FAQs About Invisalign in McKinney & Melissa, TX
As a leading cosmetic dentist in Melissa, TX, Dr. Schuster is committed to bringing her patients the best transformative treatments. For teen and adult patients who would like to straighten their smiles, there is no better way to achieve the smile of your dreams than with Invisalign clear aligners! Magnolia Ridge Dentistry is a certified Invisalign provider serving McKinney, Melissa, and surrounding communities.
We're aware that getting orthodontic treatment is a big decision, so we've compiled a comprehensive FAQ to get you up to speed on everything you may want to know.
What is Invisalign and how is it different from traditional braces?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth, in contrast to traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing, offering a more aesthetic and convenient option for patients who are conscious about their appearance and lifestyle. The best thing of all is that Invisalign can achieve the same results as braces but in a much shorter time frame with far less disruption to your daily life.
How long does treatment typically take?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case, but generally ranges from 12 to 18 months. However, some patients may notice changes in as little as a few months. The exact timeframe can only be determined by Dr. Schuster after a thorough examination and is subject to diligent use of the aligners.
Is wearing clear aligners painful?
Invisalign is generally less painful than traditional braces. While you may experience mild discomfort or pressure when a new aligner is first used, this typically subsides within a few days. The smooth, custom-fit aligners are designed to minimize irritation to the gums and cheeks, unlike the brackets and wires in braces.
Can Invisalign fix all kinds of teeth alignment and bite issues?
Invisalign can treat a wide range of dental problems, including gaps, overcrowding, crossbites, underbites, and overbites.
While clear aligners are effective for many orthodontic issues, there are certain severe cases that may require specialized orthodontic treatment or traditional braces. Examples of such cases include:
- Severe Malocclusion: This refers to extreme misalignments of the teeth and bite, such as a deep overbite where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth significantly or a severe underbite where the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. These cases often require more advanced orthodontic interventions than Invisalign can provide.
- Large Gaps due to Missing Teeth: In cases where there are large gaps due to multiple missing teeth, traditional braces might be more effective. Braces can provide the necessary force distribution to close wide gaps or prepare the mouth for dental restorations like implants or bridges.
- Complex Tooth Rotation and Movement: Some teeth, especially canines and premolars, may need to be rotated or moved vertically to a significant degree. Invisalign might not always be capable of achieving these movements as effectively as traditional braces.
- Severe Crowding: In cases of extreme dental crowding, where there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate all the teeth, more invasive procedures like tooth extraction or palatal expansion might be required. Traditional braces are often better suited for managing these changes.
- Skeletal Discrepancies: Issues involving the jaw's position or structure, such as severe jaw misalignment, often require orthodontic treatments beyond aligners. These may include orthognathic surgery combined with braces.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth are those that have not erupted properly and are stuck in the gum or bone. Treating impacted teeth often requires a combination of surgical intervention and traditional braces to guide the teeth into their correct position.
- Tooth Intrusion or Extrusion: These are complex movements where a tooth needs to be either driven into the gum line (intrusion) or pulled out (extrusion). Such movements can be challenging for Invisalign and might be more effectively managed with traditional braces.
It's important to note that advancements in orthodontic technology continue to expand the range of cases treatable with Invisalign. However, an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Schuster is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan for any severe case.
How often must I wear my aligners?
You will need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for optimal results. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Failing to wear the aligners for the recommended time can prolong the treatment and reduce its effectiveness.
How does Invisalign affect daily life, particularly eating habits and oral hygiene?
Invisalign aligners are removable, which means there are no dietary restrictions as with traditional braces. You can continue to enjoy your favorite foods simply by removing the aligners while eating. However, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after each meal before reinserting the aligners to prevent food particles from being trapped.
How do I clean my aligners?
You should clean your aligners regularly to prevent staining and buildup of bacteria. They can be cleaned using a soft toothbrush and water or special cleaning crystals provided by Invisalign. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic. It's also important to regularly brush and floss your teeth to maintain overall oral hygiene.
Can everyone use Invisalign, including children and teenagers?
Invisalign is suitable for both adults and teenagers. A specific line, Invisalign Teen, has been designed for teens, featuring compliance indicators to help monitor wear time. However, Invisalign might not be suitable for young children whose teeth are still growing and who would struggle to comply with wearing their aligners every day. Our dentist in Melissa, TX, can provide guidance on the best time to start treatment.
What happens after completing treatment?
Once you've come to the end of your Invisalign treatment you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your new tooth alignment. Teeth have a habit of trying to rebound back to their original positions, especially shortly after treatment, so we recommend every patient wear a retainer post-treatment. The type of retainer and the duration of use will depend on your individual case. You'll generally wear it full-time to begin with and progress to only using it at night once your teeth settle. At your routine check-ups with Dr. Schuster, we will ensure that your teeth are responding well after treatment and make any adjustments if we see they have shifted.
Get The Smile Of Your Dreams With Invisalign!
We hope this FAQ addresses some of your concerns or questions. If there's something we haven't covered or you've got something specific you'd like to know, please call our friendly Melissa dental office! We're here to help and would love to set you up with an orthodontic consult to set you on the path to a smile you can be proud to show off!
OUR HOURS
Week 1
Monday / 11:00am-7:00pm
Tuesday / 8:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday / 8:00am-4:00pm
Thursday / 7:00am-2:00pm
Friday / Closed
Week 2
Monday // Closed
Tuesday // 11:00am-7:00pm
Wednesday // 8:00am-4:00pm
Thursday // 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday // 7:00am-2:00pm
Our office is open 4 days a week. We alternate Mondays and Fridays off. In order to provide extended hours every week we are open late the first day of our week and early the last day of our work week.
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