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In the not-so-distant past, metal braces were the only option for straightening teeth. While effective, they’re anything but invisible. If you’re looking for a way to straighten your teeth discreetly, you might consider Invisalign® clear aligners. With Invisalign clear aligners, you can achieve the smile you've always wanted without anyone knowing.
Read on as our team of providers explains how clear aligners at Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces in San Antonio, Helotes, and Shavano Park, Texas, can help you achieve your orthodontic goals.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible as well as removable.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose Invisalign to straighten your teeth:
Consultation
The Invisalign process begins with a consultation with your Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces provider who will assess your smile, review your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
In terms of treatment goals, Invisalign can correct a variety of issues, including:
- Crowding
- Gaps
- Crookedness
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
In many cases, you might find that Invisalign corrects multiple issues at once, such as closing gaps on your upper teeth and correcting crowding on your bottom row.
Scanning and planning
If you decide to commit to the Invisalign process, your next step is advanced 3D imaging. Our team uses the iTero intraoral scanner — no messy impressions needed! — to capture images of your mouth. Your Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces provider then uses these images to create a series of custom aligners.
Your entire treatment is planned from your first tray to your last one! With Invisalign's advanced technology, you can visualize your treatment plan and expected results before you even begin. This allows for greater predictability.
Wear your trays
Once your custom BPA-free trays are made, you’ll wear each set for about two weeks (or as directed). As you go through each set of trays, each new tray gently shifts your teeth closer and closer to their ideal location.
Maintain your smile
Once you’ve completed your treatment, you can maintain your results with a retainer. Your Invisalign Vivera™ retainer is just as discreet as your Invisalign trays — no bulky metal retainer is needed!
Why Invisalign is so discreet
Your trays are the secret to discreetly straightening your teeth. While traditional braces use metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses clear aligners. Your aligners are made from a patented SmartTrack material — which contains medical-grade thermoplastic polymers — that are custom-trimmed to fit perfectly along your gums. Not only is the material smooth and clear, but it’s also comfortable.
Once your trays are in place, no one will notice you’re wearing them.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which allows you to eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions. You need to wear your trays for anywhere from 20-22 hours each day, but if you have a major presentation at work, you could remove your trays for your presentation.
Benefits of discreet orthodontic treatment
While any orthodontic treatment can move your teeth, there are additional benefits to choosing the more discreet option.
Discreet treatment with Invisalign can:
- Boost your confidence so you can feel more at ease in social and professional situations
- Maintain your natural smile without metal braces
- Experience minimal irritation with smooth aligners (compared to metal brackets)
- Remove aligners for special occasions like weddings
If you’re ready to straighten your teeth, give us a call at 210-572-2394 to see how Invisalign clear aligners can benefit you. You can also request a consultation by clicking here.