Dental Malocclusion

Dental malocclusion, or teeth not fitting together in proper alignment, is one of the most common dental problems. Some of the most common signs of malocclusion that we see in our office are teeth crowding and overlapping, excessive spacing between teeth and occlusion or “bite” that is traumatic to the teeth, causing tooth wear and chipping. Misaligned teeth can cause a variety of issues, including difficulty chewing or speaking, uneven bite resulting in jaw joint pain, tooth wear, decay and gum disease.

At Katy Trail Dental, our dentists are certified Invisalign® clear aligner providers, trained to identify forms of dental malocclusion and align teeth into a healthier, more aesthetic position using Invisalign clear aligners. We love helping our patients see how their smiles can be transformed through Invisalign treatment!

The Invisalign System

What is the Invisalign system? Invisalign therapy uses clear aligner technology to effectively move teeth into their proper alignment. This is a great alternative to wire and bracket braces as they can be removed for easier cleaning of the teeth and are more discreet as they are clear. As part of your Invisalign treatment package, you will receive a series of aligners, opportunities for refinements after the initial treatment course, Vivera retainers to ensure retention of your results after Invisalign treatment, as well as a whitening kit for at-home whitening when you complete treatment.

Can I get Invisalign treatment as an adult? Yes! In fact, we highly recommend it in many cases; when our teeth are crowded, they are more difficult to clean, which can contribute to gum inflammation and disease. We aim to optimize your bite while aligning your teeth, making it more even and preventing traumatic forces on your teeth. Invisalign  therapy can also play a great role in smile transformations, ensuring the proper positioning of teeth prior to veneers, crowns or dental implants. The impact of a well-aligned, healthy smile goes beyond the physical, as we also see our patients’ confidence improve as a result of feeling more comfortable in their smiles.

What to expect when choosing Invisalign treatment:

1. One of our experienced clinicians will take a scan of your teeth using our 3D intraoral scanner. This takes less than 10 minutes, is easy, painless and a great patient learning tool as it allows you and your dentist to view your teeth in a 3D model.
2. Your dentist will review your scan, perform a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation clinically, ask you about your primary concerns with your smile, and discuss how Invisalign treatment can help address those concerns and achieve a healthier smile.
3. Your scans will be sent to Invisalign providers. From there, your dentist will carefully plan your treatment using Invisalign software with your primary goals at the forefront.
4. At your Invisalign start visit, your dentist will review the treatment plan with you, including a number of aligner trays, anticipated treatment duration and instructions on how to best wear your aligners for a successful outcome. We will send you home with your first few trays, then see you back in six to eight weeks to evaluate your progress.

What are Invisalign attachments? Attachments, sometimes called buttons, are small, tooth-colored bumps placed on your teeth when you start Invisalign therapy. These attachments are custom-fit and positioned to serve as handles for the aligner trays to grip and guide tooth movement. You may need a few attachments, or many, based on your specific treatment needs. They serve a role in assisting the aligners to apply extra, gentle force to teeth that we wish to move to align your teeth. Attachments are made of composite resin (filling material) and are bonded to the outer surfaces of your teeth–no numbing required! We use a custom template to accurately apply the attachments to your teeth, then cure and harden the attachments into place.

Is Invisalign Treatment Right for You?

We would love to see if Invisalign clear aligner therapy is right for you. We invite you to call us at (214) 380-9071 or mention Invisalign at your next visit to learn more!

Dentist-Recommended Resources:

https://www.invisalign.com/why-invisalign

The post Can I Straighten My Teeth As An Adult? All You Need To Know About Invisalign® Treatment first appeared on Katy Trail Dental.