How Invisalign® Works
When teeth are exposed to sustained pressure, they move. Invisalign® applies such pressure though the use of a series of custom-made clear aligner trays. The trays are designed to fit your unique oral structures. You wear each tray for about two weeks, for 20 – 22 hours each day, before you graduate to the next one. After you work your way through all of the aligners, your teeth should be in their ideal positions.
Throughout your treatment period, you must visit our office for periodic Invisalign® checkups. At these brief appointments, we will assess the progress of your treatment and provide you with the next few aligners in your series. After your treatment is complete, we will provide you with a retainer to help you keep your teeth in their new positions.
Indications for Invisalign®
Invisalign® can address a number of orthodontic issues, including:
Crowded Teeth
Teeth that are too close together are difficult to clean and are more prone to breakage. Invisalign®, along with a possible extraction or two, is often able to correct overcrowding.
Spaces Between Teeth
Large gaps between the teeth are unsightly. Invisalign® may be able to close those spaces, thus providing you with more attractive teeth.
Bite Alignment
If your top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly, your misaligned bite can lead to serious issues, including TMJ discomfort and damage to your teeth. In many cases, Invisalign® is able to correct overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Some of Invisalign’s most outstanding benefits include:
- Although Invisalign® is not entirely invisible, it is quite discreet. It is unlikely to be the first thing onlookers notice about you.
- Because the aligners are removable, Invisalign® allows you to eat and drink practically anything. It also makes brushing and flossing much simpler.
- Many patients believe that the aligners are quite comfortable. Plus, there are not metal brackets and wires that might irritate the soft tissues in your mouth or cause an allergic reaction.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend on how many aligners you need, your age, and other factors. We invite you to visit us for a consultation, wherein we will be able to provide you with a personalized estimate for the price of your treatment. We are an insurance-friendly practice, and we are always happy to help our patients apply for affordable financing if necessary. Remember, Invisalign is an investment that could provide you with increased confidence and a lower risk of dental problems.
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Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
A few factors that can have a bearing on the cost of Invisalign include:
- The severity of your dental misalignment. This is the biggest factor that influences the cost of Invisalign. More severe and complex cases take more time to correct, require more aligners, and often involve the use of specialized accessories. Therefore, they tend to incur higher fees.
- Additional care. Some patients need extractions or other types of treatment prior to getting started with Invisalign. Such services come at their own price.
- Your compliance with treatment. If you do not wear your aligners as much as directed or make other mistakes during treatment, you might end up with a higher overall bill.
Invisalign vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Which Costs More?
In recent years, several mail-order aligner companies have become popular. Many patients gravitate to these options because they advertise attractively low prices. They often cost around $2,000 for start-to-finish treatment, whereas Invisalign typically costs much more than that.
However, it is important to remember that price is not the only factor that you should consider when you are choosing how to straighten your teeth. You should also think about what you are getting for your money. With Invisalign, you get a proven treatment that has a long track record of success. You also get to enjoy the in-person support of a dental team that is personally invested in your success. Invisalign aligners are even constructed out of a patented material that is designed for precise tooth movements.
The experience with mail-order aligners is quite different. In fact, many people end up dissatisfied with their results and spend thousands of dollars to correct the issues caused by their mail-order treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
A handful of premium dental insurance plans cover orthodontia, and Invisalign is usually included. With the help of your benefits, you might be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Invisalign by around $1,000. Our team welcomes insurance, and we can help you figure out how your plan might apply.
If your insurance does not cover Invisalign, you might be able to use your flexible spending account or healthcare savings account to pay for a portion of your treatment.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Beyond insurance, there are a few provisions that may make it easier for you to afford Invisalign:
- Special offers. Our practice periodically offers specials for Invisalign patients.
- Most patients qualify for low-interest financing through CareCredit or another third-party company. Our team can assist you with the application process.
- Essential Dental plan. This discount plan provides reduced fees on almost all of the services available at Canal Side Family Dental.
Are you ready to learn more about Invisalign and its cost? Contact our team today. We look forward to answering your questions.
Invisalign FAQs
Our Buzzards Bay dental team would love to help you straighten your teeth with Invisalign! Before you commit to a consultation, though, you may want to know more about the road in front of you. Below, you will find answers to some Invisalign FAQs. If your specific points of interest are not mentioned here, give us a call. We will be happy to speak with you.
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What Does Invisalign Look Like?
Invisalign aligners are clear plastic trays that fit over an entire arch of teeth. When they are on the teeth, they are not totally Invisible. However, they do feature a discreet appearance. They are unlikely to be the first thing that onlookers notice about your appearance.
If you have to use accessories with your aligners, they will not be clear. However, they are not commonly used on the front teeth, so your smile should retain its beautiful appearance.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average treatment time with Invisalign is 12 months. However, your case might require more or less time. It depends largely on the extent of your dental misalignment. Some patients are able to complete treatment in 6 months or so, whereas others need to wear aligners for 18 months or longer. During your consultation, we may be able to provide a rough estimate for how long your treatment will take.
Your age and your compliance with treatment instructions can also have an impact on how long you will need to use Invisalign.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth type of plastic that is designed to rest comfortably against the soft tissues in the mouth. However, it is important to remember that orthodontic treatment is effective because it applies pressure to the teeth. Naturally, that can cause some discomfort, particularly when you are first wearing a new aligner.
You can make your experience as easy as possible by:
- Switching to new aligners at night so you can sleep through the first part of the adjustment period.
- Sipping on cool water.
- Taking appropriate doses of pain medication as necessary.
What Happens After Invisalign?
Once you work your way through all of your Invisalign aligners, we will verify that your results live up to our expectations. Then, we will provide you with a retainer, which will prevent your teeth from drifting back into their former positions. At first, you should wear your retainer 20 – 22 hours each day. Later, though, you might need to wear it only at night. Eventually, it may be necessary just a few nights each week.
