Invisalign
Get a Straight Smile with Clear Aligners
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A straight smile is not only important for your self-esteem but your oral health as well. To correct alignment and bite concerns, you now have an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign in Charlottesville offers a discreet and convenient solution to get a healthy, straight smile. At Blue Ridge Dental, we help teens and adults enjoy the clear choice in orthodontics to create picture-perfect smiles.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is an FDA-approved treatment to correct a variety of alignment and bite issues. It differs from metal braces because no brackets or wires are used to move the teeth. Instead, your cosmetic dentist in Crozet takes digital impressions of your teeth. Using innovative software, a map is created to move them into their ideal positions. The information is then transferred to a series of aligners to gradually reposition your teeth.
You must be committed to wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours per day, only removing them when eating, drinking, or caring for your teeth. You wear each aligner for 1 week before switching to the next. On average, it takes about 12 months to complete the series. You will need a retainer after you are finished to prevent your teeth from moving back into their previous positions.
Indications for Invisalign
Considered one of the most versatile orthodontic methods of treatment, Invisalign can fix the following problems:
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and increased cavity formation. Why? When teeth sit too close together, you will be unable to brush or floss effectively, allowing the harmful bacteria to remain on your teeth and create cavities. With Invisalign, your teeth will begin to realign and sit comfortably side-by-side without added pressure or the possibility of pushing teeth out of the way make room.
Learn More About Crowded Teeth
Spaces Between Teeth
When gaps between teeth leave you vulnerable to plaque and tartar build-up as well as food particles getting stuck after eating, it’s time to let Invisalign eliminate the unnecessary space. Using clear aligners, they can slowly move your teeth in a way that not only brings them into proper alignment but has you saying goodbye to that unsightly gap between your two front teeth. Before you know it, you’ll see a beautiful smile.
Learn More About Spaces Between Teeth
Bite Alignment
Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and even open bites can be fixed with Invisalign. These clear aligners can move your smile so that everything is brought into alignment and your teeth are saved from excessive wear and tear.
Learn More About Bite Alignment
Why Patients Love Invisalign
Since no brackets or wires are necessary, Invisalign allows you to enjoy various advantages that are not possible with metal braces:
- Appearance: The aligners are made from clear, BPA-free plastic. Their translucent appearance allows them to be virtually undetectable to feel confident during your treatment.
- Comfort: The aligners are custom-fit, so you will not need to worry about any slipping. They are also smooth to prevent irritation to the inside of your lips or cheeks.
- Convenient: You will spend less time in the dental chair because you do not need adjustments since no wires are used.
- No Dietary Restrictions: The aligners are removable, so you can still enjoy your favorite foods; however, do not have anything except water while wearing them.
- Easy Oral Hygiene: There are no brackets or wires to clean around when brushing and flossing.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleaning the aligners is simple using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clear antibacterial soap.
- Quick Results: The average treatment only takes about 12 months.
Tips for Daily Life with Invisalign
When being treated with Invisalign, there are some tips you need to remember for cleaning and maintaining your aligners, such as:
- Keep them in a protective case while eating or drinking
- Use clear soap, a toothbrush, and lukewarm water to clean your aligners
- Never use hot water, as this can warp the plastic
- Don’t use toothpaste on your aligners, as it is abrasive and can damage your trays
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
There are various factors that influence the amount you can expect to pay for your straight smile because the cost is determined by your individual treatment plan, such as the number of aligners you need. During your consultation, we’ll be able to provide a more accurate estimate for your future smile realignment.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
At your initial appointment, we will not only explain the process of being treated with Invisalign, but we will also go over the various cost factors and provide a clear estimate so you can make a more well-informed decision about your dental health. With that said, the most notable factors include:
- If you will require teeth to be extracted prior to treatment
- Your age and commitment to wearing your trays as instructed
- The retainer you will need to wear once you are finished with Invisalign
- Whether you plan on straightening teeth in one arch or both
- The complexity of your tooth movements
- The overall length of your proposed treatment (cases where more aligners are needed will increase the overall cost)
Price Differences Between Invisalign vs. DIY Aligners;
It’s true that Invisalign does tend to cost more than other alternatives, but as the saying goes, you truly are getting what you pay for. While you are paying anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000 for Invisalign treatment and only paying just under $2,000 for DIY aligners, you should understand exactly why the cost difference is so high.
For starters, DIY aligners is only intended to provide a quick solution for misaligned teeth. With that said, it’s also a DIY version of treatment as it comes with a specific kit that you receive in the mail. In addition, there is very little guidance provided to you as a patient. Without an orthodontist carefully managing your treatment, many things can go wrong.
If you want to ensure that your treatment is fully managed by a trained and licensed dental professional, Invisalign is the way to go. With the trusted oversight of our dentists and highly accurate impressions to design your clear aligners, you can gain true peace of mind.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Keep in mind that only some dental insurance plans will provide coverage for any orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, Invisalign is often left out, but this is not always the case. You should always confirm the coverage your plan has with your insurance provider directly, which our team can help you with as well! If you have an FSA (Flexible Savings Account), you may be able to put funds from there towards your future treatment.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, you can still afford treatment in a number of ways at Blue Ridge Dental. For example, we often recommend third-party financing through CareCredit. This option allows patients to pay for treatments in monthly installments over a longer period of time, often with little-to-zero interest attached.
Additionally, patients can sign up for our in-house dental savings plan. Not only can you be guaranteed a specific set of services every year, but you can even get discounts on Invisalign!
No matter how you intend to pay for care, we’ll always assist you when it comes to straightening your smile. To learn more about financing your care, please schedule a consultation with our office by giving us a call!
Invisalign FAQs
Are you still wondering if Invisalign in Charlottesville is the best option to restore your crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth? This modern orthodontic solution is great for patients of all ages who aren’t keen on the thought of living with traditional metal braces. Unlike DIY aligners and DIY braces, you’ll get an individualized plan specially crafted for your mouth. Plus, our professionals will walk you through the process in person, so you know exactly what to expect. If you’d like to learn more, we’ve compiled some common questions that we get from patients below.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Before you decide that Invisalign is the best option for you, be sure to check with your dental insurance company to see if the treatment is covered. Even if it’s not, at Blue Ridge Dental, we offer several financing options like payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club. Plus, their financing plans are flexible and have little to no interest.
Are the aligners uncomfortable to wear?
As with any orthodontic appliance, your mouth will need to get used to it before it doesn’t feel odd or uncomfortable anymore. With Invisalign aligners, they’re made from a smooth, FDA-approved plastic that is gentle on your oral tissues and made to the specifications of a dental professional. Typically, it just takes a couple of days to get used to your new series of aligners. and the entire treatment is relatively pain-free. You can help ease any pain by switching to your new trays at night, so you sleep through a large portion of the adjustment period.
How is getting aligners from a dentist any different from purchasing them online?
You’ve probably considered getting your aligners from an online service like DIY aligners because you noticed it’s cheaper. While it’s less expensive, there’s a complete void of communication and personalized treatment, unlike if you were to visit your cosmetic dentist in Charlottesville.
With Invisalign, you’ll get a hands-on approach that will deliver the best results for your unique smile. Plus, your impressions are taken in office by a trained professional, ensuring that you’ll get aligners that are comfortable and perfectly fitted to your mouth. This can have a drastic impact on the end results as well.
What should I do if I lose or damage an aligner?
Be sure not to force a damaged aligner back into your mouth. Instead, contact our office so we can guide you through what you should do. Depending on how far into your series you are, we may instruct you to move to the next set, or we may need to order you a replacement. Don’t put it off! Be sure to contact us as soon as you notice damage or lose your trays so we can keep you on track with your timeline.
Will I need a retainer after I finish my treatment?
After your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to prevent your newly-adjusted teeth from shifting back into their original positions. Depending on your cosmetic dentist’s recommendation, you may need to wear it around the clock for months. After that, you could just need to wear it at night. If you’re concerned about taking care of a retainer and are looking into other options, you may be eligible for a permanent one that’s attached to your teeth.
Invest in a Straight Smile Today!
If you are a teen or an adult who wants to skip the hassle and visibility of metal braces, Invisalign may be the solution for you. We perform the comprehensive examination you need to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact Blue Ridge Dental today to schedule your consultation for the clear choice in orthodontics.