Invisalign – McKinney, TX

Virtually Invisible Braces Are Here!

Have you always wanted to straighten your teeth, but never committed to braces because you didn’t want to deal with metal brackets and wires? If so, we have good news: we offer Invisalign at Marble Dental McKinney! This innovative orthodontic treatment uses clear aligners that are basically invisible when worn. So, no unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile during the teeth-straightening process. If you want to learn more, read on or schedule a consultation with us!

Why Choose Marble Dental McKinney for Invisalign?

Convenient Appointment Times
Friendly and Experienced Team
Affordable Payment Options

How Invisalign Works

Woman smiling while holding an Invisalign clear aligner in McKinney

To move your teeth from where they are now to their ideal positions, a series of clear, custom aligners are made. You’ll wear each one for 1-2 weeks, and for 20-22 hours a day. Then, you’ll progress to the next set, and the process will repeat itself. Every six weeks or so, you’ll come to our McKinney dental office so we can take new scans of your teeth, making sure that your teeth are moving as anticipated. Once we achieve the desired results, we will have a custom retainer made to ensure your teeth stay in place.

Who Can Invisalign Help?

Young woman being fitted for Invisalign in McKinney

Over the last two decades, Invisalign has helped patients with various orthodontic problems, including everything from small spaces between their teeth to more moderate bite problems. So, don’t just assume you’ll have to wear traditional metal braces; there’s a good chance you’re a candidate for clear aligners!

Crowded Teeth

Digital image of crowded teeth

Patients with crowded teeth often experience low self-esteem, trouble chewing properly, and oral health problems, like tooth decay. That’s why we recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options now. If Invisalign is a solution for you, then the process of straightening your teeth will be virtually undetectable and considerably more comfortable. You’ll soon see appropriate space forming throughout your smile, affording you better oral health and a more natural-looking, beautiful set of teeth.

Gaps Between Teeth

Girl with a gap between her two front teeth

Are your teeth spaced out? Whether there is one large gap between your teeth or a few small ones throughout your mouth, don’t wait – schedule a consultation with our McKinney dental team to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, we will create your custom treatment plan and begin the process of closing these enlarged gaps so that food no longer collects, and the increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay declines.

Overbite

Digital image of an overbite

If you notice that your teeth stick out over your bottom ones, you may be at risk of dental damage because of your overbite. Although it’s natural to have a slight one when closing your mouth, teeth that flare outward, or an upper jaw that is significantly pushed forward can benefit from orthodontic treatment. However, can Invisalign fix an overbite? Yes! By crafting a plan to move these teeth back, your new smile will come into better alignment, allowing for more fluid motion when opening and closing your mouth.

Underbite

Digital image of an underbite

A lower row of teeth that sits forward in front of the upper row is considered an underbite. Known to cause enamel erosion and other common oral health problems (and discomfort), Invisalign can draw the lower arch back so that everything aligns properly. Instead of wearing down the surfaces of your upper teeth each time you close your mouth, clear aligners will shift your bottom jaw so that it rests comfortably in its new location, and your teeth no longer suffer the consequences of a poor bite.

Crossbite

Person with a crossbite that includes overlapping teeth

Invisalign aligners are also capable of addressing crossbites. When the upper and lower teeth overlap when the mouth is closed, problems with eating, chewing, and speaking can arise. The pressure that is placed on the tooth enamel can cause breakage and erosion, not to mention jaw pain. Fortunately, with clear aligners, we can reposition your teeth so that they become straighter and no longer overlap. This not only reduces the potential for further damage but also delivers a more pleasing aesthetic you can enjoy.

Open Bite

Up-close view of a person’s open bite

Open bites commonly occur when non-nutritive habits occur during childhood. Although it’s normal for infants and even toddlers to suck their thumb or use a pacifier to self-soothe, these unhealthy habits can negatively affect oral and facial development if practiced for too long. If your back teeth touch but your front ones do not when you close your mouth, you have an open bite that needs addressing.

At Marble Dental Care, we can use Invisalign clear aligners to create a more functional bite – one that repositions your jaw and teeth, so they appear even from front to back. Your pearly whites will also come together comfortably for a pain-free, aesthetically pleasing smile.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Closeup of clear aligner

There isn’t just one reason Invisalign continues to be one of the most popular orthodontic treatments; there are several. Below, you will find a few of the many benefits that come with clear aligner treatment. So, read on!

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

Woman smiling at reflection in mirror

There are several factors that impact the length of a patient’s orthodontic treatment, including the complexity of their case and how well they abide by the treatment guidelines. Even so, the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. Conversely, patients with traditional braces often need to dedicate 2-3 years to their teeth-straightening journey.

Freedom to Eat Your Favorite Foods

Woman smiling while eating lunch at restaurant

Another considerable perk: Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions. So, you can continue to eat all of your favorite foods throughout your orthodontic treatment! As your dental team, all we ask is that you don’t over-indulge on sugary and starchy snacks (since doing so can lead to tooth decay), and that you exercise caution with crunchy foods, like tortilla chips, peanut brittle, and hard pretzels.

The Aligners Are Removable

Woman smiling while holding clear aligner

Do you have an important presentation at work? Are you looking forward to a first date? Are you meeting up with an old friend for dinner? Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable! So, you can take them off whenever you need to (just make sure to wear them for at least 20 hours a day.

Bonus: Having removable aligners also means you’ll have an unobstructed view of the progress you’re making!

There Are Fewer Check-In Visits

Man smiling while talking to dentist

For many patients – whether they are busy students or new parents – attending monthly adjustment appointments is difficult. Although this is necessary with traditional braces, it isn’t with Invisalign. Instead, we will give you several sets of aligners at once so you can progress through your treatment plan at home. Then, you’ll come to our office every 6-8 weeks so we can make sure your teeth are tracking.

The Trays Are Metal-Free

Woman smiling while holding clear aligner

In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, metal-free aligners are considerably more comfortable. In fact, patients often make it through the entire teeth-straightening process without experiencing any soft tissue irritation. So, it’s safe to say this orthodontic treatment is considerably more comfortable!

Tip: If there is a sharp edge on one of your aligners, let us know! You can also put some dental wax over it to help prevent your aligner from rubbing against your lips, gums, or the insides of your cheeks.

Boosted Confidence

Woman with glasses smiling in office

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without touching on one of the biggest benefits: Invisalign aligners are clear. As a result, you can smile with complete confidence throughout your orthodontic treatment! Plus, as we mentioned previously, you can take the aligners off if something comes up where you want to feel your absolute best, like a first date or wedding.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Smiling woman sitting on barstool at restaurant

Once we’ve learned all about your dental needs – including if any preliminary treatments are needed and if single-arch treatment is possible – we can create your custom treatment plan. Then, we can provide you with an estimate of the cost and review the financial solutions available. If you have dental insurance, we’ll start there since there’s a chance that your provider will cover a portion of the cost. Otherwise, we’ll review the details of our in-office plan, flexible financing, and our current special offers.

Invisalign FAQs

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign treatment generally doesn’t hurt. In fact, it’s one of the most comfortable orthodontic services and ensures a smooth and easy alignment process.

Granted, Invisalign does involve a brief adjustment period for its patients. That means your mouth may feel a bit achy during the treatment’s first few days or weeks. However, this symptom should quickly fade as you adapt to treatment and won’t bother you much.

You can also take steps to manage any soreness from your adjustment. For example, you may want to take over-the-counter pain medication to ease your aching mouth. There’s also the option of using a cold compress or ice pack to numb your teeth a little.

How Do I Take Off Invisalign Trays?

While inserting Invisalign trays may be simple, some patients struggle with taking them off. If you’re one of them, consider using the following tips:

Start with Dry Hands – Saliva can make aligners trays slippery, so dry your hands before removal.
Use Your Fingers – Relying on your finger tip(s), gently remove your aligner from your mouth’s back molar first. After doing to the same on your mouth’s other side, work your way through the other teeth to remove the tray.
Try a PulTool – If your treatment involves attachments or crowded teeth, use a PulTool or Orthokey.

What Happens at Invisalign Checkups?

Invisalign checkups basically ensure that your treatment is going well. In particular, they keep the alignment process free of problems and potential delays.

Patients receive their next trays at the start of each Invisalign checkup. The new set will pick up where the old one left off and continue to align the crooked teeth. That way, the patient should see their final results within only a year or so.

Of course, an Invisalign visit also serves as a regular checkup. The treating dentist will spend part of it checking your smile for potential oral health problems (tooth decay, gum disease, etc.). Furthermore, they’ll assess whether your treatment is progressing smoothly and if your teeth are in the position they should be.

What Happens After Invisalign?

After the main Invisalign treatment, you’ll visit your dental practice to verify the results. This appointment lets the dentist see if your teeth are now in the right positions.

If the teeth still aren’t quite straight, please don’t panic. The treating dentist will likely give you Invisalign refinement trays to finish the job. These aligners are typically included in the initial treatment cost, so they won’t add to your final expense.

The dentist will likely give you a retainer if your teeth are straight. This device is crucial to preserving Invisalign results, so you must wear it frequently during the initial post-treatment phase.