Welcome to San Antonio Smiles Dental & Orthodontics! We are a dental practice dedicated to providing exceptional oral care and helping you achieve a beautiful smile. We understand the importance of having straight teeth and how it can positively impact your confidence and overall dental health. That's why we offer a revolutionary treatment known as Invisalign in San Antonio, a modern approach to straightening teeth effectively and discreetly. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule a consultation, give us a call!
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Instead of using metal brackets and wires to straighten the teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. On average, patients wear each set for about two weeks before moving to the next one. Over time, your teeth will slowly shift to their new locations. You don’t need to get anything lightened during the treatment process, but you will still need to see us for regular visits so we can make sure that everything is moving as planned.
If you are considering Invisalign, we have good news: the clear aligners can help to correct a variety of issues, including underbites and crossbites. If you are interested in learning more about the orthodontic problems that this innovative treatment can fix, then read on or give us a call to schedule a consultation!
To put it simply, crowded teeth can negatively impact the appearance, function, and health of your smile. That’s why we recommend exploring your treatment options sooner rather than later! If we decide together that Invisalign is the best solution, then we will create a custom series of clear aligners to guide your teeth into proper alignment. Not only will this give you an even more beautiful smile, but it will also help prevent cavities and gum disease in the future.
In addition to taking a toll on your self-esteem, gaps in your smile can increase your probability of developing oral health issues and tooth damage. The reason for this is simple: food becomes more easily trapped and difficult to remove. Fortunately, Invisalign can help patients with mild to moderate spacing issues. So, if you’re a candidate for clear aligners, we can shift your teeth to become the perfect distance apart.
Now you know that Invisalign can address overcrowding and spacing issues, but can Invisalign fix overbites? The answer is often “yes!” So, if your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones significantly, you may not need to wear metal brackets and wires. With clear aligners, we can gently align your bite. For many patients, it only takes between 12 and 18 months, too!
If your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones, then you already know how difficult it can be to smile with confidence and enunciate clearly. What you may not know, however, is that Invisalign can correct mild to moderate cases with the help of rubber bands and other orthodontic accessories. So, if you thought that metal braces were your only option, think again!
Even mild cases of crossbites can lead to premature wear and chronic jaw pain, which is why we encourage our patients to explore their treatment options, like Invisalign. If we determine that you’re a good candidate, then we can bring your bite into alignment with clear, comfortable aligners instead of noticeable, metal brackets (often in a shorter amount of time, too!).
Patients with open bites can experience a range of issues, including temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), and premature wear and tear. The silver lining is that traditional braces aren’t the only solution. Invisalign clear aligners can also correct mild to moderate cases, allowing patients to achieve the same incredible results without the metal.
Since Invisalign aligners are clear, comfortable, and convenient, you might be wondering what – if anything – needs to change about your day-to-day routine. Fortunately, you don’t need to make any drastic changes. You do, however, need to make a few slight adjustments to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan. More specifically, we recommend:
In short, you need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day, every day. If you don’t, then your risk of falling off-track with your treatment plan skyrockets. If you’re not quite sure how close or far you are from the mark, use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide. Once you find a routine that works for you, meeting the daily wear time goal will become second nature.
Don’t worry – you don’t need any expensive products to keep your aligners clean and clear. Simply rinse them with clean, cool water each time you take them out, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to clean them before putting them back on. You can also dissolve the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit with some warm water to give them a deeper clean.
When it comes to eating and drinking with Invisalign, there’s basically one rule: you need to take your aligners off first (unless you’re drinking water). In addition to preventing stubborn stains from developing, doing so will reduce the chances of them breaking. Just make sure you always put your aligners somewhere safe, like a small, clean container, instead of a napkin.
If you lose or break one of your aligners, do your best not to panic. It’s also important that you don’t try to take matters into your own hands – whether that’s using superglue to try and repair them or moving on to the next set of aligners without consulting us. Instead, give us a call so we can see where you are in the teeth-straightening process and determine the best way to get you back on-track.
Another crucial component of life with Invisalign is the check-in visits. These allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth to ensure you’re on-track with your treatment plan. Usually, these appointments are every 6-8 weeks and last for 15-20 minutes. Of course, if we need to make adjustments to your treatment plan because you’ve fallen off-track, then your visit may be a little longer.
Everyone’s smile is entirely unique, so the cost of Invisalign can vary on multiple factors. This includes the complexity of your misalignment, age, and how often you wear your aligners. To determine exactly how much you can expect your treatment to cost, schedule a consultation with us. This way, we can examine your smile and discuss your financial options so we can put together a plan that best meets your needs.
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies depending on individual cases. On average, treatment can range from 6 to 18 months. Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan that outlines the estimated timeline for your specific needs.
Yes, you can switch to Invisalign even if you have had braces in the past. Invisalign can help address any minor tooth movement or alignment issues that may have occurred since your previous orthodontic treatment. It is best to consult with your dentist or orthodontist to determine the most suitable option for your specific case.
No, there are no age restrictions for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is suitable for both teenagers and adults who wish to achieve a straighter smile. Whether you're a teenager looking for a discreet alternative to traditional braces or an adult seeking orthodontic correction, Invisalign can be an excellent option.
At San Antonio Smiles Dental & Orthodontics, we offer unique benefits, prioritize patient needs and comfort, and strive to exceed expectations every chance we get.