Braces & Invisalign in Houston
A straighter, healthier smile — two great ways to get there. SoftDental offers both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners for children and adults, planned with digital iTeroscanning. We'll help you choose the option that fits your smile, your life, and your goals.
Straight teeth are about more than looks — they're easier to clean, kinder to your gums, and they help your bite work the way it should. The good news is you have choices. At SoftDental, Dr. Nguyen offers both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners, and uses digital iTero scanning to plan your treatment and even preview your projected result before you begin.
Two ways to a straighter smile
Traditional braces
Small brackets and wires that gently guide your teeth into place. A proven, reliable choice — especially for more complex bite and alignment cases.
- Excellent for complex cases
- Works without daily effort on your part
- Metal or tooth-colored options
Invisalign clear aligners
A series of clear, removable trays that straighten teeth discreetly. Popular with adults and teens who'd rather not have visible braces.
- Nearly invisible
- Removable for eating and brushing
- Planned and previewed with iTero scanning
Braces vs. Invisalign — an honest comparison
Neither one is "better" — the right choice depends on your case and your lifestyle. Here's a straightforward side-by-side to help you think it through.
| Traditional braces | Invisalign clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible brackets (metal or clear) | Nearly invisible clear trays |
| Removable? | Fixed — stay on the whole time | Removable for meals and cleaning |
| Best for | Complex bite & alignment cases | Mild to moderate cases |
| Eating | A few foods to avoid | Take them out — eat anything |
| Cleaning | Brush & floss around brackets | Brush & floss as normal |
| Your part | Always working for you | Wear about 22 hours a day |
| Visits | Periodic adjustments | Periodic check-ins & new trays |
That's exactly what a consultation is for. Dr. Nguyen takes a digital iTero scan, looks at your bite, and gives you an honest recommendation — including which option will work best for your case and a preview of your projected result. There's no pressure, and the decision is always yours.
How treatment works
Consultation & digital scan
We take an iTero digital scan — no messy molds — and review your bite and goals together.
Your custom plan
We map out how your teeth will move and, for many cases, preview your projected result before you start.
Your treatment
You begin braces or your first set of aligners. We see you periodically to keep everything on track.
Your new smile & retainer
When you finish, a retainer keeps your teeth in their new, straighter position for the long run.
For the whole family
Orthodontic care isn't just for teenagers. We treat both children and adults — it's never too late for a straighter smile.
Children
An evaluation around age 7 helps catch bite issues early, though treatment starts at the right time for each child.
Teens
Braces and Invisalign Teen both work well — many teens love that aligners are nearly invisible.
Adults
More adults straighten their teeth than ever. Discreet aligners make it easy to do at any age.
Keeping your result: retainers
This is the part people forget. Teeth naturally tend to drift back over the years, after both braces and Invisalign. Wearing your retainer as directed is what protects all that hard work and keeps your smile straight for good.
Why choose SoftDental
Both options here
Braces and Invisalign under one roof, so your choice is based on what's right for you — not on what we happen to offer.
Invisalign since 2003
A preferred Invisalign provider for two decades, with deep experience in clear-aligner treatment.
iTero digital scanning
Comfortable digital scans replace messy molds and let you preview your projected result.
Care that knows you
Dr. Nguyen has cared for Houston families for more than three decades, in English, Tiếng Việt, and Español.
Common questions
Should I choose braces or Invisalign?
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
How long does treatment take?
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Do I need a retainer after treatment?
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Ready for a straighter smile?
Request a consultation and we'll take a digital scan, compare your options honestly, and help you choose between braces and Invisalign — with no pressure.
Related at SoftDental
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Whether braces or Invisalign is right for you depends on your individual bite and goals, which we evaluate at a consultation. SoftDental protects your health information in line with HIPAA.