6 Things You Need to Know About Invisalign® : The Modern Solution for Straightening Teeth

Invisalign

Do you find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh or do you shy away from speaking in a meeting because your teeth bother you? A straight and healthy smile can be the key to boosting your confidence, and the journey to great teeth is much easier than you think with Invisalign Clear Aligners.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign Clear Aligners are a more modern dental treatment technique than traditional braces that consist of removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. The aligners are made of flexible plastic — a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. Over 10 million people have used Invisalign to improve their teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners?

  • Invisalign Clear Aligners are almost invisible so are aesthetically more pleasing for most people than traditional braces as there are no metal wires and brackets on your teeth.
  • You can remove Invisalign Clear Aligners easily thanks to the SmartTrack material so there are NO restrictions on what you can eat.
  • The treatment plan shows your proposed results so the process is more predictable.
  • You don’t need to change the way you brush or floss your teeth.
  • The aligners are much softer on your mouth, so you will have less mouth irritation than with metal braces.
Invisalign

Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

Most adults and teens are great candidates for Invisalign, however, a consultation with one of our Doctors will confirm if you are eligible for this treatment. Invisalign can help with the following issues:

  • Overbite / underbite /crossbite / open bite
  • Extra space between your teeth
  • Overcrowded/ crooked teeth
  • Phase 1 orthodontic treatment for growing children (mix of baby and permanent teeth)
  • Poor occlusion causing TMJ or other issues

What Happens During Invisalign Treatment?

  • During your initial consultation, your doctor will outline what Invisalign treatment can do for you. We have a special scanner, the iTero Element®, that allows us to take precise 3D digital images of your teeth and map out a custom treatment plan during your visit — you will even see what the end results could look like!
  • Once you have approved the treatment plan, we will work with Invisalign to produce your custom aligners. You will come back to our dental practice in Arlington to have your first set of aligners fitted and we will give you a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks depending on your treatment plan.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?

We advise that you wear your clear aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day. If you do so, you will start seeing results in a matter of weeks. Depending on your treatment needs it usually takes between 6-12 months to complete treatment.

What is the Invisalign Cost?

Just because it uses modern technology, doesn’t mean it’s any more expensive than traditional braces, in fact, the cost is actually quite similar.

We believe that straight teeth are not only a cosmetic treatment but also lead to healthier teeth in the long run as crooked teeth make it harder to brush and floss in the hard-to-reach spots, leading to more tooth decay and dental issues down the line. Therefore, we offer several options to help make this treatment accessible for all. The cost will vary per patient as requirements differ, however:

  1. Your insurance may cover up to 50% of the cost — download the My Invisalign app to check your coverage.
  2. You can pay with pre-tax dollars from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Plan (FSA).
  3. Arrange a monthly payment plan with low and affordable payments via CareCredit.

If you have any questions about Invisalign or teeth straightening, give us a call today! Our caring dentists in Arlington can help guide you through the steps to get invisible braces and start you on your journey to a happier and healthier smile.