Invisible Braces: How the Invisalign Process Works

If you asked a group of people what type of changes would improve their smile, chances are most would say whiter teeth or straighter teeth. Whiter teeth can be achieved with teeth whitening treatments and dental procedures like veneers. These treatments are relatively simple and cause minimal disruption to your lifestyle. To achieve a straighter smile, however, is a bit more complex. Braces are still the most effective way to straighten teeth, but their bulky metal brackets can seriously affect your self-image, especially for teens and adults. That might be an issue because the American Association of Orthodontists has found the demand for orthodontic treatment among adults is increasing every year. Luckily, we offer an alternative to metal braces—clear aligners such as Invisalign® can straighten your teeth without making it obvious to the world. Think of them as “invisible braces” that discreetly align your smile.

Why Choose Invisible Braces Over Traditional Ones?

While traditional braces are still a popular way to strengthen teeth, they have several drawbacks. First, the metalwork cemented to your teeth makes it very obvious to everyone that you’re an orthodontic patient. Additionally, those metal brackets can be sharp and may cause discomfort or bleeding. Braces also limit your diet by restricting certain foods, and the brackets and wires make it harder to brush and floss properly, which can affect your oral health.

Invisible braces like Invisalign don’t have any of those issues and are just as effective at aligning your smile. They come with several advantages over your old-fashioned braces:

1. Near-invisibility: As the name suggests, these invisible braces are hard to spot if you don’t know they’re there. No more worrying about how you look in pictures or social situations or feeling self-conscious every time you smile.
2. Enhanced comfort: Say goodbye to the discomfort of metal brackets. Invisalign trays are made of smooth medical-grade plastic and customized to fit your teeth.
3. Greater convenience: Got an event or a date? You can easily remove your aligners for a few hours. Want to eat your favorite food? Clear aligners have no restrictions since you take them out when you eat.

Understanding the Invisalign Process

Invisalign works differently than traditional braces, placing much more responsibility on the wearer.

1. Free consultation: Your journey begins with a free consultation. You’ll meet with Dr. Hall or Dr. McNeil, who will assess whether Invisalign is right for you. You’ll receive a thorough examination, and we can answer all your questions and concerns.
2. Custom trays: We take impressions and 3D X-rays of your teeth. We send this data to the Invisalign lab, which crafts a unique digital treatment plan, mapping out the movement of each tooth. They also create a custom set of trays that will take you through the entire alignment process.
3. Aligner instructions: Once your aligner trays are ready, we’ll show you how to use and care for them. You’ll need to wear your aligners for about 22 hours every day, removing them only for eating and cleaning. Failure to stick to this schedule may result in an altered treatment timeline or imperfect results.
4. Tray sequencing: Every 1-2 weeks, you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in your sequence. Each tray is designed to gradually shift your teeth into their desired position. The new trays may cause initial discomfort as your teeth adjust to the different alignment.

Unlike braces, which are more of a “set it and forget it” system, Invisalign will require you to precisely follow the instructions and tray sequencing to ensure optimal results.

Financial Concerns Addressed

We know that budgeting for braces—invisible or not—is challenging. Here’s where our experienced staff steps in. We’ll review your insurance plan to ensure you get the most from your coverage. We also work with multiple financing companies to help make your Invisalign treatment more manageable with affordable monthly payment options.

Make an Appointment for Invisible Braces Today!

At our Austin, TX practice, Dr. Hall, Dr. McNeil, and the Aspire Dental team have transformed countless smiles using Invisalign. We’re committed to exceptional care and can guide you at every step of the process. If you’re curious about Invisalign or have questions about invisible braces, schedule a free consultation with us. Let’s explore the possibilities together and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always dreamed of!