Request Forms Like Us Reviews Channel
Request an Appointment
Dental Emergencies Welcome
2 Oaktree St
Friendswood, TX 77546
(281) 482-2631

Invisalign Clear Braces — Friendswood, TX

A Stylish Way to Straighten Teeth

youtube thumbnail

Are you considering straightening your smile? You may have avoided orthodontics in the past because of the appearance and hassle that comes with traditional braces. Thankfully, Dr. Sierra and the rest of our team offer Invisalign clear braces in Friendswood, TX to give our patients a way to achieve their smile goals without the disadvantages of metal brackets and wires permanently fixed to their mouths. Read on to learn more about Invisalign treatment and how you can benefit from it.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Woman smiling after Invisalign treatment

This treatment involves the use of a series of clear plastic aligners that are designed to gradually shift your teeth into place. Invisalign corrects the most common orthodontic issues, including gapped and crowded teeth as well as overbite, underbite, and crossbite. You’ll wear each aligner for about 20 to 22 hours a day, and you’ll switch them out for the next tray in the series about every 2 weeks. After around 10 to 18 months, your smile will be successfully aligned. To ensure that your teeth remain straight, you can wear a Vivera retainer. It’s created using the same materials and technology as your Invisalign aligners, so it is an easy transition to protect and maintain your straight, beautiful teeth.

Indications of Invisalign

Woman in dental chair with Invisalign aligner

We use Invisalign clear braces to treat multiple orthodontic issues. You may need Invisalign if you have problems like:

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth not only cause aesthetic disadvantages but also make it harder to brush and floss thoroughly. This puts you at a higher risk of oral health threats like cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease, which may even lead to more serious issues if left untreated.

Spaces Between Teeth

If you have a gap in your smile, you may already be self-conscious about the look or feel of your teeth. Additionally, gapped teeth can allow for plaque and bacteria to build up, leaving you susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Bite Alignment

Problems with your bite can put more pressure on your jaw joints, but these issues can also cause habits like teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This can lead to more wear and tear on your enamel, resulting in a whole new set of problems.

We offer our patients Invisalign clear braces to give them a way to correct these problems with confidence and comfort. If it sounds like Invisalign could be a great choice for you, contact our dental office today!

Benefits of Invisalign

Hand holding aligner for Invisalign in Friendswood, TX

When it comes to straightening their smiles, many patients prefer Invisalign over more traditional orthodontic options. This is largely thanks to the many unique advantages associated with Invisalign treatment; there are several benefits that you can only enjoy with convenient, removable clear aligners. Below is a quick look at what makes Invisalign worth considering if you have a misaligned smile.

No Need to Alter Diet

Close-up of popcorn in a bowl

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that you won’t have to change the way that you eat or what you’re eating. Because the aligners are completely removable, you can simply pop them out when it’s time for meals or snacks! This allows you to enjoy foods like popcorn and even chewing gum, which simply isn’t possible with traditional braces. The only thing to remember is that it’s important to clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in to avoid staining the clear plastic.

Comfortable and Discreet Appearance

Patient putting in aligner for Invisalign in Friendswood, TX

Invisalign is made of clear plastic, which allows you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. However, this plastic is also designed to be smooth, allowing for a comfortable wearing experience. Traditional braces have sharp metal brackets that can cut and catch the inside of your mouth, whereas the smooth plastic design of Invisalign aligners eliminates this problem. In fact, after you get used to your aligners, you may even forget that you’re wearing them.

Fast and Permanent Results

Woman pointing to her beautiful smile

Another huge advantage that Invisalign has over traditional braces is that treatment time is often much shorter. Instead of the multiple years that traditional braces need to be worn on average, Invisalign treatment will typically last between 8 and 18 months. Once this process is complete, we will give you a retainer to wear that is designed the same as your Invisalign, which ensures the permanence of your newly straightened smile.

Easy Oral Healthcare

Close-up of toothbrush with dab of toothpaste

Another unique benefit of Invisalign’s removable design is that your oral healthcare routine stays the same. You won’t have to purchase additional tools to clean around your braces, and you won’t have to worry about plaque building up around any hard-to-clean brackets and wires. Just be sure to always put your aligners in a safe and sanitary place when you take them out to brush and floss your teeth.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Woman with yellow shirt putting in Invisalign in Friendswood, TX

If you have been thinking about using Invisalign to achieve a straighter smile, chances are you’re wondering how much you can expect the treatment to cost. There are quite a few variables that can affect the answer to this question, so the best way to get a clear picture of what the price tag for Invisalign will look like is to schedule a consultation with our team. In the meantime, though, here are the basics of the financial aspect of the Invisalign process.

How Much Will I Pay for Invisalign?

Woman holding a pair of aligners for Invisalign in Friendswood, TX

Many people believe Invisalign costs significantly more than traditional braces, making it unobtainable for the average person; however, this is untrue. In fact, Invisalign is often around the same price as metal braces depending on your treatment plan, so people from all walks of life can enjoy it.

The cost of Invisalign is determined by your individual needs and your treatment plan. There are several factors that influence the amount you pay, such as the complexity of your case and the number of aligners needed.

When you visit our office for an Invisalign consultation, we can provide you with a custom estimate and discuss each phase of your treatment. We will also help you find the options you need to keep the process affordable.

Is Invisalign Worth the Cost?

Man in blue shirt holding aligner for Invisalign in Friendswood, TX

Straighter teeth not only create a beautiful smile, but they also promote a healthy mouth. Aligning your teeth makes them easier to clean. This decreases your risk of certain oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease, thus lessening the chances of needing fillings and other treatments later down the road.

Aligning your teeth and bite also reduces your risk of a dental emergency if there is trauma to your face or mouth. Resolving issues with protruding or rotated teeth decreases the potential for a knocked-out, dislodged, or broken tooth if there is oral trauma. Overall, a straight smile improves your oral health while also giving you renewed confidence. 

How Can I Pay for Invisalign?

Close-up of man holding Invisalign in Friendswood, TX

In previous years, it was rare for dental insurance to pay for Invisalign, but more companies than ever include clear aligners in orthodontia coverage. The amount they pay varies depending on your policy. We work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary claims and paperwork to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.

Our dental office accepts a variety of payment options to cover any remaining balance, including third-party financing with CareCredit. We will help you find the solutions you need to enjoy clear aligners.

Invisalign FAQs

Does Invisalign Hurt?

To be honest… It is normal to experience some soreness as your teeth begin to move into their ideal positions. The good news is that it’s only temporary. Plus, there are several ways you can alleviate it even sooner, including using a cold compress, avoiding crunchy foods, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.

Tip: Switch to each new set of aligners in the series right before bed! That way, you can sleep through the period of time when your teeth are moving the most.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. With that said, it is possible for your teeth-straightening journey to be shorter or longer than that. During your consultation, we will complete a comprehensive oral exam to determine if any preliminary treatments are needed, assess the complexity of your case, and determine if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners. If you are, then we can solidify the details of your treatment plan and provide you with an estimate of your orthodontic treatment.

Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Invisalign?

One of the many reasons that Invisalign continues to be a popular orthodontic treatment is that the aligners are removable. As a result, patients don’t need to abide by a long list of dietary restrictions. They do, however, need to steer clear of extremely crunchy foods and limit their intake of added sugar. It’s also important that the aligners are always removed before eating or drinking anything other than water.

How Often Do I Need to Wear My Invisalign Aligners?

To stay on track with your treatment plan, you need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day. Every 1-2 weeks, you’ll progress to the next set in the series, and this process will repeat until you’ve worn each one. At this point, we will determine if you’re happy with the results or if a few refinement trays need to be made.

What Should I Do If I Lose One of My Invisalign Aligners?

If you accidentally misplace one of your aligners, do your best to pinpoint the last place you know you had them. Then, carefully retrace your steps. If you can’t find them anywhere, then call our Friendswood dental office. That way, Dr. Sierra can take a look at where you are in your treatment plan and determine the best way to get you back on track.

How Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

You only need three things: clean water, a soft-bristle toothbrush, and fluoridated toothpaste. Use them to remove saliva, food particles, and other debris from the surface after each meal, and your trays should stay clean and clear throughout your orthodontic treatment!

Important reminder: If your aligners are starting to look yellow or smell, don’t use toothpaste, mouthwash, or bleach to give them a deeper clean. Instead, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit!