Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry
Invisalign - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

Invisalign

How does Invisalign work? - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign straightens your teeth by means of a series of clear, custom aligners or trays. The course of treatment involves changing out the aligners every 7 to 14 days, depending on your treatment plan. Small attachments, made of tooth colored filling material, are placed onto some of the teeth as anchors for the aligners. Unlike braces, these Invisalign can be removed while you eat, brush, and floss your teeth. Your dentist will check on your progress throughout the sequence of aligners to make sure your teeth are moving as predicted. The aligners are worn for approximately 22 hours per day for most effective action!
What are the benefits of straighter teeth? - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

What are the benefits of straighter teeth?

Straighter teeth offer more than a cosmetic benefit! Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, so you can better maintain your teeth and avoid gum disease and cavities. Straight teeth that are in a more ideal position often also improve your chewing function- leading to a better diet. Many patients benefit from idealizing the position of their teeth because it reduces clenching and grinding habits, which can lead to sensitivity, abfraction lesions (notches in the tooth by the gumline), and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Early orthodontic intervention can also lead to a more open airway and thus improving overall quality of life in the long run.
I had braces many years ago, but my teeth moved. Can I try Invisalign, or is it too late? - Garden Ridge Center For Dentistry

I had braces many years ago, but my teeth moved. Can I try Invisalign, or is it too late?

This is a common question we hear from patients, and the answer is YES! You are absolutely a candidate for Invisalign if you had braces or orthodontic therapy in the past. Teeth are dynamic, and they will try to relapse, or move back into their original position if retainers are not worn routinely. We treat patients of all ages! Many of our patients had braces as a teenager, but lost their retainer over the years, and later notice shifting and crowding occurring- often in the lower front teeth. Invisalign is effective at re-establishing your ideal bite and tooth position. At the end of your treatment, a series of retainers are made, so you can keep everything in position. Retainers are worn at night time to prevent relapse.

Let us know if you are interested in improving your smile with the latest in orthodontic clear aligner technology!

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign

Yes. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are smooth, reducing irritation to cheeks and gums while allowing you to eat, speak, and brush normally.

Some patients experience a brief adjustment period, but Invisalign aligners are designed to be discreet and minimally affect speech. Most people adapt within a few days.

Yes. Invisalign can address a variety of alignment issues, including crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Our team at Garden Ridge Center for Dentistry will determine if Invisalign is the right solution for your smile.

Invisalign aligners should be rinsed daily and brushed gently with a soft toothbrush. Some patients use special cleaning products recommended to maintain clarity and hygiene.