Straighten your teeth without the hassle of braces! Invisalign®, The modern, transparent, and removable option
Individuals and families from across greater south-central Texas seek out the expertise of Dr. Fortuna Vardeman. From the Randolph Family Dental office in Schertz, Dr. Vardeman has transformed smiles with the latest and safest dental techniques, technologies, and treatments. All of these services have been carefully selected for their clinical effectiveness, safety, low risk of adverse side effects, and overall patient satisfaction.
Invisalign® stands apart from other orthodontic treatments designed to straighten teeth and correct “bite” problems (how the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed).
Straighten teeth without braces
First available in the late 1990s, Invisalign® is a treatment for crooked, crowded, unevenly-spaced, and misaligned teeth. It has also evolved to effectively correct a wide range of bite problems (underbite, overbite, crossbite, and open bite).
Invisalign® treatment involves using a series of oral devices. These devices are made from smooth, flexible, and clear advanced plastic. They slip into your mouth and over the teeth, similar to other types of oral appliances (like retainers). Custom-fit to your mouth, these “aligner trays” consistently place pressure on the teeth to gradually move them through bone. They may be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing. So you can enjoy your favorite foods and maintain oral hygiene throughout treatment!
A new set of aligners is worn weekly or after around two weeks, as advised by Dr. Vardeman. Be sure to wear each aligner in the correct order because different aligners correspond with various steps in the treatment process. Periodically, Dr. Vardeman will want to check that your treatment stays on track. Our patients appreciate that this process is an attractive alternative to fixed, non-removable, silver-colored metal braces made of unwieldy brackets, wires, and bands.
Invisalign® is:
- An invisible treatment – No silver “metal mouth” here!
- Comfortable – No wires or hardware that pokes at the insides of the mouth
- Easy – No adjustment period or re-learning how to eat, brush, and floss during treatment
- Pleasant – Fewer follow-up visits and less hassle as a “no-fuss” process
- Versatile – Can treat everything from minor cosmetic problems to complex bite issues
- A good value – Invisalign® is based on the same principles as conventional orthodontic treatment. So, it effectively repositions teeth without the complaints associated with traditional braces.
Are Invisalign aligners visible when worn?
Invisalign aligners are designed to be virtually invisible. Made from a clear, medical-grade plastic, they fit snugly over your teeth, making them difficult to detect. Most people won’t notice you wear them unless you point it out. This discreet appearance is one of the key benefits of Invisalign, as it allows you to straighten your teeth without the noticeable brackets and wires of traditional braces.
How do I track my progress during Invisalign treatment?
Tracking your progress during Invisalign treatment is straightforward. You’ll have regular check-ins with Dr. Fortuna Vardeman to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. Additionally, you will receive a series of aligners, each slightly different from the last, that you will switch out approximately every two weeks. This progression helps you see the gradual changes in your smile over time.
What happens if I don’t wear my aligners as directed?
Failure to wear your aligners as directed may prolong your treatment or make it less effective. Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours daily to ensure optimal results. Not wearing them consistently can cause your teeth to shift back to their original positions or stall progress, potentially requiring additional aligners or extended treatment time. I’ve damaged/lost my aligner – what do I do?
If you lose or damage an aligner, contact Randolph Family Dental immediately. Dr. Vardeman will advise you on the best course of action. Based on your progress, you may need to switch to the next aligners or temporarily return to the previous set. Addressing the issue quickly is essential to avoid disrupting your treatment plan.
Can Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Invisalign aligners may slightly affect your speech initially, causing a minor lisp as your mouth adjusts to them. Most people adapt within a few days to a week, and speech impediments usually resolve quickly. The clear aligners are designed to be comfortable and minimally invasive, allowing you to speak naturally after the initial adjustment period.
What is the long-term maintenance plan for my teeth after Invisalign treatment?
After completing Invisalign treatment, maintaining your new smile involves wearing retainers as directed by Dr. Vardeman. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent shifting. To ensure long-term success, we will create a personalized retention plan for you, which may involve nightly wear initially and less frequent use over time.
Can I schedule a consultation to discuss Invisalign treatment?
Absolutely! Randolph Family Dental encourages you to request a consultation with us to discuss your specific Invisalign needs and concerns. During the consultation, Dr. Vardeman will evaluate your dental health, discuss your treatment goals, and create a customized plan tailored to your unique situation. Contact our office to schedule your appointment today.
Total treatment time depends on factors such as the nature of your concerns and the severity of those problems. We are happy to discuss your unique needs during a state-of-the-art Invisalign® consultation. During your appointment, Dr. Vardeman can show you how your treated teeth will look with proprietary software. With advanced technology, oral scans are transformed into 3-dimensional models of your mouth, which you can view with your dentist. Think of it as a "test drive for your new, Invisalign®-improved smile. Call (210) 791-7897 to schedule your visit at Randolph Family Dental in Schertz, TX, today!
