McAllen Orthodontics, Invisalign and Braces - Dr. David Taylor

A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

Call: 956-621-7907

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Why Do Braces Take So Long?

Whether you choose traditional braces or Invisalign, it will take some time to move your teeth and/or jaw into their correct position. Some patients are a little anxious about this. We want to give you the reasons why it takes time to get that beautiful smile!
 
First, let’s discuss exactly how braces work. Your teeth connect to your jawbone. Repositioning the teeth involves some bone remodeling. Regardless of the type of braces you are wearing, the concept of straightening the teeth is the same.

 

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Traditional Braces

With traditional or ceramic braces, brackets are cemented to your teeth. These are “fixed” braces. Wires attach to the brackets which creates a gentle pressure to slowly move your teeth. New bone tissue has to form around the teeth in their new position.
 
You will have regular maintenance appointments. The doctor will adjust your wires to move your teeth a little bit more at a time. New tissue has to form around the teeth to hold them into place. Without the new tissue that forms around the teeth, they could actually become loose and fall out!

Invisalign

Invisalign is a different method of straightening teeth. However, the underlying process is the same. Invisalign is not a “fixed” type of braces. There are no brackets glued to your teeth and no arch wires to be tightened. Invisalign works by using a series of clear, plastic trays that mold to your teeth exactly.
 
There are “bumps” attached to a few teeth. These bumps are tooth-colored so they are not noticable. They provide grip for the aligners to stay in their fixed position. These aligners are removable for drinking and eating and dental hygiene. You should wear them for 22 hours per day in order for your teeth to move according to plan. A study by the National Institute of Health concluded that Invisalign moves teeth quicker.
 
Usually, you’re required to come into the office to have your wires tightened. With Invisalign, we give you you aseries of clear aligners at the beginning of your treatment. Dr. Taylor will advise you on when to change them out. Your first set of aligners will begin to shift your teeth ever so slightly. Your second aligner will to continue move the teeth. This process goes on throughout the duration of your treatment. Depending on the severity of your case, braces can take between 1 and 3 years with the average around 22-months.

The Process of Moving Teeth is the Same

It takes about a year for your bone to completely solidify though some may begin to notice their teeth moving much faster. However, you will still need to continue to wear your braces or your Invisalign trays longer so that the bone around your teeth is able to solidify properly. Otherwise, if braces or aligners are removed too soon, they could easily start to move back into their prior position.

After your braces are removed, or you are no longer using Invisalign to move the teeth, you will be required to wear a retainer so as to keep your teeth in their proper position. Dr. Taylor can give you specific instructions on how long to expect to wear your retainer, based on your individual case. And in the end, it will be completely worth it when you see your dazzling and beautiful smile!

Come in For a Free, No-obligation Consultation!

We do all we can to make it possible to receive high-quality treatment with in-house, interest-free financing, with low monthly payments while offering quality care with excellent results. We believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining a healthy, beautiful smile. And we understand that people have different needs in meeting their financial obligations, so we provide several payment options. We will go over these with you at the time of your consultation.

We will do a complete exam to include digital x-rays and go over every possible option to ensure you are well-informed of how we can help you create your perfect smile! There is no charge for the initial consultation, and we will take the time to explain the process and answer all of your questions. Let us show you how to get a fabulous smile!

We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and strive to make each and every patient feel welcome!

Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below now!

Contact Us

We are always happy to hear from you. If you have a question or would like a no-charge consultation, jet send us your information and one of our highly trained orthodontic staff will be in touch with you!

 

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1400 E Expressway 83, #155, McAllen, TX 78503.
Phone: 956-621-7907
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