If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, now is a great time. Fusion Dental & Braces in Waco is a certified Invisalign provider, offering clear aligners to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign is a top choice for many because it’s clear, easy to use, and comfortable. At our Bellmead dental office, we proudly offer Invisalign as one of our orthodontic treatment options.
Why Choose Invisalign?
- Faster Treatment: Invisalign uses weekly aligner changes to speed up your treatment. For some adults, we may suggest longer wear times depending on how well the teeth respond.
- Proven Results: Made with SmartTrack® material and SmartForce® features, Invisalign aligners are known to improve control of tooth movement, ensuring effective results.
- Better Fit: The SmartTrack material is not only comfortable but also fits snugly, making the aligners easy to wear and remove.
- Effective for Many Issues: Invisalign works for a variety of alignment needs, such as crossbites, crowding, open bites, gaps, overbites, and underbites.
- Nearly Invisible: Since the aligners are clear, most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
- Comfortable and Removable: Unlike braces, the smooth aligners are easy on your mouth. You can take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Convenient: With Invisalign, you only need to visit us every six weeks, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
How Invisalign Treatment Works
- Your First Consultation: During your first visit, we’ll discuss your orthodontic needs and see if Invisalign is the right choice for you.
- Creating Your Custom Plan: We use a digital scanner, like the iTero® system, to make a precise 3D image of your teeth. This scan helps us plan the exact movements needed and gives you a preview of your future smile.
- Getting Your Aligners: Your aligners will be custom-made from SmartTrack® material, so they’ll fit comfortably and remain nearly invisible. For best results, wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only for meals, brushing, and flossing.
- Tracking Your Progress: Each week, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners, gradually moving your teeth into place. We’ll see you every six weeks to check your progress and make sure everything is on track.
- Completing Your Treatment: When you finish your aligners, we’ll provide a Vivera® retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Why Retainers Matter
After treatment, a retainer is essential to keep your teeth from shifting back. Our natural tissues tend to pull teeth back to their original spots, but a retainer will help hold them in place. Wearing a retainer full-time at first, and then only at night, will keep your teeth straight over time. The length of time you’ll need to wear a retainer varies, but it’s generally several months to a few years, depending on your health.
Using a retainer helps protect your investment in your smile and supports long-term oral health too. If you’re ready to explore Invisalign or have questions about retainers, reach out to Fusion Dental & Braces today.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is a popular way to achieve a straight, healthy smile without metal braces. While many people may not know it’s an option, Invisalign is becoming a top choice in orthodontics. Here are some of the most common questions about Invisalign and what you can expect.
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
You might be a good candidate for Invisalign if you have mild to moderate alignment issues, are willing to wear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, and have healthy teeth and gums. Invisalign works best for adults and older teens. However, if you have severe alignment needs, traditional braces may be more effective. We can assess your teeth to see if Invisalign is right for you.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Most people complete Invisalign treatment in 12 to 18 months, but the timeline can vary. Simple cases may only take 3 to 6 months, while more complex ones could take up to two years. Staying on track by wearing your aligners as recommended will keep treatment within this range.
Is Invisalign Painful?
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional braces, though you may feel some pressure or mild soreness for a few days when starting a new set of aligners. This feeling usually fades in 1 to 3 days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. As you adjust to Invisalign, any discomfort should become minimal.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Insurance coverage for Invisalign varies. Many dental insurance plans cover it similarly to braces, covering about 25 to 50% of the cost. Your coverage may depend on whether the treatment is medically necessary or cosmetic. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your plan.
How Often Will I Need to Visit the Dentist During Invisalign Treatment?
For most patients, Invisalign check-ups are scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks. These visits allow your dentist to check your progress, make any needed adjustments, and provide your next set of aligners. Some patients may need more or fewer visits, depending on how their treatment is going.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
To keep your aligners clean and clear, follow these steps:
- Rinse them daily with lukewarm water.
- Use a soft toothbrush and clear, mild soap to brush them gently.
- Occasionally soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide.
- Avoid hot water, colored soaps, and harsh chemicals, as these can damage the aligners.
What Happens if I Don’t Wear My Aligners Enough?
For Invisalign to work, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. If you don’t, your teeth may start to shift back, and your aligners may not fit as they should. This can lead to delays and may require you to go back to an earlier set of aligners or get new ones, which can extend your treatment time.
If you’re curious about Invisalign, schedule an appointment with us! We provide orthodontic treatments in Bellmead, Waco, Harker Heights, and Killeen, TX. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile that’s built to last!