How to Know if Invisalign is Right For You

02.01.22
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Straighten Your Teeth with Invisalign® in San Antonio

If you want to straighten your teeth without braces, we’ve got good news. Westover Hills Family Dental offers consultations for Invisalign in our San Antonio office.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign in San Antonio

Invisalign is a popular option for those who don’t like the look of traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses custom-made aligners that straighten and shift teeth into place.

For patients who want to enjoy the many benefits of straighter teeth without having to wear uncomfortable metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is an ideal alternative to traditional braces. The process involves the use of a series of clear trays that are worn for a few weeks at a time. Over time, these trays gently and effectively move the teeth until they are perfectly aligned.

Once you meet with your dentist for a consultation, you will receive a series of custom-fitted aligners. Each aligner will shift your teeth every two weeks. Once you have used one aligner, you can discard it. With the help of Invisalign, your teeth will slowly change day by day.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign treats a wide variety of dental problems but generally can’t fix large overbites and extensive jaw damage. Instead, Invisalign treats mild dental issues, including the following:

  • Crowded and gapped teeth
  • Misaligned bite (overbite, underbite, and crossbite)

We recommend Invisalign for anyone over the age of 15. Many teenagers worry about wearing braces, but Invisalign offers a great alternative fix. Since Invisalign requires constant wear 24 hours a day, children shouldn’t use Invisalign until they are old enough to understand the process and keep the aligners in for long periods of time.

Remember, Invisalign only works if you wear the aligners every single day and night.

No One Needs to Know

One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is that no one even needs to know that you are wearing them. The aligners used are made out of clear plastic that visibly disappears once positioned on the teeth. Teenagers that are worried about braces distracting from their appearance can smile without fear the entire time their teeth are being pulled into alignment.

Braces Can Limit Certain Foods

Braces can also limit the types of foods that can be eaten. Things like sticky candy or popcorn are completely off limits when you are wearing braces. Invisalign allows for the freedom to eat anything you like because they are completely removable. While the aligners are off, you can also brush and floss your teeth without braces getting in the way.

Invisalign Offers Flexibility

Finally, many teenagers love the flexibility that Invisalign offers. Braces can sometimes interfere with sports or playing a musical instrument. No such worries with Invisalign! They can often be worn while participating in almost any activity or they can be quickly removed if necessary.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Choosing between Invisalign treatment and braces can be a difficult and complex decision. Each treatment type has specific pro and cons. Traditional braces are most effective at treating very crooked teeth and tend to be less expensive. On the other hand, Invisalign can help to straighten teeth quickly while helping patients avoid feeling self-conscious about wearing visible metal brackets or wires. Making a decision in the debate between Invisalign vs. braces is best made in consultation with your orthodontist and by carefully evaluating your priorities and budget.

Invisalign Cost

Enjoying the convenience and appearance of Invisalign can be surprisingly affordable. The total Invisalign cost of treatment varies widely by patient depending upon the difficulty of the case and how long the treatment will last. To increase the affordability of Invisalign treatment, many patients are able to take advantage of orthodontic coverage in dental insurance plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and convenient payment plans.

Invisalign Before and After

The results achieved by Invisalign treatment can be dramatic. Invisalign before and after photos show a marked improvement in the appearance of crooked teeth and demonstrate the effectiveness of Invisalign in creating healthier, more beautiful smiles.