Get straighter teeth without braces Your guide to Invisalign® orthodontic treatment

It is a great time to be a dentist! After all, dentists like our own Dr. Bindu Kolli of Southfork Dental have more options than ever to treat their highly-valued patients. Dr. Kolli takes great care to stay ahead of the ever-changing treatments and technologies that modern dentistry offers to individuals and their families in Plano, Frisco, Irving, Texas, and beyond. 

Invisalign® represents one of those “latest and greatest” treatments. It can be an attractive alternative to braces for patients who need to correct issues ranging from cosmetic spacing to complex bite imbalances.

About orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic therapies refer to straightening teeth that are crooked, crowded, or otherwise unevenly spaced. 

Historically, the go-to treatment to get straight teeth has been braces. This conventional option involved designing and placing “hardware” in the form of metal brackets and wires. These brackets and wires are secured to the teeth. When combined with special bands, they generate consistent pressure to move the teeth through the bone incrementally. When tightened or adjusted properly by an orthodontist or dentist, this process eventually realigns the teeth (and “bite,” as needed). 

Teeth that are evenly spaced are not only more attractive, but they are easier to clean. And, when you can clean your teeth properly, the risk of developing damaging conditions like tooth decay and gum disease is reduced. 

A modern alternative

Now, we can achieve these benefits from orthodontic treatment without using braces! Invisalign®, too, places consistent pressure on the teeth to reposition them. So, it is based on similar principles. However, this process is accomplished using removable (not fixed) oral appliances or devices called “aligner trays.” 

These aligners are made precisely based on computer-generated, three-dimensional images of your mouth. In turn, they fit securely and comfortably for maximum effectiveness and to support good patient compliance. Plus, the appliances themselves are lightweight and transparent. All others see are your teeth peeking through and not a mouth full of silver-colored metal hardware. The aligner trays (“aligners”) are made from a safe, advanced thermoplastic that is also flexible, which helps with comfort. 

You must keep the aligners in your mouth at all times, except when eating, brushing and flossing, and cleaning the trays themselves. Since they are removable, patients can continue to eat even sticky and hard foods throughout treatment. They never have to worry about wires breaking, nor do they have to refrain from all of the foods that they love. Also, because you are able to brush and floss properly throughout treatment (without wires and brackets getting in the way), your teeth and gums remain healthy. The trays themselves are easy to clean, too. 

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kolli today!

During your appointment, we use advanced software to show you how your teeth will be straightened at every stage of treatment. You can even see how your smile will look afterward! These virtual models of your mouth guide the fabrication of each aligner. 

If you move forward with this treatment, Dr. Kolli can also advise on ways to ensure your treatment stays on track. In addition to wearing each aligner for at least 20 hours daily, it is essential to wear the aligners in the correct order. Treatment involves a series of trays. Each tray is slightly different and designed to correspond with a different phase of treatment. 

To learn more about what to expect before, during, and after treatment, call 469-535-6939 for our Plano/Frisco, TX office or 972-544-5446 for our Irving, TX office. 

Our Southfork Dental team includes proud Desi community members and Telugu speakers. All are welcome here!