The consultation.
Treatment starts with a consultation with Dr. Tam Nguyen, where we evaluate your child’s teeth and decide whether Invisalign is the right tool for what needs moving.
Orthodontics
Straightening teeth without the metal, and without the conversation about the metal.
Invisalign is a clear, removable device worn over the teeth for about twenty hours a day. It comes out to eat, to brush and to floss, which is most of why families ask for it.
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The Treatment
What it is and how it gets made.
What Invisalign is
Invisalign® is a modern technique to straighten teeth without the hassle of traditional metal wires. Invisalign® is a clear, removable device that you wear over your teeth for about 20 hours a day. This device ultimately makes its more convenient for you to eat, brush and floss. It is also comfortable and easy to wear. Invisalign® is visually more appealing and will give you the confidence to straighten your teeth without the metal look.
How the aligners are made
The process of getting Invisalign® is easy and convenient. It first begins with a consultation with your dentist. Once he or she determines if you are a candidate for Invisalign®, a model of your teeth will be created on the computer to ensure a step-by-step process to getting your teeth straight. This allows you to see a visual representation of what your teeth can look like upon completion of treatment. A set of aligners is created every two weeks. Each aligner is made so that your teeth are slightly straighter than the previous trays. The amount of time and number of aligners worn differs depending on how straight you want your teeth.
What it avoids
Choosing Invisalign® rids of most problems that traditional braces may cause. It reduces pain, discomfort and mouth sores that you may endure from the metal brackets and wires. It also decreases your chances of getting tooth decay and plaque buildup from inadequate brushing and flossing.
The Path
Consultation to retainer, in five steps.
The digital scan.
A digital scan uses 3D imaging to create a custom treatment plan and fabricate aligners made to fit your child’s teeth. You see the finished position before anything starts.
The wear.
Aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for the best results, removed only for brushing, flossing and eating. A new set moves the teeth a little further each time.
The checkups.
We usually schedule checkups every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor progress and provide the next sets of aligners.
The retainer.
Once treatment is complete, a retainer holds the result. Teeth that have just been moved will move back if nothing is holding them.
Most children finish in 6 to 18 months.
The exact length depends on how much movement is needed and on how consistently the aligners are worn.
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Whether your child will actually wear them.
Aligners only work while they are in. That makes candidacy as much about the child as about the teeth, and it is the honest half of the consultation.
What we look at before recommending it.
- Whether the misalignment is mild to moderate, which is the range aligners treat well.
- Whether your child is responsible enough to keep them in for 20 to 22 hours and to put them back after eating.
- Whether a fixed appliance would be faster or more certain for this particular bite.
- What happens when one goes missing, because one will.
Is Invisalign safe for kids and teens?
Yes. Invisalign® is safe for kids and teens and is effective for treating many dental cases, including crowding, gaps, overbites, and underbites.
How is it different from traditional braces?
Invisalign® uses clear, smooth plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. They are nearly invisible, removable, and typically more comfortable.
Does it hurt?
Your child may feel mild pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, but this discomfort is typically minimal and far less than with traditional braces.
How do we clean the aligners?
Clean aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
Are there foods my child has to give up?
No! Because aligners are removable, your child can continue eating their favorite foods without restrictions.
What if an aligner is lost or broken?
Contact our office right away. We may advise moving to the next set or replacing the lost tray, depending on your child’s progress.
Does insurance cover it?
Many dental insurance plans-including Delta Dental, Cigna, and others-offer partial coverage for dental treatment, including Invisalign®. Our team can review your policy for you.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We provide flexible financing options and accept Alphaeon, Lending Club, and CareCredit to help make treatment affordable.
A patient review
Dr. Nguyen was fantastic with my twin boys. She was very patient and put them at ease. The location was also easy to find and so was scheduling their appointments.
Laraine Nebrida, patient review
The Invitation
Find out whether they are a candidate.
Give your child the gift of a confident, aligned smile with Invisalign at Mason Park Dental for Kids in Katy, TX. The consultation is where we tell you whether it is the right tool.
- Hours
- Mon and Wed 9am to 6pm
Tue and Thu 8am to 5pm
Fri to Sun Closed
