Invisalign & Clear Aligners

Invisalign and other clear aligner systems have become one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth in recent years. Our patients love having an option of a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment. Besides the cosmetic appeal, there are several wonderful advantages to straightening the teeth with clear aligners.

Life with Invisalign

The process for straightening the teeth with aligners differs from traditional orthodontic treatment. The movement of the teeth is planned virtually from start to finish, and once our team approves, the aligner manufacturer creates a series of aligners using CAD/CAM technology.

Each aligner repositions the teeth by fractions of a millimeter. Patients wear aligners for a period of one to two weeks for safe, stable tooth movement. Over time, the tiny increments of movement add up to the full repositioning of the teeth. The aligners are removable by the patient, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It provides the advantages of making it easy to effectively clean the teeth and giving the patient the option to remove them for special occasions (i.e. weddings, photo shoots, speeches). The disadvantage in their removability is that the responsibility for proper tooth movement lies with the patient. Put simply, if you do not wear them for the prescribed time, you will not move the teeth.

Not every patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. We will assess your situation and inform you of your treatment options. Our goal is for every patient to achieve his or her smile goals while maintaining a healthy mouth.

Tips for Parents

Young people in need of aligners will likely feel nervous, excited, confused, or indifferent. Committing to orthodontic treatment can be overwhelming for many kids, that’s why it’s important for parents to be there for support and to help our kids adjust.

Encourage them to ask questions. Even the most outgoing patients can be shy once they get to our office. Be sure to discuss the treatment plan with your child so they feel comfortable and aware of what’s happening. And if there are any questions you don’t know the answer to, just call us!
Help ease their discomfort. Initially after aligners are put on and immediately after tightening, aligners can cause some pain or discomfort. We recommend having some over-the-counter pain relief medication ready before these appointments.
Encourage great hygiene habits. Poor oral hygiene while wearing aligners can delay treatment and cause serious harm to the health of your child’s mouth. It’s vital that kids brush and floss often, and with the proper technique.
Remind them of the benefits. Wearing aligners isn’t always easy, and for young people, an 18-month treatment plan can sometimes feel like forever. Remind your child that treatment is only temporary and their beautiful new smile is waiting at the finish line!

Brushing and Flossing Techniques

Maintaining proper brushing and flossing techniques when wearing aligners or clear aligners is crucial. Without effective oral hygiene, the foods you eat will get caught in your teeth or appliances and lead to plaque buildup that can cause staining, cavities, or gingivitis and decalcification. Also be sure to ask about our Orthodontic Hygiene Program to ensure you’re getting regular professional cleanings and feedback on your brushing and flossing technique.

To keep your oral health in good condition while wearing aligners, here are some at-home tips we recommend:

Brush and floss after every meal. Regular plaque removal is key to achieving a beautiful, healthy smile and obtaining optimal results at the end of your orthodontic treatment. When wearing aligners, it’s important to spend the time and diligence to properly clean your teeth.
Floss with the proper technique. Traditional dental floss can be difficult to use for our patients wearing aligners, but it’s crucial to remove the plaque that may be caught between your teeth or brackets. Consider a water flosser or floss threader to make flossing easier. Or try a specialized floss stick for aligners. We recommend the Platypus Orthodontic Flosser sold in stores or online.
Avoid snacking. If you must have a quick bite between meals, choose good-for-your-teeth options, like lean proteins, cheeses, and raw vegetables. Do not forget to brush and floss before putting your aligners back in!
Use a fluoridated toothpaste or mouth rinse to protect and strengthen your teeth.

More Orthodontic Services

Our team has delivered outstanding orthodontic care in North Austin for over 30 years. We are committed to providing our community with safe, gentle, high-quality orthodontic care.

Questions or Concerns?

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.

As a top orthodontist in North Austin, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.