Research shows that nearly everyone suffers from some level of malocclusion or teeth misalignment. While many people can live with their malocclusion, many others require treatment. After all, malocclusion can have a significant impact on oral and overall health, as well as mental and emotional well-being.
The good news is there are options for treating malocclusion. One of the most popular treatment options at Smokerise Dental is Invisalign clear aligners. Our dentists, Dr. Hassan Moeti and Dr. Jessica Davis have the experience and expertise to diagnose and treat all types of malocclusion.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign was introduced to the market in the late 1990s as an alternative to traditional metal braces. This is a series of clear aligners designed to gradually shift teeth into appropriate jaw positions.
What material is Invisalign made from?
Invisalign clear aligners are made from a thermoplastic material known as SmartTrack.
How Much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost?
There are several different levels of Invisalign treatment, based on the type and severity of your malocclusion. The cost ranges from $1,200 to $8,000. It is important to note that this is just the cost of Invisalign treatment. Additional procedures, such as extractions, gum disease treatment, fillings, etc will cost extra.
Some dental insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment with Invisalign and some will not. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have insurance or your coverage is inadequate and you need help paying for treatment, we do offer in-house financing options.
The first level is known as Invisalign Express. This level features two options:
Type 1: offers up to 5 aligners for $1,200 to $1,800
Type 2: offers up to 7 aligners for $1,500 to $2,000
The next 2 levels are designed for patients with mild to moderate malocclusions:
Invisalign Lite: up to 14 aligners for $3,000 to $4,500
Invisalign Moderate: up to 20 aligners for $3,500 to $5,000
The final option is for patients with moderate to severe malocclusions. This is known as Invisalign Comprehensive and allows unlimited aligners for $4,500 to $8,000.
How does Invisalign ® treatment work?
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against your teeth. This allows them to put even pressure on your teeth to shift them into their appropriate position within your jaw.
When you are fitted with your first set of aligners, you will be given the rest and instructed to switch to a new set every 1 to 3 weeks based on your treatment plan. Each set slightly moves the teeth into a new position.
What are the pros and cons of Invisalign over traditional braces?
There are several advantages of Invisalign clear aligners over traditional braces, including:
Better Aesthetics
The primary reason that most of our patients at Smokerise Dental choose Invisalign over traditional braces is aesthetics. Invisalign aligners are transparent, which means they are basically invisible. Our patients love the fact that most people won’t even notice that they are wearing them. The only thing people will notice is that your smile is improving.
Removable
Invisalign clear aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. This allows you to remove them to eat/drink and to practice oral hygiene. If you wish, you can also take them out if you go on a date so that you don’t have to worry about your date noticing them. If you do, just make sure to put them back in when you return.
Also, some foods are known to cause damage to the wires and brackets of traditional braces. However, since Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t have to make any modifications to your diet.
Easier to brush/floss
As mentioned, Invisalign clear aligners are removable, which means you don’t have to make any changes to your oral hygiene routine. Simply brush/floss as you normally would. The only difference is that you will need to brush after every meal to keep your teeth clean and avoid damaging or staining your aligners.
Fewer clinic visits
Traditional braces require patients to come in every few weeks to have their braces tightened. However, with Invisalign, most of the work is done prior to treatment. A 3D scan will be taken of your teeth and the entire set of aligners will be made in the lab. You will be instructed to change the aligners every 1 to 3 weeks based on your personalized treatment plan. You will need to come in every now and then just so we can keep an eye on your progress.
Comfortable
The brackets and wires of traditional braces can be uncomfortable and can cause cuts on the inside of cheeks and gums. Invisalign clear aligners, on the other hand, are made of a special plastic designed to fit snugly against the teeth, so patients have fewer mouth/gum problems. However, there is some minor discomfort due to the teeth being shifted in the jawbone.
Cost
Many patients worry that the cost will be a disadvantage. However, the cost of Invisalign treatment is fairly comparable to that of traditional braces. For many years, dental insurance providers did not cover Invisalign because it is considered a cosmetic treatment. However, many of them will now cover a portion.
Even with all of the above advantages, there are a few disadvantages you’ll want to keep in mind:
Requires Discipline
The removable aspect of Invisalign clear aligners is both good and bad. While it allows you to eat/drink with ease and care for your teeth like normal, it also means that you must be responsible and disciplined enough to make yourself put them back in. They must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. If you’re not going to wear them, they are not going to be effective.
Removal may be inconvenient
When you are out in public, it may not be convenient to discreetly remove your aligners and keep from losing them. Then, before you put your aligners back in, you’ll need to brush your teeth to remove food particles. This will allow the aligners to work properly and will also help you avoid damaging them.
Effectiveness
Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate malocclusions and is not always effective for severe cases. During your consultation, we will discuss your options and determine which is best for you. That being said, attachments may be used for some patients with more complex cases. The attachments are tooth-colored composite resin dots/buttons that give the aligners something to grip to.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take?
Most of our patients at Smokerise Dental start seeing results within the first two weeks of treatment. Research shows that for mild to moderate malocclusions, Invisalign treatment takes approximately 12 to 18 months. However, patients with very mild malocclusion may see full results within 6 months and those with more severe malocclusion may need up to 24 months.
How to clean your Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign clear aligners are very easy to clean. Every time you take them out or put them back in, you should rinse them under clean, cool water. When you need to clean them, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. If you wish, you can get a cleansing solution to soak them in for a few minutes to get them clean.
How To Maintain Oral Hygiene With Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are removable, which means oral hygiene is easy. You can simply brush and floss as usual. You will need to make sure that you brush after every meal and floss at least once daily to prevent tooth decay.
CTA
If you are one of the millions of American adults who wants to improve your smile, you may want to consider Invisalign clear aligners. The team at Smokerise Dental has the experience and expertise to work with patients who have malocclusion. Schedule your consultation today.
Invisalign FAQ's
Dr. Moeti and Dr. Davis understand that you have questions about Invisalign treatment and are more than happy to discuss them with you. However, we have taken the time to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions below:
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners were introduced in the late 1990s as an alternative to traditional braces. This option quickly gained popularity, especially among self-conscious teens and professionals.
How long does Invisalign take?
On average, Invisalign takes 12 to 18 months. However, it is important to note that patients with severe malocclusion may require up to 24 months. On the other hand, patients with very mild malocclusion may only need 6 months.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces. Treatment starts at around $1,200 for up to 5 aligners and goes up to around $8,000 for unlimited aligners. The good news is, many dental plans will cover a portion of treatment. Our office staff will take the time to work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage. Then, when showing you a quote, we can explain our financing options, if you are interested.
