misalignment issue.
An underbite is when the lower arch of teeth protrudes further out from the upper arch. This can be due to various factors such as oral injuries and genetics. Whatever the reason, leaving this orthodontic problem untreated can potentially lead to other issues like mouth breathing, trouble with chewing or talking, and even a higher risk of sleep apnea. Invisalign can straighten your teeth as well as help gradually move your jaw into the proper position.
Sometimes both the upper and lower teeth can end up resting in front of each other, a condition known as a crossbite. Due to the lack of uniformity across the smile, you can end up having trouble chewing efficiently or experiencing an increased risk of gum disease because of the difficulty in cleaning your teeth. Other issues like headaches and jaw pain can also arise without orthodontic treatment. Invisalign can be the solution you need to gradually shift both upper and lower teeth into a healthier alignment.
An open bite is when the upper and lower arch of teeth refuse to touch each other, creating a gap in your smile that won’t close even when biting down. Not only can this impact your facial appearance but it can also interfere with proper oral function, such as eating, talking, and smiling comfortably. By using Invisalign along with attachments and elastic bands, our team can help improve your orthodontic situation.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that allows patients to achieve a straightened and aligned smile without having to deal with inconvenient and intrusive oral appliances, such as metal brackets and wires. This procedure offers a variety of unique benefits compared to traditional braces, including:
The average Invisalign treatment plan lasts between 12 and 18 months. Traditional braces, on the other hand, often require 24 to 36 months to achieve optimal results. So, even though factors like the complexity of your case need to be taken into account, there is a good chance that you’ll have straight teeth sooner if you choose clear aligner treatment!
One reason that patients don’t love traditional braces is because the brackets and wires are known to scratch and irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth, plastic material. Plus, they are custom-made to fit your unique dental structure, reducing the risk of cuts to your tongue, lips, and gums even further.
Aligners are made from a virtually unnoticeable material that doesn’t stick out like shiny metal. Instead, they seamlessly blend into your smile, preventing you from feeling the need to hide your braces throughout your teeth-straightening journey.
Note: The trays are also removable, which allows you to have an even clearer view of the progress you’re making in your treatment plan!
Because your Invisalign aligners will be removable, you won’t need to worry about maneuvering around bulky brackets and wires in order to clean your teeth and gums properly. All you have to do to brush and floss is take out your aligners. That means that you’ll be at a decreased risk of developing oral health problems during your treatment, including tooth decay and gum disease.
Do you love snacking on whole apples, raw nuts, and crunchy vegetables, like celery? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that (unlike traditional braces) Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions! The only “guideline” you need to keep in mind is not over-indulging in foods and drinks with added sugar. That way, there’s a lesser chance of oral health problems developing and delaying your treatment plan.
Lastly, Invisalign follow-up appointments are usually pretty quick. In fact, they usually only last between 15 and 30 minutes! That combined with the fact that they often take place every six to eight weeks, and you can see why patients with busy schedules prefer this orthodontic treatment.
The best way to learn if you can benefit from Invisalign orthodontic treatment is to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Fort Worth, Dr. Anil Patel. He will examine your mouth and let you know if you’re a good candidate for this modern procedure.
The cost of Invisalign is different for each patient. After all, each patient’s smile is unique! That’s why we can’t provide you with an accurate estimate of the price until you come in for a consultation with Dr. Patel. That said, we know many patients want to know as much as possible on the topic leading up to their first appointment, which is why we’ve dedicated this next section to covering important information like the factors that impact the final number.
At your consultation, Dr. Patel will conduct a comprehensive oral exam to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. If you are, then he will determine:
Have you seen mail-in aligners on social media? Since the marketing usually centers around the low upfront cost, many patients start to wonder if they should go that route instead. The short answer is, “no!” Not only do these alternatives completely skip the initial exam, but they also rely on DIY impressions and aren’t supervised by licensed dental professionals. You don’t want to risk the look, health, and function of your smile to save a few bucks, so always go with a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign, instead.
If you have dental insurance, it’s definitely worth taking a look at your plan to see if it includes a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit. If it does, then check to see if it extends to Invisalign. Although this benefit won’t be renewed, it can help you lower your out-of-pocket expenses significantly. If you need any help along the way – whether it’s with understanding the fine print on your plan or actually utilizing your coverage – don’t hesitate to let our Fort Worth dental team know.
But what if you don’t have dental insurance? In that case, we can explore different avenues, like flexible financing. That way, you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of Invisalign in one lump sum. Instead, you can determine a monthly amount that works with your budget and choose a payment plan with that information in mind. We also offer periodic specials, like $500 off Invisalign for uninsured patients, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn about our latest ones.
Do you still have questions about getting Invisalign in Fort Worth? Our team has answered some common questions that we receive from patients below to help you decide whether this advanced orthodontic treatment is the right solution for you.
Unlike traditional metal braces that can rub against cheeks and lips, causing irritation and wounds, Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth plastic that’s more comfortable. With Invisalign treatment, you won’t have to worry about constantly carrying around orthodontic wax with you. Plus, since each set of trays is custom fitted to your mouth, they won’t protrude or snag on your oral tissues.
Many patients do report slight discomfort when they advance to a new set of aligners because they place a different amount of pressure on the teeth. However, this typically goes away within a day and can be avoided if you switch your aligners at night. That way, you sleep through a majority of the adjustment period. You can also take pain medication such as ibuprofen to help make you more comfortable.
Maintaining your trays during your treatment is an important part of your oral hygiene. Without regular cleanings, food debris and plaque could become trapped between your appliance and teeth, increasing your risk of developing oral health problems. Here are some basic tips to help keep your trays clean:
If you need any extra help and tips to maintain your aligners, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our team can answer any questions you may have and provide you with some helpful guidance.
If you damage or lose one of your trays, contact our office immediately so we can solve the problem without pushing back your treatment. Depending on how far you were through your two week time period on that certain set of trays, we may recommend moving to your previous ones, advancing ahead, or getting you a replacement. The longer you wait to contact us, the further back your treatment timeline will be pushed, so let us help!
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on each unique patient’s situation. Typically, the more severe your orthodontic problems are, the more aligners you’ll need in your treatment, the longer it will take, and the higher the cost. However, we’ll let you know during your initial consultation how much your treatment price will be.
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