Invisalign – Dudley, MA
A Metal-Free Smile-Straightening Solution
Do you get frustrated when you see your smile in the mirror? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are unhappy with their teeth, and in many cases, it’s because they’re crowded or misaligned. Fortunately, you no longer have to deal with metal wires and brackets to get the straight grin you’ve always wanted from your dentist in Dudley. With Invisalign, you can discreetly and comfortably fix misaligned teeth. If you’d like to find out whether a metal-free smile-straightening solution is right for you, continue reading or contact our office today!
Why Choose Dudley Family Dental for Veneers
- Insurance Welcome & Financing Available
- Evening Appointments for Convenience
- Prove as a Top-Rated Dentist on Google
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into desired positions. Each set of trays is worn for a predetermined amount of time, usually about two weeks. One significant advantage of Invisalign is you don’t need to visit our dentist as often as you would with traditional braces. You just need to see them every six weeks or so to pick up your new aligners and ensure everything is going according to plan.
Indications for Invisalign
The clear aligners can correct multiple orthodontic issues, including:
Crowded Teeth
Do you feel like you have too many teeth in your mouth? If so, you may benefit from Invisalign. It’s crucial to fix crowded teeth as soon as possible because they make it difficult to brush and floss well which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Crowded teeth can also get worse over time.
Gaps Between Teeth
Having gaps between your teeth doesn’t just affect your appearance – it impacts your oral health as well. Gaps allow food and bacteria to become trapped between the teeth which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign can gently bring your teeth closer together in the dental arch and minimize the open space.
Bite Alignment
A misaligned bite can cause speech issues or tooth damage due to uneven pressure, but it is also common for your temporomandibular joints to feel strained. This can be painful enough to significantly impact your quality of life. Invisalign can resolve a variety of bite issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Over the last two decades, more than 17 million patients have chosen to pursue their dream smiles with Invisalign. Why? Well, there isn’t just one reason! Choosing clear aligners allows you to enjoy several benefits, including:
No Soft Tissue Irritation
Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires to guide your teeth into proper alignment, Invisalign aligners are crafted from smooth plastic. So, they won’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth in the same way traditional metal braces can. In other words, they are one of the most comfortable orthodontic options available!
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Typically, metal braces usually take 2-3 years to align your teeth. In contrast, Invisalign can achieve the same results in just 12-18 months. The best way to prevent treatment plan delays is by following the guidelines provided, like wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day. Make your progress visits a priority as well. That way, we can periodically monitor the movement of your teeth.
Basically Invisible Aligners
It’s no secret that Invisalign is considerably more discreet than traditional braces. What many patients don’t realize until they see the aligners in person is just how aesthetically-pleasing they really are. Since they are custom-made for each patient from see-through plastic, hardly anyone will notice you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance (even if they know what to look for!).
Freedom to Eat Your Favorite Foods
Patients with traditional braces need to avoid certain foods in an effort to prevent an orthodontic emergency. There aren’t any metal brackets or wires with Invisalign though, so there isn’t the same concern! All we ask as your dental team is that you stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet and avoid extremely crunchy and sticky foods, like hard pretzels and taffy.
Hassle-Free Dental Care
Since traditional braces cannot be removed, patients need to adjust to brushing and flossing around the brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, won’t interfere with your dental care regimen – you don’t even need to buy special products! Simply take them off beforehand and clean them with a damp, soft-bristled toothbrush before putting them back on.
Fewer Check-In Visits
If you are a parent with a jam-packed schedule, you work overtime at your job, or you take a lot of classes each semester, then attending monthly adjustment appointments might be difficult. Don’t worry – that isn’t necessary with Invisalign. Instead, you’ll progress through your treatment plan at home and then come to our office every 6-8 weeks so we can make sure your teeth are tracking.
Removable Aligners
We mentioned above that Invisalign aligners are basically invisible, which ensures no unwanted attention is drawn to your smile. That’s true. However, if you want to take them off for your passport photo, for a first date, or for an important presentation at work, you can do that too! Just make sure that you’re still wearing your aligners for a total of 20+ hours each day.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Since every patient’s case is unique, it’s nearly impossible to give an accurate cost estimate for Invisalign without seeing the teeth in question first. Many factors affect the overall price, so we won’t be able to provide you with an estimate until you come in for an exam. At that point, our cosmetic dentist will assess the extent of your dental misalignment, determine how much you will be expected to pay, and review the available financial solutions. Of course, you can learn more on the topic until then right here!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
We mentioned above that every patient’s case is unique. For this reason, we start each consultation with X-rays and an oral exam. With this information, we can determine:
- How severe your misalignment is
- If you need to straighten both arches of your teeth or just one
- If accessories like rubber bands are needed
- How many trays are needed to straighten your teeth
Another important cost-related factor will come into play after you’ve started your treatment: your compliance with the guidelines. The instructions you’re given at the beginning (like to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day) are put in place to keep you on-track with your original treatment plan. If you fall off, however, then you may need to invest more time and money.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Mail-order aligner companies focus their marketing on the lower upfront price. So, it’s not surprising that many patients wonder if that’s the better option for their smile and wallet. In short, the answer is “no.” To cut down on the cost, they skip vital steps of the treatment process, including a thorough initial exam to determine if you’re a candidate. Plus, the DIY impressions often led to complications, like worsened misalignment and even loose teeth. Yikes! That’s why professional organizations like the American Dental Association have actively voiced their distaste for mail-order clear aligner companies.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
If you are insured, then it’s worth double-checking the fine print on your plan. For some patients, their plan includes a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit that includes Invisalign. Of course, if you have any trouble understanding your coverage, you can also reach out to your provider directly or ask our team for help. We’re proud to work with many of the nation’s leading providers and will do everything we can to make the process of utilizing your benefits stress-free.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, then don’t worry – CareCredit is another financial solution that can make Invisalign more affordable. This trusted third-party financier offers multiple payment plans, and many have little-to-no interest attached. As a result, you can get clear aligner treatment at a price that easily fits into your monthly budget.