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Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
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What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of custom made clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. No brackets, no wires, nothing cemented to your teeth. You remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. At Grand Mission, Dr. William Sung has completed hundreds of cases and designs every treatment plan in house using 3D digital scanning that generates a simulation of your final result before you commit to anything.
Our doctors, including Dr. Tam Nguyen, who recommends Invisalign for patients seeking a discreet way to straighten their smile, will guide you through every step of the process.
What Invisalign Can Fix
Invisalign treats a wide range of orthodontic issues in both teens and adults. Here is what Dr. Sung commonly corrects with clear aligner treatment at Grand Mission.
| Condition | Description | Invisalign Effective? |
|---|---|---|
| Crowded Teeth | Teeth overlapping or bunched together | ✅ Yes |
| Gaps Between Teeth | Spaces between one or more teeth | ✅ Yes |
| Overbite | Upper teeth bite too far over lower teeth | ✅ Yes |
| Underbite | Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth | ⚠️ Yes, mild to moderate |
| Crossbite | Upper and lower teeth misaligned side to side | ✅ Yes |
| Open Bite | Upper and lower front teeth do not meet | ⚠️ Yes, mild to moderate |
| Severe Skeletal Issues | Significant jaw discrepancy | ❌ May require alternatives |
What Waiting to Straighten Your Teeth Is Actually Costing You
Crooked teeth are rarely just a cosmetic issue. The consequences compound over time.
Health Risk Sources
- Nagelberg RH. "The danger behind crooked teeth." DentistryIQ. https://www.dentistryiq.com/personal-wellness/article/14276546/the-danger-behind-crooked-teeth
- Numazaki K, Tamahara T, Komiyama T, et al. "Association of anterior crossbite and open bite with the number of remaining teeth: A cross-sectional study from the Tohoku medical megabank cohort." Clinical Oral Investigations vol. 30 (2026): 43. doi:10.1007/s00784-025-06715-5. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00784-025-06715-5
- Sonnenschein SK, et al. "The impact of malocclusion on tooth loss over a 20-year period: Findings from the Population-Based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)." Journal of Dentistry (2024). doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105317. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571224006729
- Iglesias-Linares A, et al. "Age-related alveolar bone maladaptation in adult orthodontics: finding new ways out." International Journal of Oral Science vol. 16 (2024): 42. doi:10.1038/s41368-024-00319-7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41368-024-00319-7
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
Both systems straighten teeth. Here is how they compare across the factors that matter most to most patients.
| Feature | Invisalign  | Traditional Braces  |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | ✅ Nearly invisible | ❌ Metal brackets and wires |
| Removability | ✅ Fully removable | ❌ Fixed for entire treatment |
| Eating | ✅ No restrictions | ❌ Many foods to avoid |
| Oral Hygiene | ✅ Brush and floss normally | ❌ Requires special tools |
| Comfort | ✅ Smooth plastic, no sharp edges | ⚠️ Wires can irritate tissue |
| Office Visits | ✅ Every 6 to 8 weeks | ✅ Every 4 to 6 weeks for tightening |
| Treatment Time | ✅ 6 to 18 months average | ❌ 18 months to 3 years average |
| Adults and Teens | ✅ Ideal for both | ✅ Common for teens, less popular with adults |
| Cost | ✅ Comparable, often insurance covered | ✅ Comparable, insurance varies |
Before and After · Grand Mission Invisalign
Real Grand Mission Invisalign Results
Real patients from Richmond, TX who completed Invisalign treatment with Dr. William Sung. Cases include crowding correction, gap closure, and bite improvement. Individual results may vary.
Before
After
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Are You a Candidate for Invisalign?
Both systems straighten teeth. Here is how they compare across the factors that matter most to most patients.
✅ Good candidates typically have:
Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues
Healthy gums and bone, or issues that can be resolved before starting
The discipline to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day
❌ Invisalign may not be the right fit if:
You have severe skeletal jaw discrepancies requiring surgical correction
Consistent aligner wear is not realistic for your lifestyle
Active gum disease or significant bone loss is present and untreated
How Invisalign Works at Grand Mission
Free Consultation with Dr. Sung
Dr. Sung evaluates your teeth, discusses your goals, and determines whether Invisalign is the right approach for your case. No commitment required.
3D Digital Scan
We take a precise digital scan of your teeth using advanced imaging technology. No messy impressions. The scan takes minutes and creates an accurate model of your entire bite.
Your Custom Treatment Plan
Dr. Sung designs your aligner series based on the scan. You see a digital simulation of how your teeth will move at each stage and what your final result will look like before you commit to anything.
Wear Your Aligners
Each set of aligners is worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and changed every one to two weeks. You pick up multiple sets at once so office visits are minimal.
Check-Ins Every 6 to 8 Weeks
Dr. Sung monitors your progress at regular intervals to make sure everything is tracking as planned and make any adjustments needed.
Retainers to Protect Your Results
Once treatment is complete, a custom retainer keeps your teeth in their new position. Worn full time for the first six months, then nights only long term.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Texas?
Most PPO plans cover $1,000 to $3,000 toward Invisalign. HSA and FSA accepted. Monthly financing available through Cherry at 0% APR, CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Lending Club. Most patients pay between $150 and $250 per month.
| Case Type | Estimated Cost | With $1,000 Grand Mission Special |
|---|---|---|
| Minor cases (Invisalign Lite) | $2,500 to $4,000 | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Standard full treatment | $4,000 to $6,000 | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Complex cases | $6,000 to $8,000+ | $5,000 to $7,000+ |
why patients choose grand mission dentistry for Invisalign
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See Your New Smile Before You Commit
Our 3D digital scanning and smile simulation technology shows you exactly how your teeth will move and what your final result will look like before you commit to treatment. No guessing. No surprises.
$1,000 Off Invisalign Treatment
Grand Mission currently offers $1,000 off Invisalign for qualified patients. Combined with insurance coverage and flexible financing, this is the most affordable access to Invisalign in Richmond TX.
Everything Under One Roof
If your Invisalign evaluation reveals that gum disease, cavities, or bone issues need to be addressed first, we handle that here too. No referrals. No starting over with a new provider. One practice, complete care.
Dr. William Sung DMD
Dr. Tam Nguyen DMD
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Dr. Van Nguyen DDS
Flexible Financing for Every Budget
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans and welcome HSA and FSA payments. For costs beyond coverage, flexible financing through Cherry offers 0% APR options for qualified patients, making it easy to break treatment into manageable monthly payments.
New Patient Special!
Starting at
$189
get
Comprehensive exam
X-Rays
Cleaning
Full Treatment Plan
(Cannot be combined with insurance, new patients only, not valid in cases of periodontal disease.)
Invisalign Deal!
Special Price
$3,799
get
Initial Consult
Data collection (photos, impression/scans, x-rays)
Initial set of aligners and any refinement/correction aligners
Set of regular retainer
Kor Whitening Gel
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FREE Second Opinion
Special Price
FREE
get
No cost, no pressure — get an honest evaluation without feeling rushed or sold to
Clear answers you can trust — we review your diagnosis, options, and next steps
Confidence before treatment — make informed decisions about your dental health
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How long does Invisalign take?
Treatment time varies based on your specific case, but most patients complete Invisalign in 12-18 months. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of your teeth misalignment. Learn more about how long Invisalign takes to correct teeth misalignment and what factors affect your treatment duration.
Does Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild pressure for a day or two when switching to a new set of aligners. This is normal and means your teeth are moving as planned. It is significantly less discomfort than the wire tightening adjustments required with traditional braces.
Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?
Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food and drinks can stain the aligners and trap bacteria against your teeth. Put them back in immediately after.
How many hours per day do I need to wear them?
20 to 22 hours per day minimum. The only time they should be out is when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule.
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Many PPO dental plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover traditional braces, typically between $1,000 and $3,000 toward treatment. Our team checks your specific benefits before your consultation so you know exactly what is covered.
Can I do Invisalign if I have had braces before?
Yes. Many adult patients use Invisalign to correct minor relapse after previous orthodontic treatment. Dr. Sung evaluates whether your case is appropriate for clear aligners or whether another approach is needed.
What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
Contact us immediately. We will advise whether to wear the previous set or move to the next set while a replacement is made. Consistent wear is critical to staying on track so do not wait.
What foods should I avoid during Invisalign treatment?
While you remove your aligners to eat, certain foods can stain them or damage your teeth during treatment. Discover what foods adults with Invisalign should avoid to maintain optimal oral health.
How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?
Proper cleaning prevents bacteria buildup, staining, and odor. Rinse your aligners every time you remove them and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. Get all the details in our Invisalign cleaning and hygiene guide for maintaining fresh, clear aligners.
Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth?
Yes. Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate crowding. The aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure to gradually shift teeth into position. Dr. William Sung shares his approach to overcoming crowded teeth with Invisalign, and Dr. Van Nguyen explains how aligners work for mildly crowded teeth.
Related Services
What Comes Before and After Invisalign
Teeth Whitening
Most Invisalign patients whiten at the end of treatment for a complete transformation. KoR whitening available at Grand Mission
Learn More about Teeth Whitening
Dental Bonding
Minor chips or shape irregularities after alignment are often finished with bonding for a complete cosmetic result.
Learn More about Dental Bonding
Smile Makeover
Invisalign is often one part of a broader plan combining alignment, whitening, veneers, or bonding into a single comprehensive result.
Learn More about Smile Makeover
Your confident smile
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