Perfectly straight teeth have many advantages. They make a stronger impression, improve the overall functionality of the mouth and are easier to clean. But while many people desire a straighter smile, many are reluctant to wear braces to achieve that goal. The doctor. Gregory offers Invisalign clear braces as a cosmetic alternative to orthodontic treatment. If you are interested in something more subtle to correct your bite alignment,Give us a calltoday to learn more about Invisalign clear aligners in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
How does Invisalign work?
Almost everyone is familiar with traditional braces and how they work. Metal brackets are attached to the teeth and wires are used to apply pressure to them, effectively pushing the teeth into a more ideal position. Invisalign also uses pressure to move teeth, but instead of brackets and wires, it comes in the form of clear plastic alignment trays. The trays are made based on the molds of your smile and each is designed for a different level of treatment. Each aligner set is worn for 7-10 days before changing to a new one. Invisalign doesn't need to be adjusted like braces, but you still need to have a check-up every six to eight weeks so we can make sure your treatment is going as planned and make any necessary adjustments.
How long does Invisalign last?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the circumstances. In most cases, Invisalign treatment for adults lasts around 3 to 12 months. Small changes in the position or spacing of the teeth can be made in a relatively short time. On the other hand, relatively complex problems—such as correcting an underbite, overbite, or crossbite—require a longer treatment plan. The average Invisalign treatment takes about 6 to 8 months. Note that this type of orthodontic treatment generally takes less time than braces, which sometimes have to be worn for up to 2-3 years.
Benefits of Invisalign
- An invisible apparition:True to their name, Invisalign aligners virtually disappear when worn on the teeth. Thanks to their completely clear nature, most people will not notice them unless they are actively looking for them in the first place. This makes them a great choice for look-conscious teens and young adults.
- Kompfort:Invisalign splints are made of smooth plastic that is gentler on the gums than metal braces or wires. You also don't have to worry about sharp or protruding edges poking into the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Improved hygiene:You can take out your Invisalign aligners to clean them, and you can brush and floss your teeth without fiddling with braces or wires.
- Removable:Although you must wear Invisalign at least 22 hours a day, the trays can be removed so you can eat whatever you want in comfort. You can also remove Invisalign for special occasions as long as you put the aligners back in immediately afterwards.
Understand the cost of Invisalign
In fact, Mount Pleasant has no set cost for Invisalign. After all, the treatment is so individual because no two smiles are the same. As a result, the price can vary greatly from patient to patient. During your consultation, Dr. Gregory examines the factors that affect treatment costs and answers any questions you may have about the procedure. From there we can look at financing options to make your smile correction affordable. First, read on for some important information about the cost of Invisalign.
Factors affecting the Invisalign cost
The personalized nature of Invisalign at Mount Pleasant means you will most likely not pay exactly the same amount as your friend or family member for treatment. So that we can provide a cost estimate without Dr. Gregory examines your smile during a consultation. During this consultation, she prepares an estimate by considering some questions such as:
- Do you need to wear aligners on your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both? Most patients will need to wear them on both arches, but if you only need one, you can save money by not having to use as many aligners.
- How severe are your misaligned teeth? Fixing minor orthodontic problems, such as a small gap between your front teeth, is easier and less expensive than fixing a severe overbite, for example.
- How long does your treatment last? The longer it takes to move your teeth, the more aligners you'll need to carry, increasing treatment costs. If you don't use splints as often as recommended, your teeth won't move as quickly either, which will lengthen your treatment plan.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which costs more?
Smile Direct Club and other clear do-it-yourself aligner kits sound tempting. They allow you to make your own aligners and straighten your teeth without ever having to set foot in a dentist's office. Plus, the price is usually a fraction of the price of Invisalign.
As tempting as DIY aligners may seem, you should be aware that this option comes with a number of risks:
- You are responsible for taking your own impressions of your teeth using your materials and guidelines. While this doesn't sound like a challenge, these impressions need to be 100% accurate as they will be used to create your aligners. If the impressions are even slightly inaccurate, the aligners can shift your teeth in a way that can be unattractive at best and unhealthy at worst.
- Your progress will not be monitored by a dentist. While it may seem convenient that you don't need to get tested every few weeks, it also means problems in your care cannot be identified and addressed early.
- If a problem arises during treatment, you cannot directly ask someone for help. Most likely, you will have to deal with an account manager who does not have the necessary knowledge to help you. With Invisalign, you can call our clinic and get help right away when you need it.
Yes, Invisalign costs more than Smile Direct Club and the like. However, if you choose to visit an Invisalign dentist in Mount Pleasant, your treatment will be safer and smoother. You can count on us to make precise aligners and be with you every step of the way to your dream smile!
Make Invisalign affordable
If you need help fitting the cost of Invisalign into your budget, our team is here to help! We work closely with CareCredit, an outside financing company that can split your treatment costs into easy-to-manage monthly payments. If you qualify for one of their many flexible payment plans, you can also expect very low interest rates, if any at all!
Frequently asked questions about Invisalign
You don't have to put up with metal brackets and wires to straighten your smile. Invisalign is an excellent way to work towards perfect alignment. However, it pays to be well informed about the treatment before embarking on it. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Invisalign at Mount Pleasant. If you can't find the information you're looking for below, don't worry!Give us a callWe will be happy to answer your questions and arrange an appointment for your initial consultation.
Tut Invisalign weh?
Invisalign is not a painful treatment. Its sleek plastic design makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options on the market. When you first receive Invisalign, you may experience mild pain or discomfort that some characterize as pain, but this will subside as you get used to the treatment. Invisalign works by gradually aligning your teeth with a series of aligners, so you may feel a little pressure each time you switch to a new set. It just shows that your treatment is working! To manage discomfort, try over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
One of the main benefits of Invisalign is that they are fully removable, so you can take out your aligners while you eat. Eating with your Invisalign tray not only damages your aligners and causes cracking and discoloration, it also puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth. The only thing you need to consume when using Invisalign is water. If not, you should remove your aligners and store them in a safe place.
How do I clean my Invisalign?
Invisalign sells its own Invisalign cleaning system specifically designed to keep your aligners clean. It uses cleaning crystals to remove food debris and plaque. Another way to clean your aligners is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove particles. Invisalign needs to be washed throughout the day to prevent food from sticking to it. You should never use hot water as it can permanently warp the plastic. Before putting in the aligners, always brush and floss your teeth to avoid accidentally pinching something between your teeth and the aligners.
Can you get Invisalign after braces?
It all depends on your specific needs. If your teeth have become misaligned or crooked years after completing braces, Invisalign can often help. However, there are some misalignment issues that are too complex for Invisalign to correct on its own. Traditional braces can handle more severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites better than Invisalign. Your initial consultation will determine whether or not Invisalign is the best solution for your smile.
FAQs
What no one tells you about Invisalign? ›
Invisalign is removable, which means you can pop it off when you need a break if you're eating, or when it's time to brush and floss. As long as you wear those comfy, clear braces for around 22 hours per day, there shouldn't be any impact on your treatment.
What is better Braves or Invisalign? ›Which is better, braces or Invisalign? Braces are better for people with severe crookedness and most kids and teens. Invisalign and other brands of clear aligners are best for adults who want a nearly invisible and more comfortable straightening method, as long as the teeth aren't too crooked.
What are Invisalign brackets called? ›Invisalign attachments, also sometimes called buttons, are small, tooth-colored dots that are made out of composite dental resin, the same material used for dental fillings. Depending on the situation and the purpose of the attachment, they may be square, triangular, rectangular, or even circular.
Can I use my HSA to pay for Invisalign? ›Absolutely, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for Invisalign aligners based on the same criteria listed above. While typically more expensive than braces, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible and removable, making them a great option for many Kristo Orthodontic patients— especially teens and adults.
What is the failure rate of Invisalign? ›In general, the success rate of Invisalign is quite high. The overall success rate of Invisalign is around 96%. This means that 96% of patients who complete treatment with Invisalign achieve their desired results and are completely satisfied with the treatment.
Do dentists shave teeth after Invisalign? ›Shaving teeth or filing them down to fix overcrowding is a rather common practice in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. When done correctly, it does not pose any hazards.
What are the disadvantages of Invisalign? ›- Less effective for complex issues. Research , while limited, does seem to suggest that Invisalign is more effective for people whose teeth require only certain kinds of movement. ...
- Requires compliance. ...
- Removal when eating or drinking. ...
- Food limitations.
If you use Invisalign for more than one year, the aligners may chip your teeth or cause other long-term damage to them. Like braces, Invisalign can also contribute to gum recession and exposed tooth roots. However, going to the dentist as needed should prevent any damage since dentists check for these side effects.
Can Invisalign change your face shape? ›No, orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign and braces, does not directly impact your nose or lengthen your face. The reason people occasionally think their nose looks different after braces or their face seems to have lengthened is about the angles.
Can I refuse Invisalign attachments? ›Yes, you can decline attachments. Your Invisalign treatment will still work, it just may take longer and be slightly less effective. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment without attachments, ask your orthodontist if this will work for your specific condition and how long your treatment might take.
Why do my Invisalign attachments keep falling off? ›
Invisalign attachments fall off sometimes—it happens! Similar to metal braces, if you exert too much force on your Invisalign attachments, you may break or loosen your appliance.
Can you tell if someone is wearing Invisalign? ›Can anyone tell that I'm wearing the aligners? Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you're wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.
Is Invisalign tax deductible? ›Did you know that Invisalign may be deducted from your tax return? Along with some other restorative and preventative dental procedures, Invisalign can be deducted as a medical expense.
How many months does Invisalign take? ›Most adults finish Invisalign treatment and have straight smiles in as little as 12-18 months. In some cases, noticeable results begin appearing just a few weeks after starting the Invisalign process. You wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and get a new set of aligners every week or two.
Does Invisalign fix overbite? ›Invisalign corrects most overbite problems. 100% overbite is when your top teeth cover your bottom teeth completely. Your orthodontist will assess whether you need Invisalign or braces, but Invisalign can fix a 100% overbite problem.
What's the worst Invisalign can fix? ›Whether there is just one gap between two teeth or several gaps a patient would like closed, Invisalign can only reliably close up to 6mm of space per arch (top teeth or lower teeth).
What's the worst your teeth can be for Invisalign? ›When it comes to treating rotated teeth, Invisalign is a pretty good choice, but it can only rotate teeth that are up to 20 degrees out of position. If your teeth are more severely rotated than this, Invisalign will not be able to provide the adequate force to move them into the right position.
Why do my teeth feel weak after Invisalign? ›It is normal for your teeth to feel wobbly and loose when you first start wearing Invisalign aligners. This is because the aligners slightly shift your teeth into new, straight positions. Over time, as your teeth become more aligned, the looseness will fade.
What happens if I leave my Invisalign out for a day? ›Teeth will move back to the incorrect position: Your progress towards a perfect smile will go to waste if you leave Invisalign out for a longer duration, like a full day. Your teeth can easily move back to their original positions without Invisalign and undo all your hard work.
Do your teeth stay straight after Invisalign? ›Your retainers will fit for as long as you consistently wear them. It's normal for your teeth to slightly shift after having your Invisalign braces removed or once you stop wearing Invisalign. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak.
Can you drink through a straw with Invisalign? ›
Again, drinking beverages with a straw is recommended when you're undergoing Invisalign treatment. A straw allows the liquid less contact with your teeth and less contact with your Invisalign if they're still in. If you simply must drink a sugary or alcoholic drink with Invisalign, use a straw.
What foods are off limits with Invisalign? ›...
With this in mind, here are foods to avoid with Invisalign and braces:
- Caramels.
- Chewing gum.
- Jawbreakers (best avoided in general)
- Jellybeans.
- Licorice.
- Nuts.
- Popcorn.
- Sour candy.
While wearing Invisalign aligners, many patients have reported that they have lost anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds. Our Invisalign, Richmond VA friends, River Run Dental, have stated that many of their patients have lost weight with Invisalign.
Is Invisalign worth it for older adults? ›There is no upward age limit for Invisalign. Many of the people who seek the cosmetic and oral health benefits of Invisalign are adults who are well into their 40s, 50s, and older. We love seeing our older patients enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile. Having straight teeth is a benefit at any age.
How long is too long for Invisalign? ›Many orthodontists will advise that Invisalign treatment can take between 6 – 12 months or more, depending on your case. There's no one-size-fits-all for determining how long your treatment will last. That's because every patient will have their own individual tooth alignment issues.
Can Invisalign cause gum recession? ›Fortunately, Invisalign doesn't cause gum recession and is not a cause of concern for people considering this therapy to straighten teeth.
What happens if you drink alcohol with Invisalign? ›Red wine or colored beer can indeed stain your Invisalign. In addition, the sugar in alcohol can cause dental decay if trapped under the aligner. Taking out the aligners to enjoy your drink is not advisable. You may forget to put them back and increase treatment time or even lose them.
Can Invisalign make lips look bigger? ›While Invisalign treatment can change the position of your lips and teeth in some cases, it does not make your lips bigger. Moreover, it is important to understand that Invisalign is a teeth-straightening tool and not a lip cosmetic treatment. It will not help increase or decrease the size of your lips.
Does Invisalign make your jawline sharper? ›Yes, Invisalign can improve your jawline. It may take a little while longer to see results, but the same rules apply to traditional braces. An uneven jawline can be uncomfortable and cause serious pain.
Does Invisalign change your voice? ›Invisalign uses thin, clear, plastic aligners to shift your teeth into place gradually. Since the trays are so slim, they will only have a minor impact on your speech. You will initially notice a slight lisp for the first few days of treatment. It will be most evident when making the “s”, “sh”, or “z” sounds.
What do orthodontists think of Invisalign? ›
Because the Invisalign® system makes life easier for their patients, orthodontists often prefer it over metal braces. However, for patients with severely misaligned teeth, braces are the better option. Sometimes, teeth need to be twisted as part of the straightening process.
Can people tell if you have Invisalign? ›Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you're wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break.
Are people satisfied with Invisalign? ›A 96% satisfaction rate is hard to beat. And so is a great smile! A well-aligned set of teeth leads to healthier gums, a stronger jawbone, and improvements in chewing and speech – as well as a positive self-image. Invisalign offers a faster, more efficient, and subtler way to enhance your smile, and patients love it.
Is wearing Invisalign obvious? ›Because the flexible plastic is clear, it is difficult for onlookers to see. Patients do not have to worry about the visibility of their aligners at home or work. Clear material is not the same as invisible material, however. While Invisalign is generally hard to detect, people may still see them.
What teeth are hardest to move with Invisalign? ›Typically, the lateral incisors or the teeth next to your front teeth are the most challenging to move with Invisalign aligners and traditional braces.
Why don't orthodontists like Invisalign? ›Invisalign doesn't have the same force and capabilities to move teeth as braces. Therefore, complex orthodontic treatment or cases that require significant movement of teeth need braces, not Invisalign to achieve the desired outcome.
Why do my teeth feel thinner after Invisalign? ›It is normal for your teeth to feel wobbly and loose when you first start wearing Invisalign aligners. This is because the aligners slightly shift your teeth into new, straight positions. Over time, as your teeth become more aligned, the looseness will fade.
Is it hard to kiss with Invisalign? ›Will I Still Be Able to Kiss? Though it can seem like a touchy topic, there's no need to worry about kissing while you're using Invisalign. The aligners are barely noticeable in your mouth, so there's a good chance your partner won't notice a thing.
Do you have to wear a retainer forever after Invisalign? ›Yes, you'll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment. Even though Invisalign moves teeth differently from traditional metal braces, the result is still the same.
Is 20 hours enough for Invisalign? ›The recommended amount of time to wear Invisalign aligners is 20 to 22 hours per day. This means that the aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and brushing (cleaning the teeth and aligners).
What can go wrong with Invisalign? ›
If not planned properly, the Invisalign will not move the teeth as predicted. What could go wrong? Patients can end up with un-esthetic results – protrusive teeth, asymmetric teeth, teeth that won't fully straighten, etc. Patients can end up with gum disease, jaw aches, and unstable results.
Can you refuse Invisalign refinements? ›Yes, you can decline attachments. Your Invisalign treatment will still work, it just may take longer and be slightly less effective.
Can Dentists tell if you dont wear Invisalign? ›As a general rule, MINT dentistry recommends wearing the clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Maintaining regular check-ups is also important so we can keep your treatment plan on track. Our trained dentists will be able to tell if the aligners were not worn often enough to make the necessary changes.
Does the first tray of Invisalign do anything? ›Your first Invisalign tray will typically move the teeth around 1/10mm. However, there can be some variation in the process of moving teeth during the treatment depending upon your condition. Moreover, the first Invisalign tray also puts gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into place, leading to some soreness.
How long does the average person have to wear Invisalign? ›Many orthodontists will advise that Invisalign treatment can take between 6 – 12 months or more, depending on your case. There's no one-size-fits-all for determining how long your treatment will last. That's because every patient will have their own individual tooth alignment issues.