Invisalign Orthodontic Treatments in Houston

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If the thought of wearing braces is holding you back from the smile you have always dreamed of, Invisalign treatment from Medical Center Dental in Houston is perfect for you! Invisalign straightens your teeth, without using ugly metal brackets and wires, but with a series of clear, custom fitting, removable devices called aligners. Once the treatment is complete, you’ll be smiling like you never thought possible! We offer this service on selected cases.

What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. The Medical Center Dental Group will use 3-D computer technology to create your customized aligners that fit around your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move, gradually, each week, until they move into the final alignment as prescribed. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn is between 18 and 30, but varies case by case. Once the treatment is finished you’ll be smiling with confidence!

Why would I want Invisalign instead of metal braces?

The most evident reason is they are invisible! So no one can tell that you are straightening your teeth and you can smile more during treatment as well as after. These aligners are also removable so you can eat and drink what you want and brushing and flossing are no problem. Invisalign is much more comfortable than braces because there is no metal which can cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

What do the aligners look like?

The aligners are made of a clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. They look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom made for a better fit to move teeth.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost

When a patient decides to invest in their teeth, they may consider what the Invisalign cost would be for them. For patients that have the choice between this product and traditional braces, figuring out what the expense and advantages are to choosing this cutting-edge method of dental care is important.

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The Invisalign cost will vary depending on the severity of the patient’s case, the length in which they will need the product and where they live. The average expense is around $5,000, but for patients that have good oral health and minimal defects, the price can be as low as $2,000. For patients that have multiple issues and need extended care, it can be as high as $8,000.

Most insurance companies cover the cost of this orthodontic care, but that coverage can vary. This dental product is also eligible for Flexible Spending Account deduction, or FSA, which is an option if the patient’s employer offers it.

What Does It Take To Get Started?

Invisalign is extremely easy to get started with and will start showing results within just a few weeks of being fitted for your first clear plastic aligners. A consultation with Medical Center Dental Group will determine whether or not Invisalign is a suitable solution for you and your smile. Once you have been fitted for your first set of aligners, it’s as easy as putting them in and wearing them consistently.

Is After Treatment Required for Invisalign?

After you have completed the full course of your Invisalign treatment, there may be some ongoing care needed to keep your teeth from returning to their original positions. Depending on the outcome of your personalized treatment, a retainer may be required for ongoing wear to maintain your corrected smile, as is the case with traditional braces.

Every patient is different and outcomes vary so you will need to discuss this with  the Houston, TX Medical Center Dental Group office upon completion of treatment. However, some patients may need a positioner or conventional retainer and others may need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes.

Invisalign for Teens!

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Parents whose children are in need of orthodontic work have all heard statements like these, when it comes to traditional metal braces: “But, mom! They’ll look funny! The other kids will call me ‘brace face!’ They’ll hurt!”

Fortunately, orthodontic technology has evolved and many of these concerns can be eliminated by using the Invisalign system, which is recommended by Ingenious Dentistry for teens. Dr. Dale Brant says, “Most teens prefer Invisalign to traditional braces because it is difficult for another person to see that you are wearing the Invisalign aligners. This can be a big issue when you are in middle school and high school.”

Invisalign can also work well for some older children. Dr. Brant notes, “Invisalign works best for older kids, since they are more responsible and tend not to lose things as much as a young child. But, it depends on each individual, as some young children are much more responsible than their sibling who is five years older.”

Advantages of Invisalign

The Invisalign aligners can be easily removed at mealtime and for the twice daily ritual of brushing the teeth. This means there are no dietary restrictions and your child will have an easier time keeping their teeth and gums healthy.

Cleaning their teeth with Invisalign is much easier than with metal braces, which – once removed – often show a decalcification on the teeth because the enamel has been damaged due to poor cleaning habits. This is something that does not usually occur with Invisalign.

Once the teeth are moved to where they need to be with Invisalign, the child will generally still need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth properly aligned. Having spent the last year or so doing this daily with the Invisalign trays, wearing the retainer will be something they are familiar with and a habit they can readily keep.

Unless your child makes a point of telling everyone, few people will notice that they are wearing the invisible braces. The clear plastic aligners are designed to fit seamlessly over the teeth. The result is that they are difficult to see, even from just a few feet away.

One of the greatest advantages of the Invisalign system is that there is less pain than that associated with traditional braces, and that’s good news for every parent’s ears! There is no pain from metal wires and brackets scraping against the cheek, tongue, or gums. Moreover, the movement of the teeth with Invisalign is gentle and consistent. 

With Freedom Comes Responsibility

The Invisalign system isn’t generally meant to be used with younger children. Because the aligners are easy to remove for eating and brushing the teeth, they are also easy to lose. This means that parents will need to carefully monitor their children so that the trays stay on the teeth, and not in the backpack, left on the nightstand, etc.

Choosing Invisalign for kids also requires taking into account their age and mouth development. It is recommended for children who have a full-set of permanent teeth. It is not usually recommended for younger children as their mouths are still growing and developing.

Dr. Brant says, “Invisalign braces are great for straightening the teeth of teenagers and older children. Teens, especially, love them as they can improve their smile without wearing uncomfortable and unsightly metal braces. Invisalign gives us another tool to straighten teeth, it has been a game changer in orthodontic treatment.”

Contact Medical Center Dental Group Today

If you are interested in learning more about professional Invisalign treatments and prices at Ingenious Dentistry, contact us today at (713) 795-5905 or our convenient contact form. We look forward to serving you!

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