A guide to straightening your teeth with Invisalign® clear aligners instead of braces

At Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Jacqueline T. Nguyen and Dr. Masoud E. Najari help create beautiful smiles with Invisalign®. Our doctors have applied their passion for this braces alternative to treat a diverse range of patient’s needs in Murphy, Wylie, Sachse, Richardson, and Plano. Whether you have modest cosmetic needs or more extensive bite-related concerns, Invisalign® may just be what our dentist recommends to restore or achieve a confident, attractive, and healthy smile. Call our Murphy, TX team at (972) 808-5023 for a free consultation.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, plastic aligner trays to consistently apply force to the teeth, shifting them into their proper positions over time. It is widely marketed as an attractive alternative to fixed, silver-colored metal braces, which use brackets and wires to apply pressure to the teeth and gradually reposition them.

What are the benefits of Invisalign®?

First, the aligners are effective. They are based on the same principles as traditional braces. Second, the aligners are made from a transparent material. So, no one notices them when you smile! Third, the plastic used to make the aligner trays is flexible and smooth. That makes them comfortable to wear. Fourth, the trays can be removed. Take them out for meals and before brushing and flossing your teeth. Oral hygiene must be maintained throughout treatment for a healthy smile. Lastly, you can straighten your teeth quicker than braces with good patient compliance. Treatment can be completed in as few as ten months compared to the average treatment time of two-plus years for braces.

What do you mean by “patient compliance”?

With Invisalign®, patients are in the driver’s seat. With braces, treatment depends on adjustments made by the orthodontist. Patients must follow the instructions for wear and care provided by Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Najari. Each aligner is associated with a different step in treatment. Be sure to wear the aligners in the correct order. Also, ensure that the aligners are worn at least 22 hours a day, only to be taken out when eating or cleaning. Not wearing these appliances as advised can interfere with the results and delay treatment.

Great! How do I get started?

Your free consultation at Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry will involve a 3-dimensional scan using the Itero(™) scanner. This scan will show you how your teeth will be repositioned at every stage of treatment. You even see how your smile will look post-treatment before committing to Invisalign®!

If this option is appropriate for you, this information will be used to make your first aligners. At this time, you may take advantage of Free Whitening during your treatment (Limited Time Only). You’ll visit us periodically for short “check-ins” so we can see how treatment is progressing and provide you with more aligners as needed. After treatment is completed, we’ll provide you with special Vivera® retainers. These retainers help sustain exceptional treatment results and prevent teeth from returning to their previous positions.

We welcome any additional questions that you may have. Click here or call (972) 808-5023 to book your appointment. Call our Murphy, TX team today at (972) 808-5023.

Real Patient Results Before and After

Invisalign - New Straight Talk

Everyone knows that straight teeth give you a beautiful smile, but did you know that straighter teeth can also benefit your overall health? Crooked or misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, affect 70% of American adults. If left untreated, bacterial buildup from misaligned teeth can lead to periodontal disease and can affect your bite, creating abnormal amounts of stress on teeth and jaw muscles, which can lead to premature wear. The effects of misaligned teeth could worsen over time, and if left untreated, may adversely affect your overall health. Common types of malocclusions include crowding, spacing, crossbite, deep bite, open bite, underbite, edge-to-edge bite, and excessive overjet teeth that are subject to excessive pressure from some of these misalignments can develop gum, recession and abfractions, which are tooth notches at the gum line. Over time, the excessive force may cause flattened or worn down teeth or chipping in fractures of the teeth.
Additionally, an abnormal bite may produce improper forces on the jaw joint that may lead to pain in the jaw, muscles, earaches, and even headaches. Misaligned teeth can affect your oral health. Since it’s difficult to remove plaque and bacteria from crowded areas, plaque buildup from bacteria that aren’t properly removed can trigger gingivitis leading to periodontal disease. If left untreated, you could face receding gums, soft tissue damage, periodontal pockets, bone loss, chronic infection, and eventually tooth loss. Problems in the oral cavity are best treated. Early misaligned teeth can lead to thousands of dollars in painful dental procedures and countless hours in the dentist’s chair. Bacteria trapped in between misaligned teeth can also invade blood vessels causing damage to cells that line your coronary arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. So how can straight teeth make a difference with impactful health benefits such as healthier gums?
Straight teeth make it easier for you to maintain better oral hygiene. This means there’s less plaque, which reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. When you straighten your teeth with solutions like Invisalign aligners, you’re helping your oral and overall health, and you’re getting that beautiful smile you deserve. Invisalign is the number one doctor-recommended clear aligner brand millions of patients worldwide, and trust their smile to Invisalign aligners. And here’s why. Invisalign aligners mean easier and better oral care during treatment compared to braces. They’re the only clear aligners made with unique smart track material that will move your teeth more predictably and comfortably. So ask your doctor and dental hygienist today about a consultation and iTero dental health scan. Make sure you’re getting the right clear aligners. Look for the Invisalign Starflower and let Invisalign aligners get your oral health straight.