Invisalign Clear Aligners – Huntsville, OH

Crowded Teeth

When there isn’t enough room in your mouth for all of your teeth, they tend to overlap or rotate out of position. In addition to negatively impacting the appearance of your smile, overcrowding can increase your risk of tooth decay, make it difficult to chew properly, and even lead to trouble enunciating clearly. The good news is that Invisalign is often a solution. If that’s the case for you, then we will use a series of custom-made aligners to guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions.

Gaps Between Teeth

Many patients who have gaps between their teeth – whether it’s one large gap or several smaller gaps – struggle to confidently smile. Fortunately, metal braces aren’t your only option! With Invisalign, we can gently push your teeth together, improving the appearance, health, and function of your smile in the process. One of the best parts is that you won’t have to worry about unwanted attention being drawn to your smile because the aligners are basically invisible.

Overbite

Overbites may not seem like much of an issue since they usually aren’t as obvious, but they can actually lead to several serious consequences, including trouble chewing properly and speaking clearly. For that reason, we don’t recommend putting off scheduling an orthodontic consultation. At this visit, Dr. Grill will learn all about your smile and determine if Invisalign is an option for you. If it is, then he will create a custom series of aligners to move your bite into proper alignment.

Underbite

If your lower teeth protrude beyond your upper ones, then you know all too well how uncomfortable it can be. Not only that, but this bite problem can make it difficult to feel confident, and it can lead to TMJ dysfunction. The best thing to do is come to our office to learn about your treatment options. You might be surprised to find out that Invisalign is an option for you, allowing you to discreetly straighten your teeth and align your bite.

Crossbite

Like the other bite problems on this list, crossbites, even in minor cases, can lead to trouble. For this reason, we recommend scheduling an Invisalign consultation with us. Oftentimes, the clear aligners can be used in tandem with other orthodontic accessories (i.e., rubber bands, buttons, attachments) to correct even more moderate cases – in an average of just 12-18 months too!

Open Bite

Your upper and lower teeth should come together evenly. If that’s not the case for you because there is considerable space – whether it’s toward the front or back of your mouth – you likely have an open bite. Since this results in immense pressure being placed on certain teeth, we strongly recommend coming to our office so we can determine if Invisalign is an option for you.

No Dietary Restrictions

With enough pressure, the components of traditional braces can break. That’s why patients are asked to eliminate certain foods from their diet, like whole apples. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you don’t have to watch what you eat to nearly the same extent as you do with braces. All we ask is that starchy and sugary snacks are kept to a minimum, and that you fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, whenever possible.

There Aren’t Any Metal Components

Another difference between traditional braces and clear aligners is that the latter doesn’t have any poking wires or brackets. As a result, they are less likely to rub against your teeth or gums. So, outside of the pressure you feel from time-to-time as your teeth begin to move, your orthodontic treatment will be considerably more comfortable with Invisalign.

Brushing and Flossing Are Much Easier

One of the many perks of having removable aligners is that you don’t need to adopt a cumbersome oral hygiene regimen. In fact, outside of taking care of your trays, there won’t really be any changes to your routine. That makes keeping your teeth healthy and your gums infection-free significantly easier!

Tip: Put your aligners in their designated storage case when you’re brushing your teeth so they don’t get lost. Conversely, you can place them in a dentist-recommended cleaner to remove saliva and other debris from the surface.

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

In short, Invisalign tends to deliver results faster than traditional orthodontics, with treatment taking just 12-18 months. So, if you have a wedding, a family reunion, or another important event that you want to straighten your teeth for, clear aligners will likely give you the results you want faster. Of course, the length of your treatment plan could fall outside of that timeframe, so don’t wait until the last minute to schedule a consultation with us.

Fewer Check-In Visits

While traditional braces need to be tightened, Invisalign aligners don’t! Instead, we will give you several sets of aligners at once, so you can progress through portions of your treatment plan at home. That means there are fewer check-in visits overall. In fact, many patients only come in for check-in visits every six or eight weeks.

The Aligners Are Virtually Undetectable

Last, but certainly not least, Invisalign aligners are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces. That’s because they are crafted from smooth, see-through plastic. Plus, they are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth, ensuring they don’t protrude unnaturally. In other words, if you want to feel confident about your smile the whole way through, then Invisalign is the way to go!

Wearing Your Trays

There are certain aspects of life with Invisalign that are universal. For example, every patient must wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day. The easiest way to make this goal a reality is by finding a routine that works for you and sticking to it. In the beginning, use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide so you know if you’re wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time. You can set reminders on your phone so you put them back on right away too!

Cleaning Your Aligners

With traditional braces, you need special oral hygiene products, like an interproximal toothbrush. That’s not the case with Invisalign because the aligners are removable. So, all you need to do is take them out first. Then, you can brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash like usual. When it comes to cleaning your aligners, simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean, cool water, and clear, mild dishwashing liquid. You can also use a clear aligner solution as needed!

Eating & Drinking

Eating and drinking with Invisalign is easy because there’s basically only one rule: you need to remove your aligners first. That way, they don’t stain, warp, or break during the teeth-straightening process. The best thing to do is get in the habit of taking your trays off, rinsing them with clean, cool water, and putting them in their designated case while you enjoy your morning coffee, your lunch, or a snack. That way, you’re less likely to experience an orthodontic emergency.

Damaging a Tray

In most cases, an aligner with a small, hairline crack can continue to be worn (as long as you use the utmost care, of course). If there is a severe break down the middle or they have split into several pieces, then it’s important that you call us instead. That way, we can determine if a replacement needs to be made. In some cases, we’ll simply instruct you to move onto the next set in the series a bit early.

Attending Routine Check-Ins

Another important component of the teeth-straightening process is the check-in visits, which allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth. If they are moving in accordance with your treatment plan, then you’ll likely be in and out of our office in 20 minutes or less. If something is wrong, then we can quickly pinpoint the root of the problem and determine what’s needed to get you back on-track.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

As mentioned above, each Invisalign treatment is unique because it’s tailored to the patient’s specific dental needs and smile goals. Therefore, the only way to get a personalized estimate is to come in for a consultation. We can, however, share a few factors that play a role in the price across the board, like the severity of your misalignment, if you need to straighten one arch of teeth or both, and how many aligners you’ll need. Your compliance with the treatment guidelines will also play a role in your financial investment, which is why it’s of the utmost importance that you follow them as best as you can!

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Smile Direct Club™ and other mail-order clear aligners focus their marketing around their lower upfront cost. What they fail to mention, however, is how they are able to do so. In short, the answer is that they skip crucial components of the treatment process, like a thorough oral exam to determine if you are a good candidate for clear aligners.

It’s also worth mentioning that mail-order clear aligner companies have countless lawsuits from previous patients. Why? Because they experienced worsened misalignment and, in some cases, even serious dental emergencies, like loose teeth. So, even with a lower upfront cost, they are still not worth your valuable dollars.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign? 

Some dental plans do have a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit, which can cover upwards of half of the cost of your treatment. However, as with most coverage, the fine print is not exactly the same from patient to patient. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to your provider directly and learn more about your specific benefits. You can also talk to our team – we’d love to help ensure your dental benefits are maximized!

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

At Northwest Family Dental of Huntsville, we offer two additional financial solutions: our in-house membership plan and low-cost financing options through CareCredit! Although they come with their own perks, they help our patients get the smile-enhancing care they desire without stressing about the cost. If you’d like to learn more about either of these options (or dental insurance), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

What Does Invisalign Look Like?

Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic. Although you can see them while they are in your hand, they are very difficult to detect when worn over your teeth. Your aligners will stay transparent if you protect them from staining. Only have water while wearing them. Your oral hygiene routine is equally important. Use non-abrasive dental products when cleaning them to prevent scratches. The small crevices can trap food particles and bacteria, damaging your aligners and blemishing their appearance. If you need buttons or attachments, they will be tooth-colored to blend in with your enamel.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

No orthodontic treatment is completely pain-free. It's normal to have some tenderness after first wearing your aligners or switching to a new set. Each one applies continual pressure on specific areas to move your teeth gradually. Minor discomfort is a sign your treatment is working. You can manage it by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft food. Tenderness will be less frequent as you progress through your series. You won't have to worry about any irritation to your gums, insides of your lips, or cheeks because aligners are smooth and custom-fit to your mouth.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The average treatment plan with Invisalign takes about 12 months, but many factors affect the duration. Your age can play a role because teens are still growing and developing, which makes it easier to move their teeth. The complexity of your alignment issues will also determine how many aligners you will need. Your cosmetic dentist in Huntsville will explain how long your treatment will take and what you can do to ensure there aren't any delays, like wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day and switching to the next set every 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Invisalign?

Dental plans that include orthodontics can be used for Invisalign. Your dental insurance may cover your consultation, imaging, impressions, or preliminary procedures, like a dental cleaning. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance will pay a set amount for your treatment, which typically ranges from $500 to $2,000. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any benefits to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. We offer several financial solutions for any remaining balance, like third-party financing. Based on your credit approval, you can enjoy little or no interest in financing to make monthly installments on your treatment. We will help you find the solutions you need to keep a straight smile within your budget.