INVISALIGN - ORMOND BEACH, FL

How Does Invisalign Work?

Have you always wanted a straight smile, but do not want to further add to your insecurities with brackets and wires? You are not out of options. We have the clear path for straighter teeth: Invisalign in Ormond Beach. Your teeth are moved into their ideal position using a virtually undetectable treatment. As a result, you can discreetly get the healthy, lasting results you want. To learn more, read on or get in touch with our team!

Traditional braces rely on brackets and wires to pull your teeth into position. While the treatment is effective, it is highly noticeable and comes with certain disadvantages, like diet restrictions and irritation. As an alternative, teens and adults have come to prefer Invisalign.

Impressions of your mouth are taken to create a series of clear aligners. They are worn over your teeth to gradually move them. You must wear them for at least 22 hours per day, switching to the next in the series as recommended by our skilled cosmetic dentists. On average, it takes about 12 months to complete your treatment.

Who Can Invisalign Help?

Invisalign is discreet, comfortable, and versatile! In fact, the clear aligners can help patients address all kinds of orthodontic problems, including:

Crowded Teeth

Do your teeth overlap? If so, it’s important to know that this orthodontic problem can negatively impact both the look and health of your smile. There is some good news, though: Invisalign’s clear aligners can correct mild to moderate cases! If we determine that clear aligners are right for you, then we will use them to exert just the right amount of pressure, gradually guiding your teeth into their properly aligned positions.

Gaps Between Teeth

If your teeth have gaps between them, don’t fret – Invisalign can help. With a series of clear and custom-made aligners, we can bring your teeth together, improving the health and appearance of your smile in the process. One of the best parts is that the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months, and patients often notice improvements much sooner because the trays are see-through and removable!

Overbite

Now you know that Invisalign can straighten your teeth, but can Invisalign fix overbites, too? The short answer is “yes!” So, if your upper teeth protrude beyond the lower ones more than they should, traditional braces may not be the only solution. If we decide together that clear aligners are the ideal option, then your journey to a straighter, healthier, and even more beautiful smile will be metal-free.

Underbite

A perfectly aligned bite allows you to chew effectively, prevents teeth grinding, and avoids excessive wear and tear on certain teeth. Bite problems, like underbites, on the other hand, can limit your diet, increase your risk of dental damage, and take a toll on your self-esteem. If this sounds all too familiar, then schedule a consultation with us. Invisalign may just be the solution you’ve been looking for!

Crossbite

If some of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones, then you likely have a crossbite. Unfortunately, this bite problem can lead to serious consequences, including chronic jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction, which is why we strongly advise against taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, explore your treatment options, like Invisalign, ASAP.

Open Bite

Invisalign isn’t the only smile-enhancing treatment, but it is one of the most popular for open bites. There are a few reasons for this, starting with the fact that the aligners are see-through, comfortable, and removable. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, including whether or not you’re a good candidate, then don’t hesitate to take the next step: schedule a consultation with us.

Nearly Invisible

Of course, one of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that there aren’t any dark, metal brackets and wires. Instead, your teeth are moved into their ideal positions with a series of custom-made aligners that are completely see-through. That combined with the fact that they are crafted from impressions of your teeth makes them virtually undetectable. So, no unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile on your journey to perfecting it!

Removable for Brushing & Flossing

If you had traditional braces in the past (or you know someone who did), then you likely remember how cumbersome brushing and flossing was. In fact, it’s very common for patients to invest in special oral hygiene tools for that very reason, like interproximal toothbrushes. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are completely removable. So, you can brush and floss with ease – just make sure to take them out, rinse them off, and store them somewhere safe!

No Dietary Restrictions

In order to prevent a bracket or wire from breaking, patients with traditional braces are instructed to avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods. This might not seem like much of an issue… until you go grocery shopping or you dine out at your favorite restaurant and realize what you normally get is no longer on the menu. You won’t have that problem with Invisalign! Since the aligners are removable, you can eat all of your favorite foods throughout your teeth-straightening treatment.

Shorter Treatment Time

Usually, Invisalign treatment plans are around 12-18 months. Traditional braces, on the other hand, often take 24-36 months. So, if you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment, there’s a good chance that your road to a straight smile will be significantly shorter! The key is following all of the guidelines provided, including wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day and prioritizing your check-in visits at our Ormond Beach dental office.

Comfortable, Secure Fit

We mentioned a few times that Invisalign aligners are removable, but that’s not the only reason they are more comfortable than traditional braces. They are also custom-made from smooth, high-quality, and low-profile plastic, which means you won’t have to worry about soft tissue irritation. They are completely metal-free as well, so there will likely come a point where you can’t even feel them – they are THAT comfortable.

Less Time in Treatment Chair

Oftentimes, patients with traditional braces are required to come in for check-in visits every four weeks. Patients with Invisalign, on the other hand, normally have check-in visits every six to eight weeks instead. That means you’ll spend less time in the treatment chair throughout your orthodontic treatment!

Bonus: The appointments are usually only 15 minutes or so too! The only exception is if your teeth aren’t moving as anticipated. In that case, we will need to make a few adjustments to your treatment plan to try and get you back on-track.

Wearing Your Trays

You’ll need to wear each set of aligners for at least twenty hours each day and switch to the next set in your sequence every two weeks or so depending on your treatment plan. Neglecting to wear your aligners sufficiently each day will allow your teeth to drift out of place and cause frustrating and potentially costly treatment delays. It’s typically best to only remove your aligners for oral hygiene sessions, meals, snacks, and beverages other than water.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Rapid temperatures shifts can warp your aligners and compromise their ability to shift your teeth, so be sure to only treat them with cool or lukewarm water. It’s important to rinse your aligners off each time before wearing them to eliminate loose debris, and you should also clean them once a day by soaking them in Invisalign crystals or by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap. You’ll also need to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth each time before wearing your aligners.

Eating & Drinking

While Invisalign allows orthodontic patients to enjoy any foods and beverages they like, it’s important to not consume anything but water while your aligners are in your mouth. Instead, carefully remove your aligners before snacks, meals, and drinks and place them in a clean protective case. This will keep them safe from being damaged or thrown away and prevent accumulations of plaque and food debris. Eating or drinking while wearing Invisalign clear aligners can also stain the appliances and make them easier to see.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Invisalign trays can be damaged or thrown away when not placed in a protective case or warped by exposure to hot or cold liquids. While losing a tray doesn’t mean your treatment has failed, it’s important to have the issue addressed promptly to avoid delays. If this happens, it’s best to switch back to wearing the previous aligner in your sequence to keep your teeth in place. Then, contact our office in Ormond Beach so we can provide instructions. Depending on how long you have worn the lost aligner, we may recommend simply switching to the next tray in your sequence or continuing to wear the previous one while we have a new appliance manufactured for you.

Routine Check-Ins

You’ll need to visit our office every four to eight weeks so we can make sure your treatment is on track, periodically provide you with new aligners, and address issues in their early stages. These appointments typically take fifteen to thirty minutes, and since aligners do not require tightening or other stressful adjustments, they are usually quite comfortable.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Many people believe Invisalign is too expensive for the average person, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Although there’s not a flat rate for clear aligners, we offer several solutions to keep the cost of Invisalign affordable for everyone’s budget. Various factors affect the amount you’ll pay, but don’t worry. We’ll provide you with a personalized estimate and review your payment options to get the straight smile you deserve without breaking the bank.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Every smile is unique, so a cookie-cutter treatment plan doesn’t work. Your aligners are customized to meet your exact needs to fix your bite and alignment concerns. Although every case differs, several factors affect the price, such as if you need to treat one arch or both. The complexity of the tooth movements will also affect the final price tag. If you need to make several movements, you’ll require more aligners, so you can expect it to cost more than a person needing minor improvements.

Are Mail-Order Aligners Better Cheaper?

You’ve likely seen several advertisements for mail-order aligners, which allow you to enjoy the benefits of Invisalign without paying for a dentist. They appear to be the affordable, convenient solution; however, they aren’t as safe as you might believe. If you choose mail-order systems, you won’t be under the supervision of a professional, which means they can’t intervene if there’s a problem. There are cases of patients suffering irreversible damage, such as tooth loss.

The cost of Invisalign also includes the peace of mind that comes with choosing a qualified dentist. From start to finish, they will be by your side to achieve the best results without the risks. Your Invisalign dentist will perform a thorough consultation to ensure you’re a candidate and create personalized aligners to move your teeth safely.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Every policy is unique, but many plans that include orthodontia can be used to offset the cost of Invisalign. You can also use your FSA account to cover any out-of-pocket expenses. We know dental insurance is confusing, but you don’t have to navigate your policy alone. A member of our team will help you maximize your annual coverage to keep a straight smile within your budget.

Options for Keeping Invisalign Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance or you’re concerned about any out-of-pocket costs, we offer the financial solutions you need. Besides using your dental insurance, we accept other payment options, including:

• Traditional Payments: We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Third-Party Financing: You can pay for Invisalign using monthly installments based on your credit approval.
• New Patient Special: Ask us about our patient special for new consultations.

You’ll know exactly what you’ll need to pay before committing to Invisalign, so you can spend more time focusing on your smile. If you have any questions about using your insurance or payment options, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.