Services
Orthodontics
Invisalign
What is Invisalign?
If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign system. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. The aligners are clear, making them virtually invisible so no one will know that you’re straightening your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, the trays are comfortable and have smooth edges that won’t irritate your gingival tissue or cheeks. The trays can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing, and if need be, for special occasions. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits. Having a confident smile can change everything. And Invisalign makes the decision easy, because you can get a stunning smile without most people even noticing you're going through treatment
Before teeth After teeth
(6 months in treatment)
How is it made?
Step One
During your initial consultation you and your doctor will discuss the issues you have with your teeth and what kind of results you would like to see. Once your doctor decides your situation is suitable for Invisalign treatment, a treatment plan will be mapped out with your goals in mind. Then, impressions and pictures of your teeth will be taken for digitization purposes
Step Two
The impressions of your teeth will be digitized in order for your doctor to work with a computerized 3-D image of your teeth. Then, your doctor will plan your tooth movements throughout your entire treatment timeline. You'll be able to see a virtual representation of your teeth before, during, and after completion of the Invisalign process so you can see what your smile should look like when you're done with treatment.
Step Three
From your doctor's precise treatment plan, customized aligners are created with advanced technology for you to wear at each stage of your treatment. While the number of aligners varies for each individual situation, a full set of treatment typically includes 20-30 aligners per arch.
Step Four
You should wear your aligners at all times, with the exception of eating and drinking, in order to complete your treatment in the timeline determined by you and your doctor. You'll go in for occasional checkups, to monitor your progress and to receive your next set of aligners. During the entire treatment process, you'll be able to watch your teeth gradually moving into place. Your smile will, little by little, move into something you'd like to show off. The people around you will be sure to notice your new-found confidence.
Choosing the Invisalign system is a smart decision on your part because the advanced technology provides you with customized treatment to give you a smile that suits you. And even with all that superior technology, we make it easy for you to get Invisalign to help you on your way to the smile you've always dreamed of.
Comparison to Traditional Metal Braces
When it comes to considering your options for a smile makeover, it's easy to see Invisalign's advantages. So there's a reason to smile. Compare Invisalign to other teeth straightening options.
Comparison chart
Is Invisalign right for me?
Not only is Invisalign versatile, helping to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues, but it really works. And there are over half a million smiles to back that up. But a confident smile isn't the only benefit of correcting your dental issues with custom-made Invisalign aligners—your health can be positively impacted as well. Learn more about several common issues below we can work with you to correct.
Overly crowded teeth: This occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can cause dental decay, an increase in chances of gum disease, and can prevent the normal function of teeth.
Widely spaced teeth: This occurs with abnormal continued growth of the jaw bone. When teeth are missing, this issue can also be caused by the other teeth shifting due to extra space. Spacing issues in teeth can cause some periodontal diseases.
Crossbite: This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and/or the sides of the mouth. This issue can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.
Overbite: What people commonly refer to as an "overbite" is known to dental professionals as "overjet." It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It's typically caused by either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. This issue can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.
Underbite: This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It's usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This issue can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.
Your Invisalign certified doctor will work with you to create a custom-designed program that will treat your specific dental or orthodontic issue(s). Your treatment program will consist of a full set of aligners, made for you, and only you.
Will Invisalign fit my lifestyle?
Your treatment plan begins with a consultation with your dentist. During that consultation, you and your doctor will discuss the options to treat your particular issue. Once your doctor confirms that your issue can be corrected with the Invisalign system, he or she will write a detailed treatment plan that determines how each of your aligners will change throughout your program. When you begin treatment, you'll wear each set of aligners in approximately two-week increments. The aligners gently move your teeth into position, and at the end of each two-week period, you "graduate" to the next set of custom aligners.
An Invisalign AlignerAs you progress through the series of aligners, your teeth will begin moving, little by little. And you don't have to wait until you complete treatment to see your smile change—you may start seeing positive changes early in the process. You will have occasional checkups with your doctor—often as little as once every six weeks—in order to gauge your progress. And at the end of your treatment, you'll be showing off a smile you never knew you'd have before you had Invisalign.
Your lifestyle. Your schedule.
So how long will it take to finish your treatment?
For most adults, treatment time is just under one year. Of course, your total treatment time depends on your particular situation, so it's important to speak with your doctor about how your situation and goals fit into an Invisalign treatment program.
You're in control of your treatment's success. The more you wear your aligners, the better. Take them out to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. But the more you wear your aligners, the better. You're on your way to the smile you've always dreamed of!
Health Benefits of Invisalign
Smile healthy
It’s easy to see that a straight, well-aligned smile looks great. But that kind of smile often means it’s also a healthy smile. So put yourself in a healthy state of mind, and take a look at the many benefits of a properly aligned smile.
Healthier gums
Signs of periodontal disease, such as swollen gums and redness, can surface due to teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. Clinical studies have shown that when teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit tighter around the teeth, which can lead to better periodontal health.¹ Since the Invisalign system’s greatest advantage is its ability to align teeth, your gum health may improve after Invisalign treatment. And since you can brush and floss normally with Invisalign, unlike with traditional braces, you can more easily prevent tooth decay and related periodontal disease.
Easier cleanings
One of the Invisalign system’s best qualities is that it uses no metal bands, brackets, or wires that may trap food and plaque like traditional braces do. And since the removable nature of Invisalign allows you to maintain good oral hygiene habits, you may also reduce chances of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
Improved chewing and speech
When you leave incorrectly positioned teeth and jaws untreated, it can lead to speech difficulties and uncomfortable chewing issues. Invisalign treatment can improve both of these problems by giving you better-aligned teeth and jaws.
Maintain comfort and tooth structure
Misaligned teeth and jaws can result in abnormal stress. This can cause painful trauma to supporting bone and jaw joints. These issues can also cause abnormal wear on your teeth, which can trigger continued problems in the future.
Payment Options and Costs
You are your best investment.
It’s true. No matter what you’ve believed in the past, a confident, radiant smile can be within reach. And if you think about it, improving your smile is an important investment, because you’re doing it for yourself.
How much does Invisalign cost?
We know price is an important consideration for you. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to that question until you visit your Invisalign-trained doctor for your initial consultation and then plan your treatment program.
There are many factors that determine the cost of your Invisalign treatment: how extensive the issues you want corrected, how long your treatment plan will last, and the specific treatment details prescribed by your dentist. That said, the Invisalign system is often similar in price to traditional braces. Invisalign generally runs between $3500 for simpler cases and up to $6500 for more complex cases.
What about insurance?
Many dental-insurance providers cover orthodontic treatment to some extent. If your dental plan is one of them, Invisalign may qualify as orthodontic treatment. We will be happy to submit a prior approval to your insurance on your behalf to determine the extent that your insurance carrier wil cover your Invisalign.
What are my other options?
Our office offers flexible payment plans to help you manage your Invisalign payments. Inquire with our office manager about how we can help you. In addition, many companies offer employees Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). An FSA allows you to set aside a portion of your paychecks in order to pay for qualified medical expenses.
The money you elect to contribute is deducted from your pay and transferred directly into your FSA, and therefore, is not subject to payroll taxes. After incurring eligible medical costs, you can then submit your receipt for reimbursement from your FSA.
Since Invisalign can fall under orthodontic treatment, these costs can qualify for FSA reimbursement. If your company offers FSA and you know you’d like to treat yourself to Invisalign, plan ahead and consult your benefits department. When it comes time to enroll in your program, you can submit the appropriate amount for your Invisalign treatment and save money while doing it, since it’s a pre-tax contribution. It’s an easy and convenient way to get the smile you want.
Are there financing options with Invisalign?
Another financing option available to help you get Invisalign treatment is CareCredit. CareCredit is a third party financing company focused on providing credit for healthcare services. Once you’re approved for CareCredit financing, you can use it for your Invisalign treatment and enjoy convenient monthly payment options, no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties and no annual fees.