If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but don’t want the look or hassle of traditional metal braces, Invisalign may be exactly what you’re looking for. At Spring Branch Dental Care, Dr. Jairo Chavez is an Invisalign Preferred Provider — and with the right technology and experience, the process is more comfortable and efficient than most patients expect.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners custom-made to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before moving to the next set in the series. Because they’re made of smooth, BPA-free plastic and fit snugly over your teeth, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable — so you eat what you want, brush and floss normally, and take them out for photos or special occasions.
What Does “Preferred Provider” Mean?
Not every dentist who offers Invisalign has the same level of experience. The Preferred Provider designation is awarded by Invisalign to doctors who have completed a higher volume of cases and met specific training requirements.
For patients, this matters. A provider who has treated many Invisalign cases has encountered a wider range of clinical situations — crowding, spacing, bite issues — and is better equipped to manage your specific case and anticipate any challenges along the way.
iTero Digital Scanning — No Messy Impressions
One of the first steps in Invisalign treatment is taking a precise record of your teeth. At Spring Branch Dental Care, we use an iTero digital scanner instead of traditional putty impressions.
The iTero scanner captures a detailed 3D image of your teeth in minutes — no gagging, no waiting for molds to set. That scan is used to map out your entire treatment plan digitally, so Dr. Chavez can show you a simulation of how your teeth will move before you ever wear an aligner.
Propel: Faster Results With the Same Aligners
Spring Branch Dental Care is one of the few practices in the area that offers Propel as part of Invisalign treatment. Propel uses a technique called micro-osteoperforation — small, precisely placed stimulations to the bone — that accelerates the natural tooth-movement process.
The result is that many patients complete their Invisalign treatment significantly faster than the standard timeline, without changing the aligners themselves. For patients who want results on a shorter schedule, Propel is worth asking about at your consultation.
Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign works well for a wide range of cases, including:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Spacing between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite (in many cases)
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
Very complex bite issues or cases requiring significant tooth rotation may still be better suited to traditional braces. The only way to know for certain is a clinical evaluation — Dr. Chavez will review your iTero scan and let you know whether Invisalign is a good fit for your specific situation.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most Invisalign treatments run anywhere from six to eighteen months, depending on the complexity of the case. Here’s what the process typically looks like at Spring Branch Dental Care:
- Consultation and iTero scan — Dr. Chavez evaluates your teeth, takes a digital scan, and reviews your treatment simulation with you.
- Aligner fabrication — Your custom aligners are made based on the scan. This typically takes a couple of weeks.
- Fitting and instructions — You receive your first sets of aligners and a detailed walkthrough on how to wear and care for them.
- Progress check-ins — You’ll return periodically so Dr. Chavez can monitor your progress and provide the next sets of aligners.
- Retention — Once treatment is complete, retainers keep your teeth in their new positions.
For best results, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day — taking them out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Invisalign take?
Treatment length varies by case. Mild corrections may be complete in as little as six months; more involved cases can take up to eighteen months or longer. Dr. Chavez will give you a personalized estimate after reviewing your scan. If you’re interested in accelerating treatment, ask about Propel at your consultation.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
It depends on your case and your priorities. Invisalign is more discreet, more comfortable, and easier to clean around than traditional braces. For most adults with mild to moderate alignment concerns, it’s an excellent option. For complex cases, braces may still be the more predictable choice — Dr. Chavez will give you an honest assessment of what will work best for you.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients experience some pressure or mild discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners — this is normal and typically fades within a day or two. Invisalign is generally considered more comfortable than traditional braces because there are no wires or brackets to irritate the soft tissue inside your mouth.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the complexity and length of your treatment. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional orthodontics. Financing is available through CareCredit for patients who prefer to spread out the investment. Contact our office for specific information about your case.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’ve been considering Invisalign in Spring Branch or the surrounding area, Dr. Chavez and the team at Spring Branch Dental Care are here to help you find out if it’s right for you. Schedule a consultation and we’ll take an iTero scan, walk you through your treatment simulation, and answer any questions you have — no pressure, no commitment required.
Request a consultation online or call us at (830) 243-6821.
