Invisalign® in Austin

Why Choose Austin Family Orthodontics in Austin for Invisalign® Clear Aligners?

We believe in delivering affordable, high-quality services to all of our patients. We believe you should choose Austin Family Orthodontics in Austin for your Invisalign® treatment for several reasons, including:

1. Our caring and experienced staff
2. Our experienced orthodontist
3. Our use of 3D digital impressions for accuracy
4. iFiero technology
5. Our affordable payment plans

If you're interested in the Invisalign® treatment, call our Austin office first and let us help you.

What Is Invisalign®?

Invisalign was invented in the 1990s and was the first fully digital, mass-produced invisible aligner trays to be widely used instead of traditional metal braces. The clear trays should be worn for at least 22 hours daily and are more discreet than traditional metal braces. They're nearly invisible. They can be easily removed for eating and drinking, and have been used millions of times throughout the world.

The Benefits of Clear Invisible Aligners

Improved Comfort:

These invisible aligner trays are made of SmartTrack, a medical-grade plastic that is free of BPA, BPS, gluten, and latex. There is no metal involved, and patients report that the Invisalign® system is more comfortable than other systems.

Discreet Appearance:

These clear aligners are thin and discreet, and almost undetectable when installed. They must be worn at least 22 hours daily to get the full effect of the treatment.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Invisalign® clear aligner trays are easily removed, so it's simple to maintain your good oral hygiene routine. Our team will show you how to maintain the best oral hygiene with your aligner trays.

Quick And Easy Followups

We'll need to check your progress every month or two, but the appointments usually are completed within 15 to 20 minutes. We'll order your new trays at this time.

No Dietary Restrictions

Since you remove your trays before eating and drinking, there are no dietary restrictions, so you can keep eating all your favorite foods. Be sure to brush and floss well before reinserting your trays, however.

Braces That Fit Your Lifestyle

Life is busy and filled with tasks and appointments. Clear aligner trays enable you to live the lifestyle you choose, whether you're an adult or teen, while maintaining good oral health and aesthetics.

Living With Aligner Trays

Wearing Your Trays

The most important aspect of aligner trays is the need to wear them for at least 22 hours daily. The trays only work when they're worn, so it's imperative that you wear them as often as you can. You should only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and for oral hygiene purposes. Treatment will take longer if you don't wear them for the required time.

Cleaning Your Aligner Trays

Your aligner trays must be cleaned daily to prevent the formation of bacteria and plaque. Not only are bacteria and plaque unhealthy, but they can also make your aligners cloudy.

To keep your trays clean, remove them before eating or drinking, brush and floss after you eat, and rinse the trays with cool water before reinserting them.

At night, clean them with cold water and a soft-bristled toothbrush and reinsert them after your nightly oral hygiene regimen.

Eating And Drinking

Although there are no dietary restrictions when you're wearing clear aligner trays, you should always remove them before eating or drinking anything other than plain water that's room temperature or cooler.

If you consume acidic, carbonated, sugary, alcoholic, or colored beverages, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly before you reinsert your trays. Otherwise, your trays can become discolored or damaged.

Lost or Damaged Trays

If you lose or damage a tray, let us know immediately. Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend that you wear a previous aligner or move to a new set of aligners, but we'll need to get information from you to determine the best option, so call us.

Routine Checkups

You'll need a follow-up appointment every six to eight weeks so we can monitor your progress. These normally take about 15 minutes, and we'll need to order your new set of aligners at this time.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Aligner trays are created in batches that are customized for each patient. Most patients need three or four batches of aligners to complete their treatment, and each set of trays will be worn for a week or two. During this time, the trays guide the teeth into proper alignment using gentle pressure. There's no discomfort, although it might take a day or two to initially adjust to their gentle pressure.

iTero Element® Integrated Invisalign® Scanner

This unique scanner takes a precise impression of your teeth in just a few minutes, and one of its main advantages is the lack of goopy putty in your mouth. Digital scans enable a more precise fit, which improves the accuracy of the Invisalign® treatment. Patients can also preview how their teeth will appear after their treatment.

Is Invisalign® Right for Me?

The Invisalign® system works well for many people. However, during your complimentary consultation with Dr. Hertzberg, he'll thoroughly examine your mouth to determine if Invisalign® is your best option or if another type of clear aligner would work better.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign®

The cost of your Invisalign® treatment will be unique to you and will depend primarily on the complexity of your case, your age, and whether you need additional treatments, such as extractions or fillings, which can add to the cost. The time needed to complete your treatment is also a factor, which is the reason you need to wear your aligner trays as prescribed.

We'll provide you with a comprehensive estimate of the cost before you leave our Austin office. We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider before your appointment and determine the extent of your benefits, any exclusions, any limits, and any copays. Bring that information to your consultation, and we'll help you maximize your benefits.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign®?

Each insurance plan is different. Two people receiving the same treatment from the same dentist can pay substantially different amounts, depending on their insurance coverage. However, bring a copy of your insurance plan to your initial consultation, and we'll help you maximize the benefits of your plan.

Options for Making Invisalign® Affordable

If your insurance doesn't cover Invisalign®, we have other financing options that will help you afford the treatment you need. Our options include:

• Free consultations
• CareCredit
• HFD payment plans

Invisalign® FAQs

How Long Does Invisalign® Treatment Take?

The average treatment time is about 12 months. However, other factors influence this timeline, such as the complexity of your treatment, your age, and how well you complied with your treatment instructions. Wearing your aligner trays as prescribed for 22 hours daily, not missing appointments, and practicing good oral hygiene can eliminate unnecessary extended treatment time.

Does Invisalign® Hurt?

Invisalign® aligner trays are constructed from SmartTrack, a patented material that's free of BPA, BPS, gluten, and latex. It's safe for extended use and comfortable. There may be some initial soreness as your teeth adjust to the gentle pressure, and then again when you transition to a new set of trays, but there is no pain like you might experience from traditional metal braces.

What Happens After Invisalign®?

After your treatment, you may need to wear a night retainer to prevent your teeth from reverting to their former positions. Alternatively, Dr. Hertzberg may recommend bonding a small wire to the back of your teeth.

What Happens If My Tray Breaks?

Depending on the damage, you may be able to continue using the tray if the damage is only a small hairline crack. However, if the tray is broken or warped, don't attempt repairs. Call our Austin office, and we'll determine the steps you need to take.

Can I Drink Water When Wearing Invisalign®?

Yes, plain water that’s room temperature or cooler is okay to drink when your tray is in. However, just make sure it's plain water, cool, with no sugar, carbonation, acid, or anything else in it.

What Should I Do If I Lose an Aligner Tray?

If you lose your current aligner and can't find an old one, call our Austin office. We'll help you with a temporary solution and order a replacement.

How Can I Avoid Losing a Retainer?

To avoid losing a retainer, always replace it in its case after removing it. Aligners are clear plastic, so they're easy to miss when you're looking for them. Never put them in a napkin or any other container that might be easily discarded.

Do Invisalign® Aligners Need Maintenance?

Even though you'll wear each set of aligners for only a week or two, they must be cleaned daily. Otherwise, they can become cloudy or discolored, and if they're not clean, they can contribute to tooth decay or gum disease. Clean them in the morning and at night by gently brushing them to remove any plaque buildup. Rinse them with room temperature or cooler water. Don't use warm or hot water because that will warp them.

How Can I Minimize Discomfort?

Discomfort usually occurs only when you first start wearing your trays and when you transition to a new set. If your mouth is sore, then eat only soft foods and avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods. You can take over-the-counter analgesics if needed, but acetaminophen/Tylenol is better. Anti-inflammatory medications can inhibit tooth movement and thus extend your treatment time.