ALIGNER TREATMENT (“Invisalign”)

Aligner treatment is a unique tool in the orthodontist’s tool box.  This treatment is not appropriate for all types of malocclusion.  But it works very well for other types!  We know wearing braces can be intrusive to your lifestyle, and we want to help.  Dr. Carney and Dr. Ohlenforst used to use Invisalign, but now use 3M’s version - 3M Clarity Aligners. They prefer the finish and customer service provided by 3M. Dr. Carney also wore aligners during her orthodontic residency, so she can tell you all about it!

How does aligner treatment work? We use a 3shape 3D intraoral scanner to scan your teeth and bite. Dr. Carney uses this to design your smile and bite and help predict how your teeth will look at the end of treatment. Depending on your preference and how sure you are, you can either choose to have Dr. Carney’s office order your trays right away, or you can choose to come in and view your proposed treatment result prior to deciding. Once the trays are ordered, 3M fabricates your trays and ships them to our office. Usually there are few special glue bumps that we glue on to your teeth to help certain movements happen. Then we give you several sets of trays, show you how to place and remove them, and send you on your way! We see you periodically to check your teeth, trays and bite and give you more trays to continue treatment. Usually there are multiple rounds of trays needed to get your smile and bite just right.

Aligner treatment - like most kinds of treatment - has positives and negatives. Aligners are very esthetic, but they require you to remove them before eating (or drinking anything dark!) and replace them right after. Compliance is key, as patients who are constantly removing their trays are not wearing them enough for their teeth to move properly. Also, certain types of movements on certain teeth can be challenging for a removable aligner to achieve. Other movements, like closing spaces, are perfect for aligner treatment. Dr. Carney will discuss all the positives and negatives of aligner treatment to determine if this method of treatment is right for you.

Curious about clear aligners or Invisalign in Dallas, TX? Call us today at (972) 503-0400 or schedule your free new patient exam so we can see if Clear Aligner Treatment is right for you!