Crooked or crowded teeth can be difficult to clean, cause excessive wear and tear on your teeth, and detract from your smile. Dr. Hung T. Chau has corrected countless smiles with the virtually invisible Invisalign® orthodontic system. At Sunshine Dental, a state-of-the-art practice in Houston, Texas, Dr. Hung offers the ground-breaking, pain-free Invisalign system for both adults and teens. Call or schedule your appointment online today.
Braces Q & A
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an invisible, custom-made aligner for your teeth. When you wear Invisalign, your teeth slowly move to correct the misalignment of your teeth. This treatment is an alternative to metal braces which are bulky, restrictive, and uncomfortable. With Invisalign, a new aligner is used every 1-2 weeks.
Am I an ideal candidate for Invisalign?
Dr. Chau meets with you to assess your teeth and discuss whether Invisalign is an effective treatment option for you. Invisalign is suggested if:
- You have gapped teeth
- You have an overbite or underbite
- Your teeth are overcrowded
- You have crossbites
See Dr. Chau for a consultation about Invisalign if your teeth have any of the above complications.
Why should I choose Invisalign?
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is customized to fit your needs. They are easy to remove from your mouth, and you won’t have to conform to dietary restrictions as you might with braces. Since the removable process is simple, it’s much easier to keep the aligner clean than other treatment options.
Invisalign is invisible, making it an ideal option if you seek a discreet treatment plan. With Invisalign, you need only make an appointment every 2-3 months to check the progress you’ve made or pick up your updated aligners. Most people who use this treatment don’t experience pain, unlike individuals who have metal braces. In fact, people with Invisalign tend to forget they’re wearing them.
What is the Invisalign procedure?
Dr. Chau takes X-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth to create a 3D image. This 3D image is necessary to construct a customized treatment plan, which involves understanding the movements of your teeth. The aligner is made of comfortable plastic designed not to irritate your gums, cheek, or teeth. Dr. Chau recommends wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day and always to remove them when you eat, brush your teeth, or floss.
How long does the treatment last?
The treatment timeline varies, depending on the severity of your crooked or crowded teeth. The average treatment lasts approximately one year for adults. Treatment for teenagers lasts as long as traditional braces.