Invisible Braces

Consider invisible braces if you have crowded teeth or an underbite and want to improve your smile’s appearance. At R&J Dental, a restorative dental clinic in San Antonio, Texas, general and family dentist Habib Rahemtulla, DDS, and the team prescribe invisible braces to teens and adults. SureSmile clear braces provide an aesthetically pleasing alternative to their metal counterparts. Call the office today to schedule an invisible braces consultation, or book your appointment online.

How are invisible braces different from metal braces?

Invisible braces are removable appliances that fit over your upper or lower teeth. You wear them for 20-22 hours daily, only removing them to eat, brush, or floss. 

Invisible braces work the same way as metal braces, but the treatment process is less invasive. Metal braces improve tooth or jaw alignment with brackets, metal archwires, and small rubber bands (o-rings). Conversely, SureSmile invisible braces are plastic and look like a mouthguard.

What types of alignment problems can invisible braces treat?

Dr. Rahemtulla and the team treat various alignment problems with invisible braces, including:

• Crowding
• Crooked teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Rotated teeth
• Spaces between the teeth
• Misaligned jaw

Invisible braces can treat more complex issues, including crossbite, underbite, and overbite.

What does invisible braces treatment involve?

At R&J Dental, invisible braces treatment begins with a complete oral exam.

Dr. Rahemtulla reviews your dental records and takes 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) X-rays, assessing the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Then, he completes an orthodontic exam and asks about your treatment aims.

If you qualify for treatment, Dr. Rahemtulla uses an intraoral camera to scan your mouth. He uploads the images to proprietary software developed by orthodontic experts. Dr. Rahemtulla uses the software to create a personalized treatment plan, mapping out your teeth and jaw movements.

After approving your treatment plan, Dr. Rahemtulla sends it to a SureSmile lab. The lab uses the designs to create invisible braces that fit perfectly.

When your invisible braces are ready, several weeks later, you return to R&J Dental. Dr. Rahemtulla has you try your SureSmile invisible braces on and makes adjustments. He also provides care instructions and schedules follow-up visits to monitor your treatment progress.

How long will I need to wear invisible braces?

Because everyone has different tooth and jaw alignment, it’s hard to make generalizations about treatment. Even so, most people achieve their desired results within 12-18 months. It takes up to two years for some patients, but this is the exception and not the rule.* 

Make sure to wear your invisible braces as prescribed and visit R&J Dental to routinely check your progress and receive new aligners.

Call R&J Dental today to explore the benefits of invisible braces, or book your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.