Invisalign® for Adults

Adults want straight teeth too! At Victoria Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we understand that the thought of wearing a mouth full of metal braces makes many grown folks feel self-conscious. In fact, some of the people who would benefit the most from orthodontics will deny treatment simply because of the way it looks.

If you feel similar, then you’ll be glad to hear that you have other options to choose from! Undergoing an orthodontic treatment no longer means that you have to be seen with metal wires and brackets bonded to your teeth. Our orthodontist in Victoria, TX is proud to offer Invisalign for adult patients of all ages.

What is Invisalign?

With Invisalign, your orthodontic treatment doesn’t interrupt your life. This system uses a series of removable aligners that fit over your teeth to straighten them. The computer-generated, custom fit trays are clear, so they’re practically invisible when worn. With Invisalign, you can still enjoy a social and professional life. You can even take them out to eat, drink, and brush or floss like normal - making them extremely convenient.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Translucent Invisalign aligners come in pairs. When it’s time to start your treatment, Invisalign sends us all the aligners that you’ll need. Each set is slightly different from the next - reflecting the journey your teeth will make. The trays are rigid on the inside (but smooth on the outside) and fit snugly over your teeth. This, along with the use of “buttons” that are attached to the front of key teeth, are what makes them move.

The “buttons” are simply a tooth-colored composite material that is bonded to some of your teeth. You’ll feel them with your tongue, but you’ll get used to them quickly and most other people won’t even notice them when you talk. Once your treatment is completed, our orthodontist in Victoria, TX will remove them. This is a safe process and doesn’t damage your teeth in any way.

How Long Does the Invisalign Process Take?

When you come in for your consultation, we gather all the records we need. Our orthodontist will then work closely with the specialists at Invisalign to determine the best treatment plan for you. Every case is different, but Invisalign tends to work faster than traditional metal braces. Most cases take between 6 and 18 months to complete. Each pair of aligners is worn for one to two weeks at a time.

What to Expect at Your Invisalign Consultation

When you come in for your first visit, we’ll need to gather some information to see if you’re eligible for Invisalign and to help design your treatment plan.

We use a state of the art intra-oral scanner that produces a 3-D image of your teeth and gums. We’ll also take some x-rays and digital photos of your face, smile, and teeth. A few days later, once our orthodontist in Victoria, TX has communicated with Invisalign on the best treatment path for you - we’ll be able to show you a simulation of what your expected results will look like. We’ll also have a better idea of how long the process will take.

Once you decide to move forward with treatment, we’ll request for the aligners to be made. They’ll be delivered a batch at a time. This initial placement and try-in appointment will be a bit longer than all future visits because it’s when we’ll place the “buttons” on your teeth. But don’t worry, the process is easy and pain-free. The selected teeth will be prepped and then the tooth-colored composite material will be bonded on.

Some cases require interproximal reduction (IPR) which is another simple and pain free process. This procedure means that we need to slightly open up the spaces between some of your teeth to allow more room for them to move into their proper position. This is common in patients with crowded teeth. IPR is done with a type of fine grit sanding strip.

After all of the preparation work is done, you’ll be sent home with several sets of trays to begin your treatment.

Living With Invisalign

You’ll wear the first pair of aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day, for 2 weeks. Only take them out to eat, drink, or brush and floss. The first few days of a new pair of trays may cause some soreness due to the pressure. If needed, you can take some ibuprofen on ease any discomfort.

You’ll return to our office periodically for brief checkups. Our orthodontist in Victoria, TX will ensure that everything is tracking as it should. If it’s not, we may ask you to wear a pair of aligners longer than the standard time. Or we may need to change your treatment plan altogether. In most cases though, these visits are primarily for us to check everything and give you the next sets of aligners to take home.

Rarely do we see someone that needs to come to the office between their scheduled checkups. When we do, it’s usually because of something like having one of the bonded buttons have come off. Since they are just a temporary measure it is possible they fall off, but since they’re important for guiding your teeth where they need to be - you’ll want to ensure you get it repaired in a timely manner. So be sure to give us a call right away if this happens.

As far as eating goes, Invisalign doesn’t have any of the restrictions like regular metal braces do. You can enjoy some of your favorites like sticky candy, bubblegum, popcorn, and corn on the cob. Since you have to remove the aligners to eat, you’re welcome to partake in anything your heart desires. Just remember to brush your teeth after you’re done and before putting the aligners back in.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

If you’re interested in learning more about straightening your teeth with Invisalign, then call today for a consultation. Our experienced Victoria, TX orthodontist offers treatment for all ages.