Invisalign®

How does the Invisalign® process work?

To begin, we will take photographs of your teeth and face, digital dental impressions of your teeth with our iTero Digital Scanner, and digital x-rays. Those records are sent to Invisalign® with detailed instructions on how we want the final result to appear. Invisalign® will take our 3D model of the teeth and work with your dentist to make sure we move the teeth into the right positions to make your bite stable and straight. Once we finalize the plan, the trays are made and mailed to our office. You will wear a set of trays for one to two weeks at a time. Your treatment time will depend on how much we have to move your teeth but typically ranges between 6 and 18 months. It can be different and your dentist will give you a more accurate estimate after examining your case.

Invisalign® vs. braces—what's the difference?

There are many differences between Invisalign® and braces, we’ve listed some of the largest ones here. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but the introduction of Invisalign® to the market introduced a more efficient, less painful way to straighten teeth.

• Materials. Invisalign® uses clear transparent aligners, while braces use wires and brackets.
• Removability. Invisalign® aligners can be removed by the user at any time, while braces can only be removed by a professional.
• Food Restrictions. Invisalign® allows a user to eat whatever they would like and not make changes to their oral care practices, while braces restrict what the user can safely eat and require special maintenance and care.
• Injury Risks. Invisalign® aligners do not present any injury risks, while braces can lead to cuts and other injuries.
• Visibility. Invisalign® aligners are nearly impossible for others to notice, while braces are almost impossible to miss.

How much does Invisalign® cost?

According to the Invisalign® website, the cost for this treatment is similar to the cost for metal braces. Costs can vary, depending on:

1. Insurance coverage. Most insurance plans cover Invisalign® the same way they cover metal braces. It is rare that insurance will cover Invisalign for purely cosmetic reasons, but each case is different.
2. Length / complexity of treatment. With Invisalign®, you get new clear aligners every couple of weeks, so the cost varies, depending on if your treatment requires more (or fewer) aligners.

TexSmiles strives to offer an affordable Invisalgin® treatment in the greater Houston, TX area. If you have any financial questions, please visit our Financial page to learn more about our payment options and accepted insurance providers.

Who can use Invisalign®?

Most teens and adult patients requiring mild to moderate orthodontic corrections can use Invisalign®. This includes patients with teeth that are crooked and misaligned or teeth that feature noticeable spacing problems. Invisalign® can even help patients with minor bite issues—however, not all orthodontic issues can be treated with Invisalign®. More extensive problems will require additional treatment.