Invisalign has changed what orthodontic treatment looks and feels like.
At Legacy Dentistry in Midlothian, TX, Dr. Nguyen uses Invisalign clear aligners to straighten teeth discreetly, comfortably, and efficiently, without the brackets, wires, and dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces.
Whether you’re a teen preparing for adulthood or an adult ready to finally address your alignment, Invisalign offers a modern solution that fits seamlessly into your life.
How Invisalign® Works
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their correct positions. Each aligner is worn for approximately one to two weeks before advancing to the next in the series, moving your teeth incrementally toward the final result.
The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss without any restrictions or modifications to your routine. They’re virtually invisible when worn, making them an ideal option for patients who want effective orthodontic treatment without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces.
Custom Digital Treatment Planning
One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign is the precision of digital treatment planning. Dr. Nguyen uses our 3D intraoral scanner to capture detailed digital impressions of your teeth, eliminating the need for traditional goopy impressions entirely.
These scans are used to create a precise digital model of your mouth and map out the exact movements your teeth will make throughout treatment. You’ll be able to see a virtual preview of your final result before your first aligner is ever made, giving you a clear picture of where treatment is headed and what your smile will look like when it’s complete.
Comfort & Convenience You’ll Appreciate
Invisalign aligners are designed with your daily life in mind.
Key advantages include:
- Virtually invisible appearance during wear
- Smooth, comfortable plastic with no brackets or wires to irritate soft tissue
- Removable for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
- No food restrictions since aligners come out at mealtimes
- Fewer office visits required compared to traditional braces
- Easy to maintain oral hygiene throughout treatment
- No emergency appointments for broken brackets or poking wires
Most patients adapt to wearing their aligners within a day or two and quickly forget they have them in.
Treatment Timeline & Expectations
Invisalign treatment timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.
For mild to moderate cases, treatment typically ranges from six to 18 months. More complex cases may take longer. The most important factor in keeping treatment on track is wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Removing them too frequently or for extended periods slows progress and extends your timeline.
Dr. Nguyen will provide a realistic treatment estimate during your consultation based on your specific tooth positions and movement requirements. Regular checkups throughout treatment allow us to monitor progress and make any necessary refinements along the way.
Invisalign® For Teens & Adults
Invisalign is effective for a wide range of patients at different stages of life.
For Teens
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed with features that accommodate the unique needs of younger patients, including compliance indicators that show how consistently aligners are being worn and replacement aligners for those that are lost or damaged. Teens who are responsible with their aligners achieve results comparable to traditional braces with far greater comfort and discretion.
For Adults
Invisalign has become the preferred orthodontic option for adults who want to improve their alignment without the appearance of metal braces. Whether you’re correcting a relapse from previous orthodontic treatment or addressing alignment issues for the first time, Invisalign fits naturally into professional and social environments.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene During Treatment
One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is how easy it is to maintain your oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Because the aligners are removable, you brush and floss exactly as you normally would. There are no brackets to clean around, no wires to thread under, and no food restrictions to navigate.
To keep your aligners and your teeth in top condition:
- Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting your aligners
- Rinse your aligners with cool water when you remove them
- Clean aligners with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing aligners
- Store aligners in their case when not in use to avoid loss or damage
Good hygiene habits during treatment protect both your teeth and your aligners throughout the process.
Retainers & Long-Term Results
Completing your Invisalign treatment is a significant achievement, but maintaining those results requires consistent retainer wear afterward.
Teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions after orthodontic treatment without retention. Dr. Nguyen will provide custom retainers and clear instructions for their use to protect your investment long-term.
Most patients wear retainers full-time initially before transitioning to nighttime wear. Many benefit from wearing retainers at night indefinitely to preserve their alignment permanently.
Invisalign® FAQs
Does Wearing Invisalign® Aligners Hurt?
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners are crafted out of a single piece of smooth, biocompatible plastic. Without any sharp metal wires and brackets, Invisalign offers a much more comfortable straightening process than other options. However, you’ll likely feel a little bit of soreness when you begin to wear a new set of aligners. Thankfully, any dental discomfort you experience should be short-lived and easily managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers.
How Long Do I Need To Wear My Aligners Every Day?
While the removable nature of Invisalign aligners is one of its most popular benefits, it’s also one of its largest responsibilities. It’s up to you to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. This should give you plenty of time to remove them for brushing, flossing, eating, drinking, and certain hobbies. If you don’t wear them enough every day, however, your teeth may begin to shift back out of place. Not only will this make wearing your aligners more uncomfortable, but it can also increase the cost and length of your entire treatment.
What Foods Can I Eat During My Invisalign® Treatment?
When undergoing Invisalign treatment, you don’t have to adhere to a specific diet or avoid certain foods! All you have to do is remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything (besides water). Then, once you’ve finished your meal or snack, give your teeth a quick brush before popping your aligners back in. This removes any lingering particles that could stain your aligners or cause cavities. Remember, when you’re not wearing your aligners, you should keep them in their protective case. If they’re left out or wrapped up in a napkin, they could easily get left behind, thrown out, or become a toy for nearby children or pets!
Will Wearing Invisalign® Aligners Change How I Talk?
Since your aligners will be covering key areas of your mouth that are used to create certain sounds, many patients will develop a slight lisp at the beginning of their treatment. Not to worry—this slight change in speaking pattern should quickly dissipate on its own as your tongue adjusts to the presence of your aligners. While it should fade within a few weeks, you can help speed up the process by speaking aloud and repeating words like “sixty” and “Mississippi.”
Can I Get Invisalign® If I’ve Had Metal Braces Before?
Traditional orthodontics are a reliable way to achieve a straighter smile, but their results may not last if you neglect to wear your retainer. If you had metal braces in the past and find that your teeth are crooked again, Invisalign may be able to help. Since every case is unique, your Midlothian dentist will first carefully inspect your teeth, bite, and jaw to ensure that Invisalign is the best way to achieve the results you want.
Start Your Invisalign® Journey
At Legacy Dentistry, Invisalign treatment combines advanced digital planning with personalized, attentive care to deliver straight, healthy smiles for teens and adults alike. Dr. Nguyen and our team are here to guide you through every step with transparency and expertise.
Call our Midlothian, TX office or book online to schedule your Invisalign consultation. We’ll scan your teeth, show you your digital preview, and create a plan that gives you the confident, straight smile you deserve.