Invisalign® clear aligners offer a discreet, removable way to straighten your teeth without traditional braces. At VV Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Saritha Chary-Reddy, provides Invisalign treatment in North San Antonio, Texas, for teens and adults with a range of orthodontic needs.
With more than 21 years of orthodontic experience and more than 5,000 Invisalign cases completed, Dr. Reddy personally oversees your treatment planning and progress. Rather than assuming clear aligners are right for everyone, our orthodontist evaluates your teeth, bite, facial balance, treatment goals and the complexity of the movements needed before recommending Invisalign or another orthodontic option.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom clear aligners to gradually move your teeth toward their planned positions. Each set of aligners is designed as part of a digital treatment plan, and you progress through the series as directed by our orthodontic team.
Because the aligners are removable and transparent, they can provide a less noticeable alternative to traditional braces. You can remove them for meals and oral hygiene, but they still need to be worn consistently according to your treatment instructions for your teeth to move as planned.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign may be appropriate for a variety of tooth-alignment and bite concerns. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment complexity, clear aligners may be used to address:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or excessive spacing
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Certain overbites
- Certain underbites
- Certain crossbites
- Some open bites
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
- Selected more complex orthodontic problems
The fact that clear aligners can treat many orthodontic concerns does not mean they are the best choice for every smile. Some cases may be treated more predictably with braces, another clear aligner system or a combination of orthodontic techniques, and your treatment recommendation should reflect what is clinically appropriate for you.
Why Choose Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Many people consider Invisalign because they want orthodontic treatment that fits more easily into their daily routine. The aligners are clear and removable, which can make treatment less noticeable while allowing you to continue eating your usual foods without brackets and wires.
Potential benefits include:
- Discreet appearance: The clear aligners are designed to be less noticeable when worn.
- Removable treatment: You can take your aligners out for eating, brushing and flossing.
- No food restrictions from brackets or wires: Because the aligners are removed during meals, you do not have the same food limitations associated with fixed braces.
- Digital treatment planning: Your tooth movements are planned digitally before and during treatment.
- Personalized orthodontic oversight: Your treatment is evaluated and monitored by our orthodontist, rather than relying on an aligner system alone.
Invisalign still requires commitment. Because the aligners are removable, you are responsible for wearing them consistently and following the instructions our team provides.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Your Invisalign treatment begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. We review your tooth alignment, bite, jaw relationships and treatment goals to determine whether clear aligners are an appropriate option for you.
If Invisalign is recommended, a digital scan is used to capture the position of your teeth and support creation of your treatment plan. Your aligners are then produced as a sequence of trays designed to guide your teeth through planned movements over time.
You will change aligners according to the schedule provided for your treatment and return for regular orthodontic visits. These appointments allow our orthodontist to evaluate how your teeth are responding, compare your progress with the treatment plan and make adjustments when necessary.
Invisalign for Teens
Clear aligners can be an option for teenagers who want a less noticeable alternative to braces and are prepared to wear their aligners consistently. Your teen’s treatment recommendation depends on tooth development, bite complexity, the movements required and the ability to follow the prescribed wear schedule.
Our practice provides dedicated Invisalign Teen treatment for appropriate candidates. For younger children whose teeth or jaws are still developing, early orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate depending on the concern.
Invisalign for Adults
Adults often choose Invisalign because clear aligners can fit more discreetly into professional and social settings. You do not need to have perfectly straightforward orthodontic needs to be considered for aligner treatment, but your gums, supporting tissues, bite and required tooth movements all need to be evaluated before treatment begins.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment later in life, learn more about Invisalign for adults. Depending on your diagnosis, braces or another orthodontic approach may also be discussed so you can understand the advantages and limitations of each option.
Invisalign vs. In-Office Clear Aligners
Invisalign is not the only clear aligner option available at VV Orthodontics. We also provide VK In-Office Clear Aligners, which are digitally planned and fabricated within our practice for selected cases.
Both systems use removable clear trays, but the workflows differ. Invisalign aligners are produced through the Invisalign system, while VK aligners allow selected treatment plans to be designed and fabricated using our in-office digital technology and 3D-printing capabilities.
Because our office provides more than one clear aligner option as well as braces, your recommendation does not have to be based on a single treatment system. We can compare the options with you and explain which approach may be better suited to your orthodontic needs.
Experience Matters With Clear Aligner Treatment
Clear aligner treatment involves more than receiving a series of trays. The aligners are tools used to carry out an orthodontic treatment plan, so diagnosis, movement planning and ongoing clinical oversight remain important throughout your care.
Dr. Reddy has completed more than 5,000 Invisalign cases and more than 15,000 orthodontic cases overall. As the sole orthodontist at VV Orthodontics, she personally oversees treatment planning while our team uses digital imaging, intraoral scanning and digital treatment-planning technology to support your care.
This experience is especially valuable when your treatment involves more than simple tooth alignment. Bite relationships, facial balance and the sequence of tooth movements all need to be considered when developing an effective plan.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies because treatment is customized to your individual needs. Factors such as the complexity of your orthodontic problem, the amount of movement required and the overall treatment plan can affect your cost.
Rather than quoting a universal price that may not apply to your case, we can provide a more individualized estimate after your orthodontic evaluation. Visit our Invisalign costs page for more information about the factors that can affect treatment expenses.
What Happens After Invisalign Treatment?
Once your active Invisalign treatment is complete, retainers help protect your new tooth positions. Teeth can continue to shift over time, so long-term retention is an important part of maintaining your orthodontic results.
Our office provides retainers and replacement retainers, including for patients who completed treatment elsewhere. Dr. Reddy recommends lifelong retention, with your specific wear schedule based on your treatment and current stability.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation in North San Antonio, TX
If you are considering Invisalign in North San Antonio, Texas, an orthodontic evaluation can help you determine whether clear aligners are the right fit for your smile. We can compare Invisalign with braces and other clear aligner options, explain what your treatment may involve and answer questions about your individual goals.
Call VV Orthodontics at 830-266-9555 or contact our office to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses a series of custom clear aligners to gradually move your teeth according to a digitally planned sequence. You change aligners as directed and return for regular visits so our orthodontist can monitor your progress and make changes to your treatment when necessary.
How many hours a day do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?
Your specific wear instructions will be provided as part of your treatment plan. Because the aligners only work while they are being worn, consistent use is important, and you should follow the schedule our orthodontic team gives you rather than changing it on your own.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite or other bite problems?
Invisalign can be used for certain bite concerns, but whether it is appropriate depends on the cause and severity of your problem. Your evaluation allows us to determine whether clear aligners can predictably accomplish the movements you need or whether another orthodontic approach would be more appropriate.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Neither treatment is automatically better for everyone. Invisalign offers removable, discreet treatment, while braces provide fixed appliances and may be preferable for some types of tooth movement or more complex cases. Our orthodontist can compare both options based on your diagnosis and goals.
Can teenagers get Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign may be appropriate for teens who are good candidates for clear aligner treatment and can follow the prescribed wear schedule. Our Invisalign Teen page provides more information about treatment for younger patients.
Can adults get Invisalign?
Yes. Adults can be treated with Invisalign when their teeth, gums and orthodontic needs make clear aligners an appropriate option. Age alone does not determine candidacy, and many adults choose aligners because they prefer a more discreet treatment approach.
How much does Invisalign cost in North San Antonio, TX?
Cost varies based on your individual treatment needs and complexity, so there is not one price that applies to every case. After your evaluation, our team can explain your recommended treatment and associated costs. You can also review our Invisalign cost information before your consultation.
What happens if I forget to wear my aligners?
Because Invisalign depends on consistent wear, not wearing your aligners as directed can interfere with planned tooth movement and may affect your treatment progress. If you have missed wear time or your aligners no longer fit properly, contact our office so we can advise you on the appropriate next step.
Do I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes. Retention helps maintain the tooth positions achieved during treatment. We recommend long-term retention and will provide instructions based on your specific orthodontic needs.
Where can I find more answers about Invisalign treatment?
For additional information about wear, care, treatment expectations and other common questions, visit our Invisalign FAQ.
Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.