4550 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 107, McKinney, TX
The Clear Path to a Straighter Smile
The idea of straightening teeth used to come with a set of compromises most adults were not willing to make. Metal brackets, dietary restrictions, a conspicuous appliance visible in every conversation and photograph for a year or more. Invisalign changed that equation, and it continues to be the reason millions of patients worldwide finally follow through on orthodontic treatment they had been putting off for years.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-fabricated, removable clear aligners to move the teeth gradually into their correct positions. Each aligner is worn for approximately one to two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, with each new aligner reflecting the incremental progress of the treatment plan. The aligners are smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible and because they come out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, they impose none of the lifestyle restrictions that come with fixed braces.
If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth and have been waiting for the right option, this may be it.
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How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign treatment begins with a detailed digital scan of the teeth, which is used to create a precise 3D model of the current tooth positions. Our team uses this model to map out a customized treatment plan, a carefully sequenced series of tooth movements designed to achieve the desired final result efficiently and predictably.
That treatment plan is used to fabricate a full series of custom clear aligners, each one representing a specific stage of tooth movement. The aligners are made from a proprietary thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, which is designed to apply gentle, consistent force to the teeth while fitting closely and comfortably against the tooth surfaces.
Each aligner is worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and oral hygiene. After the prescribed wear time for each aligner, the patient moves to the next one in the series. Progress is monitored through periodic check-in appointments with our team, typically every six to eight weeks.
Over the course of treatment, the teeth move gradually and precisely toward the planned final positions. When the full series is complete, the teeth are in their corrected alignment and a retainer is provided to maintain the result.
What Can Invisalign® Treat
Invisalign has evolved significantly since its introduction and is now capable of treating a much broader range of orthodontic concerns than many patients realize. Our team evaluates each case individually to determine whether Invisalign is the most appropriate treatment option. Cases that Invisalign commonly addresses include:
Crowding
When there is insufficient space in the arch for all of the teeth to sit properly, they overlap, rotate, and push against each other. Invisalign creates space and guides crowded teeth into their correct positions over the course of treatment.
Spacing and Gaps
Gaps between teeth — whether a single prominent space or multiple smaller gaps distributed across the arch — can be closed effectively with Invisalign by gradually moving the adjacent teeth toward each other.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically to an excessive degree. Mild to moderate overbites can be corrected with Invisalign through planned movements that bring the bite into a healthier relationship.
Underbite
An underbite is present when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth closes. Invisalign can address mild to moderate underbites depending on the underlying cause and the degree of discrepancy.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them when biting. Left uncorrected, crossbites can cause uneven wear, gum recession, and bone loss in the affected areas
Open Bite
An open bite is a condition where the upper and lower front teeth do not make contact when the back teeth are closed together. Invisalign can correct open bites by guiding the front teeth into proper contact with each other.
What to Expect During Invisalign® Treatment
The Invisalign process at West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics is straightforward from start to finish. Here is exactly what each stage involves:
01.
Consultation and Clinical Evaluation
Our team conducts a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation including a clinical exam, X-rays, and photographs to assess the current position of the teeth, the relationship of the bite, and the overall health of the supporting structures. We discuss your orthodontic concerns, your goals, and your lifestyle to confirm whether Invisalign is the most appropriate treatment. If it is, we outline what the process will look like and what the expected timeline and investment are before moving forward.
02.
Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning
A digital scan of your teeth is taken using an intraoral scanner, a comfortable, non-invasive process that replaces traditional impression trays with a precise 3D image of the dentition. This scan is uploaded to the Invisalign system, where our team uses specialized software to design the full treatment plan, mapping out the sequence of movements that will guide the teeth from their current positions to the planned final result. Patients can preview the expected outcome digitally before treatment begins.
03.
Aligner Fabrication
The completed treatment plan is submitted to the Invisalign laboratory, where the full series of custom aligners is fabricated. The fabrication process typically takes two to four weeks, after which the aligners are delivered to our office.
04.
Progressing Through the Series
At the delivery appointment, the first set of aligners is seated and our team confirms the fit and comfort. Wear instructions are reviewed in detail, 20 to 22 hours per day, removed for eating and drinking anything other than water, cleaned regularly to maintain clarity and hygiene. Patients leave this appointment with the first several sets of aligners and clear guidance on the treatment schedule.
05.
Progressing Through the Series
Aligners are changed on the prescribed schedule, most commonly every one to two weeks, and check-in appointments with our team are scheduled every six to eight weeks. At each visit, our team evaluates the progress of tooth movement against the treatment plan, confirms that the teeth are tracking as expected, and addresses any fit issues or concerns. Additional aligner sets are provided as treatment progresses.
06.
Retainers
When the final planned tooth positions are achieved, retainers are provided to hold the result. Just as with any orthodontic treatment, the teeth have a natural tendency to drift without retention. Invisalign retainers are typically clear, removable appliances similar in appearance to the aligners themselves. Our team provides clear guidance on retainer wear and schedules follow-up visits to monitor retention over time.
Invisalign® for Teens
Invisalign is not exclusively an adult treatment. Invisalign Teen is a version of the system specifically designed with the needs and habits of teenage patients in mind.
Key features of Invisalign Teen include compliance indicators — small blue dots on the aligners that fade with wear, allowing parents and our team to gauge whether the aligners are being worn for the recommended amount of time each day. Replacement aligners are also available for those inevitable moments when an aligner is lost or damaged.
Invisalign Teen is a popular option among high school and college-aged patients who want to straighten their teeth during years when appearance in social settings, sports, and activities matters greatly. The ability to remove the aligners for team photos, formal events, and athletic competition is a meaningful practical advantage for this age group.
Our team evaluates teenage patients individually to confirm that Invisalign Teen is clinically appropriate and that the patient is ready for the responsibility of consistent wear that the system requires.
Start Your Invisalign Journey Today
If you have been thinking about Invisalign, the best next step is a consultation with our team. We will evaluate your smile, walk you through whether Invisalign is the right fit for your clinical situation, and give you a clear picture of what treatment looks like from start to finish — including the timeline and investment. No pressure, no obligation.
New patients welcome. Invisalign consultations are a great starting point even if you are still weighing your options
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment duration varies widely depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of tooth movement required. Mild cases can be completed in as few as six months. Moderate cases typically take 12 to 18 months. More complex cases may take 18 to 24 months or longer. Our team provides an estimated timeline at the consultation based on the clinical evaluation and the treatment plan, and monitors progress closely throughout treatment.
Q. Is Invisalign painful?
Most patients experience some pressure and mild soreness for the first day or two after switching to a new aligner, as the teeth begin responding to the new force being applied. This is completely normal and typically resolves quickly. It is a different sensation from the soreness associated with traditional braces — most patients describe it as a feeling of tightness rather than sharp pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers manage any discomfort effectively if needed.
Q. Can Invisalign fix my bite?
Yes, in many cases. Invisalign can address a range of bite issues including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite, depending on the severity. Our team evaluates the bite alongside tooth alignment at the consultation and determines whether Invisalign can predictably correct the specific bite concern or whether a different approach would achieve a more reliable result.
Q. What if I lose an aligner?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in the series, we may advise moving to the next aligner, going back to the previous one, or ordering a replacement. Do not go without an aligner for extended periods, as the teeth will begin to drift from the last achieved position. Keeping the previous aligner as a backup until the new one is confirmed to fit well is a good habit throughout treatment.
Q. Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Most patients experience a very brief adjustment period — typically a few days — during which certain sounds may feel slightly different with the aligners in. The tongue adapts quickly, and most patients find that any speech impact resolves within the first week of wear. Speaking out loud while wearing the aligners at home in the first few days speeds up this adaptation noticeably.
Q. Can I drink coffee with Invisalign in?
No. Aligners should be removed before drinking anything other than plain water. Coffee stains the aligner material quickly, making it noticeably discolored and far more visible. It also pools a warm, acidic, pigmented liquid against the teeth for however long the aligner is worn — which is a significant cavity risk over the course of treatment. Remove aligners, drink your coffee, brush your teeth, and reinsert. It becomes a quick routine.
Q. Is Invisalign covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits will apply those benefits toward Invisalign just as they would toward traditional braces. The coverage amount varies by plan. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins and provides a clear breakdown of what your plan covers and what the out-of-pocket investment will be. Flexible financing options are also available for patients who need them.
Q. How often do I need to come in for appointments during Invisalign treatment?
Most patients visit our office every six to eight weeks for progress check-in appointments. These visits are shorter than traditional orthodontic adjustment appointments — typically 20 to 30 minutes — since there are no wires to change. Our team evaluates tracking, provides the next sets of aligners, and addresses any questions or concerns at each visit.
Q. What happens after Invisalign is complete?
Retainers are provided immediately following the completion of active treatment. The retainers hold the teeth in their corrected positions and prevent the natural tendency toward relapse. Most patients wear retainers full-time initially and transition to nighttime-only wear over time per our team's guidance. Retainer wear is a permanent commitment — the teeth will maintain their position as long as retainers are worn consistently.
Q. Am I too old for Invisalign?
No. Invisalign works on the same biological principles as any orthodontic treatment — applied force moves teeth through bone regardless of age. Adult patients are among the most common Invisalign patients, precisely because the discreet, removable nature of the aligners fits seamlessly into professional and social adult life. Our team has treated patients of a wide age range with Invisalign and tailors the treatment plan to the individual regardless of age.
Q. How is Invisalign different from other clear aligner brands?
Invisalign is the original and most established clear aligner system, backed by more than 25 years of clinical research and the largest patient outcome database in the industry. The SmartTrack aligner material, the precision of the digital treatment planning software, and the depth of the provider training program are all factors that distinguish Invisalign from newer or less established aligner brands. Our team chose to offer Invisalign specifically because of its clinical track record and the predictability of its results.