Invisalign®

Invisalign® provides a discreet, effective treatment for tooth and jaw misalignments. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with four offices in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, the team of general and family dentists offer Invisalign treatment to adolescents, teenagers, and adults. Whether you have crooked teeth or an abnormal bite, Invisalign provides lasting results. Call the nearest Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces office to schedule Invisalign treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

How is Invisalign different from braces?

Invisalign and braces both correct misaligned teeth and jaws, but they use different approaches:

Invisalign

Invisalign straightens your teeth or jaw with removable plastic aligners. You wear the aligners 20-22 hours daily, only removing them to eat and brush and floss. The aligners place mild pressure on your teeth and jaw, moving them into the optimal position.

Braces

Braces straighten your teeth and jaw, but they’re bonded to the front of your teeth. Braces have arch wires, metal brackets, and o-rings (small rubber bands). They’re more noticeable than Invisalign and harder to clean.

What types of alignment problems does Invisalign treat?

The Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces team uses Invisalign to treat various alignment problems, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowding
• Overlapping teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Some people get Invisalign to address bite abnormalities, including crossbite, overbite, and underbite.

Can I undergo Invisalign treatment if I have cavities or gum disease?

Your teeth and gums need to be healthy to begin Invisalign treatment. If you have cavities or gum disease, your dentist treats those problems first. After your mouth heals and there are no more signs of infection, you can begin Invisalign treatment. 

What does Invisalign treatment involve?

At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, Invisalign treatment begins with an oral exam and oral X-rays. You qualify for treatment if you have good oral health and have an alignment problem that can benefit from orthodontics.

Your provider takes intraoral scans of your mouth and sends them to an Invisalign lab. Technicians at the lab use your scans to manufacture a series of custom orthodontic aligners.

You visit Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces every three or four weeks during Invisalign treatment. Your provider monitors your progress at each checkup and provides you with new sets of removable aligners. Each aligner set places slightly different pressure on your teeth and jaws, improving their position.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The time that Invisalign treatment takes depends on the alignment problems addressed and their severity. Most people complete treatment in 12-18 months, but it may take longer if you have a bite abnormality. 

Follow your provider’s instructions and wear your aligners as prescribed. Only remove them when eating and completing your oral hygiene routine. 

Call the nearest Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces office to schedule an Invisalign consultation, or book your visit online today. 

*Results may vary.