A beautiful smile is often the first thing that comes to mind when considering straighter teeth, but the benefits go beyond appearance. Proper dental alignment can support your oral health by reducing your risk of dental disease, decreasing uneven wear, and improving your bite.
Traditional metal braces are the best option for many people, but Invisalign clear aligners may be a better fit if you want a more convenient, discreet, and comfortable way to straighten your smile.
Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners that are custom-made to gradually move your teeth into the right position. Each set of aligners is designed to be worn for about two weeks. Then you’ll put on the next set. For the best results, you’ll need to wear your aligners consistently and only remove them to eat, brush, and floss.
Invisalign vs. Braces
The benefits of Invisalign are obvious when you compare aligners to braces. Some of the main advantages of Invisalign include:
- Invisible and discreet –The aligners, also called clear braces, are virtually invisible! This means you can straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious about your appearance.
- Comfortable wear – Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth. The smooth plastic material eliminates the discomfort and irritation often associated with metal brackets and wires.
- Removability – You can easily take out your aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Being able to remove the aligners makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene and enjoy food without restrictions.
- Fewer visits to the dentist – Invisalign usually requires fewer dental appointments than traditional braces. Instead of coming in often for wire adjustments, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, as directed by your dentist.
At Lamar Dental, we use advanced 3D computer imaging to map out a treatment plan for your smile and estimate how many trays may be needed. This same technology allows you to preview the projected outcome before treatment begins, giving you more confidence and peace of mind throughout the process.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can be a great choice for teens and adults who want to fix:
- Gaps
- Crowding
- Mild overbites
- Mild underbites
- Protruding or crooked teeth
- And more
If you’re a candidate for traditional metal braces, you may also be a good candidate for Invisalign. The best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a professional evaluation with your dentist.
How Does It Work?
The Invisalign process starts with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, our team will evaluate your dental alignment, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if Invisalign is right for you.
If you move forward with Invisalign, your dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth. These scans show your current tooth alignment and help us create your custom aligners.
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll wear each set as directed and switch to the next set every couple of weeks, based on your treatment plan. You’ll also come in for follow-up visits so your dentist can check your progress.
Our staff will explain how to care for your aligners, when to switch to a new set, and what to expect throughout treatment.
At the end of treatment, you’ll receive retainers to wear at night. They are designed to keep your teeth from shifting back into their old positions.
Why Professional Invisalign Treatment Matters
Invisalign involves more than simply wearing aligners. Before starting treatment, your dentist will complete an oral health evaluation.
This step matters because cavities, gum disease, worn teeth, or bite problems may need attention before treatment begins. If your teeth don’t respond as expected, your dentist can adjust your treatment plan before small concerns become bigger issues.
There is a major difference between professionally supervised Invisalign treatment and mail-order aligners. Mail-order options may seem convenient, but they don’t provide the same in-person care, dental oversight, or ongoing support. At Lamar Dental, our goal is to help you achieve a straighter smile while protecting your long-term oral health.
A straighter smile can also be a good starting point if you’re considering whitening, bonding, veneers, or other cosmetic dental treatments later.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Invisalign treatment time varies by patient. Some people only need minor tooth movement, while others need more time to correct crowding, gaps, or bite issues.
To get the best results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything besides water, brushing, and flossing. Wearing your aligners as directed is one of the most important ways to stay on schedule.
Most patients notice gradual improvements throughout treatment. Follow-up appointments allow your dentist to monitor your progress, make sure your aligners fit properly, and adjust your plan if needed. Receiving Invisalign treatment and follow-up care from a local Hattiesburg dental office also makes it easier to access support.
Meet Your Hattiesburg Invisalign Provider, Dr. Leah Dunn
Meet Dr. Leah Dunn, the owner and lead dentist at Lamar Dental. Dr. Dunn earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and is proud to serve patients throughout Hattiesburg, Lamar County, and Forrest County.
Dr. Dunn takes a personalized approach to Invisalign treatment and smile planning. She works with each patient to understand their goals, evaluate their oral health, and create a treatment plan that fits their smile, lifestyle, and long-term dental needs. Her goal is to help patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles.
As a locally owned, independent dental practice, Lamar Dental gives patients individualized attention and ongoing support throughout treatment.
Visit our Meet Our Team page to learn more about Dr. Dunn and Lamar Dental.
Transform Your Smile With Lamar Dental
At Lamar Dental, our team takes the time to understand your smile, your concerns, and your treatment goals. We’ll also walk you through our services and your payment options, including dental plans without insurance.
If you’re ready to get started with Invisalign in Hattiesburg, MS, book an appointment online today. We look forward to hearing from you!
Invisalign FAQs in Hattiesburg
How much does Invisalign cost in Hattiesburg, MS?
The cost of Invisalign depends on your case and the number of aligners you need. During your consultation, Lamar Dental will provide a personalized treatment plan with transparent pricing. We also offer CareCredit and a membership plan to make treatment more affordable.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Many Invisalign treatments take 6 to 18 months, but your timeline depends on the complexity of your case, the amount of tooth movement needed, and how consistently you wear your aligners.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most patients feel mild pressure or soreness when starting treatment or switching aligners. This is usually temporary and means your teeth are moving.
How many hours per day should I wear Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. You should only remove them for eating, drinking (anything besides water), brushing, and flossing.
Does insurance cover Invisalign treatment in Hattiesburg, MS?
Many dental insurance plans offer orthodontic benefits. Our team can review your insurance benefits and explain your options. View accepted dental insurance providers here.
If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry. Lamar Dental offers a membership plan designed to make quality dental care more accessible.
Click here to learn more: “Why Choose Our Membership Plan?”