Clear Aligners in Houston, TX
If you want straighter teeth without metal brackets and wires, clear aligners may be a good fit. They're much less noticeable than metal braces, removable, and designed to fit into everyday life. At New Smiles Dental Implant Center, we offer clear aligners in Houston, TX, for teens and adults. Come in for a consultation to see if aligners are a good match, and get a clear idea of your options and estimated costs.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent trays that gradually shift your teeth into better positions. Each set is worn for a set period, usually one to two weeks, before you move to the next.
Every tray is slightly different from the last, so your teeth move in small steps. Because the trays are removable, you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. That flexibility is a big reason many people choose them over traditional braces.
The Clear Aligner System We Offer
We offer Invisalign®, one of the most widely used clear aligner systems. It uses digital scans of your teeth to plan your treatment from beginning to end, so you can often see a preview of your projected results before you start. Invisalign® aligners are made of SmartTrack®, a proprietary multilayer thermoplastic material that is BPA-free and latex-free.
Each set is custom-made to fit your teeth. During your consultation, we'll help you decide whether Invisalign® is the right fit for your teeth, your goals, and your budget.
What Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners can correct many common alignment and bite concerns, including:
Crowded or overlapping teeth
Gaps between teeth
Some mild to moderate bite issues, such as certain overbites and crossbites
Teeth that have shifted after previous braces
Aligners aren't the right choice for every case. Some complex tooth movements and bite problems are better treated with traditional braces. If that's true for you, we'll tell you and explain why, so you can make an informed decision.
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Clear Aligners for Adults and Teens
Adults often choose aligners because they're discreet at work, in photos, and in social settings. Age isn't what decides whether aligners will work for you. What matters most is the health of your teeth and gums, which we check at your exam.
Teens can be good candidates too, provided they're responsible about wearing their trays. Aligners only work when they're in your mouth, so consistency is important. We'll discuss whether aligners make sense for your teenager or whether braces might be the better choice.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment starts with a consultation and dental exam, where we look at your teeth and gums, take digital X-rays, and talk about your goals, so bring your questions to your first visit. Next comes a digital scan instead of traditional impressions, which we use to map how your teeth need to move, and we'll go over your estimated timeline and costs before anything begins.
Once your custom trays arrive, we show you how to wear and care for them, and you may also need small tooth-colored attachments bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip and guide movement.
From there, you'll switch to a new set of trays on schedule and visit us periodically so we can confirm your teeth are tracking as planned, with visit frequency depending on your case. When treatment ends, you'll get a retainer because it prevents teeth from slowly moving back toward their old positions.
Adjusting to Clear Aligners
Aligners are convenient, but they require commitment.
Wear Time: Most treatment plans call for wearing aligners about 20 to 22 hours a day. Skipping wear time can slow your progress.
Eating and Drinking: Take your aligners out for meals and drinks other than water. Brush before putting them back in so food doesn't get trapped underneath.
Cleaning: Rinse your trays daily and clean them as directed. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Storage: Keep them in their case when they're not in your mouth. Wrapping aligners in a napkin is a common way they get accidentally thrown away.
Soreness: Your teeth may feel tender for a few days when you start a new set. This usually fades quickly.
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Schedule Your Clear Aligner Consultation
Looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth? We offer clear aligners in Houston, TX. Call us today for an appointment.