Invisalign – West Mobile, AL
Discreetly & Conveniently Straighten Your Smile
Many people dread the thought of orthodontic treatment because they do not want traditional braces, which are quite noticeable. Thanks to Invisalign, however, more and more people are achieving healthier, straighter teeth without the use of brackets and wires. At Parker Dental and Orthodontics, we are proud to be a certified Invisalign provider. We can help you discreetly and conveniently straighten your smile with this modern orthodontic solution. Give us a call today to see if Invisalign is right for you.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of clear thermoplastic aligners to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. Over time, you’ll work through a series of aligners, with each one moving the teeth incrementally. This continuous pressure causes the teeth to gradually move into their ideal positions.
Your journey begins with a consultation. We’ll analyze your orthodontic issues and talk to you about the pros and cons of Invisalign so we can determine whether it is right for you. If it seems like Invisalign would be a fit for your circumstances, we’ll take detailed images and impressions of your teeth. Invisalign will then use that data to create your custom aligners.
Once you begin wearing the aligners, you’ll keep each one in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day for two weeks. Throughout your treatment, you’ll visit us for periodic checkups so we can make sure that everything is going according to the plan. After you work your way through all of the aligners, we’ll provide you with a retainer. The retainer will ensure that your teeth do not drift back out of place.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Most adults and teenagers are candidates for Invisalign. It can correct a number of orthodontic issues, including bite issues, overcrowding, gaps between teeth and more. However, if your teeth or jaws are severely misaligned, traditional orthodontics might be a better option for you.
Candidates for Invisalign also need to have a measure of self-discipline. You’ll need to be confident that you’ll wear your aligners as much as you should and that you’ll pay extra attention to oral hygiene throughout your treatment period.
If you have any of the following issues, Invisalign may be able to help you get the straighter, healthier smile you deserve:
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth are unsightly and create spaces that trap food particles and bacteria, raising your risk of oral health issues like cavities and gum disease. Invisalign can gently shift teeth away from each other and into a more even smile.
Gaps Between Teeth
Are you embarrassed by one or more gaps between your teeth? Spaced out teeth are more likely to chip, break, and wear down. Thankfully, Invisalign can eliminate these gaps and bring the teeth closer together for a uniform set of pearly whites.
Bite Alignment
Bite alignments issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite can distract from your appearance and lead to serious jaw problems like TMJ. Thankfully, we can design a custom Invisalign treatment plan that can help you achieve a healthier, more comfortable bite.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Although Invisalign works on the same basic principle as traditional braces, there are some significant differences between the two treatments:
- Invisalign is removable. You can take out your aligners at mealtimes, which means you won’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions. You can also remove Invisalign to brush and floss your teeth easily.
- Invisalign is discreet. The aligners are not completely invisible, but they are far less noticeable than traditional orthodontics.
- Invisalign offers a faster average treatment time. The average treatment time with Invisalign is only 12 months, which is much faster than that of traditional braces. (Your treatment may be longer or shorter, depending on your unique orthodontic needs).
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
After learning more about Invisalign treatment, you’re probably more excited than ever to get started on your journey towards a straighter smile. But before committing to anything, you likely want to know how much your treatment will cost. Until you come in for a consultation, it’s hard to say with certainty what you can expect to pay since the answer truly varies from patient to patient. When you visit us, we’ll be more than happy to provide you with an accurate estimate and discuss your financing options to help you manage the cost of Invisalign in Mobile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Several factors influence the cost of getting Invisalign in Mobile, including:
- The length of treatment. Depending on the extent and type of your dental misalignment, you may require more aligners, which means a longer treatment time and higher cost.
- Whether you’re straightening one arch or both. Straightening both the upper and lower teeth often costs more than straightening just one or the other.
- Your compliance with treatment. If you misplace an aligner, you’ll have to pay for a replacement.
- Whether you require additional accessories. Some patients may need extra accessories like small elastics for successful treatment.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
While researching solutions for misaligned teeth, you likely came across DIY clear aligner treatments like SmileDirectClub™. They’ve become increasingly popular in recent years because they usually cost around $2,000, while Invisalign can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. Even though the low price point is certainly attractive, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for.
With SmileDirectClub™, you get little to no supervision from a dental professional. Many things can go wrong throughout the process, resulting in issues that will need to be fixed by a professional and cost you thousands of dollars. In some cases, do-it-yourself clear aligners have been known to worsen misalignment!
Meanwhile, you can enjoy personalized support and guidance from our dental team during your Invisalign treatment. We’ll be there every step of the way, monitoring your progress to ensure you’re on track with your plan. Additionally, Invisalign’s clear aligners are made using patented material that’s designed for comfort and efficient tooth movements. By choosing Invisalign, you can expect to enjoy a smoother and more successful treatment overall. When it comes to your oral health, quality should always be of utmost importance, regardless of cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans do offer coverage for orthodontic treatment. However, Invisalign is usually left out in those policies. Of course, every plan is unique, which is why it’s best to check with your dental insurance company to understand what’s covered. At your consultation, we’ll be more than happy to explain your coverage and help you use it to your greatest advantage. If your insurance doesn’t cover Invisalign, you can use your flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for your treatment instead.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem. We offer additional financing options to help make your dental bills a bit easier to manage. Here’s what’s available to you:
- In-House Membership Plan – This simple, comprehensive, affordable dental care plan allows you to get the care you need at a low annual fee. Not only will you receive all your necessary preventive dental care, but you get discounted rates on treatments like Invisalign.
- CareCredit Financing – With this plan, you can split up the cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. This makes even the most expensive dental treatments affordable!
Are you ready to start your journey towards a straighter smile? Contact our team and schedule a consultation. We’ll explain your options and help you achieve your desired goals in a way that fits your budget perfectly!
Invisalign FAQs
If you’re ready to invest in a straight, healthy smile, Invisalign in Mobile may be the solution for you. Although you’d like to enjoy the benefits of clear aligners for yourself, they are a big commitment. It’s normal to have a few concerns, but there’s no reason to worry. We’ll explain everything during your consultation for Invisalign. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.
What does Invisalign look like?
Invisalign differs from traditional braces because you won’t need any brackets or wires. Instead, clear plastic aligners are worn over your teeth. Although they’ll be visible when they aren’t in your mouth, they are very difficult to detect while you’re wearing them. Your aligners will remain transparent with the right maintenance, so you don’t have to compromise your appearance to achieve the smile you want. Some patients may require attachments, elastics, or buttons to promote the movement of their teeth, which can be easier to detect than your aligners.
What can you eat with Invisalign?
Anything! However, you’ll need to take your aligners out first. Unlike metal braces, you won’t have any dietary restrictions because the aligners are removable. It’s important to never have anything except water while wearing them. If you don’t take them out when eating, they can crack or stain, and you’ll put unnecessary pressure on your teeth. When your aligners aren’t in your mouth, store them in a safe place to avoid losing them.
How do I clean my aligners?
You can purchase cleaning systems designed for Invisalign, which use special crystals to loosen food debris and plaque. There is also a cleaning solution, Steraligner, which is effective and easy to use. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your aligners. Your cosmetic dentist in Mobile will recommend rinsing them throughout the day; however, never use hot water because heat can warp them. Besides cleaning your aligners, don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth. Keeping your smile clean is essential to ensure food particles and plaque aren’t trapped between the aligners and your teeth.
What happens after Invisalign?
Invisalign is a big investment, a retainer will ensure your teeth stay in their new positions. You’ll be advised to wear it all the time, initially. As your bone heals around your teeth, you’ll gradually reduce how often you need to wear it until your retainer is only required at night. We offer several types of retainers to find the one that meets your needs and preferences. By committing to your aftercare plan, your straight smile can last for a lifetime.
How long does Invisalign take?
No two cases are the same, but the average treatment takes about 12 to 18 months. Various factors influence the duration of your treatment, like the complexity of your case and patient compliance. You can ensure delays aren’t added to your plan by wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, switching to a new one on time, and maintaining your dental appointments.