Invisalign® – Arlington, TX

Crowded Teeth

Teeth that sit too close together can cause tooth decay and cavities to form because of the inability to properly clean them. However, with Invisalign, your teeth can move to create necessary space, allowing you to brush and floss correctly, minimizing your chances of decay and gum disease.

Gaps Between Teeth

When teeth appear to be too far apart, bacteria and food debris can become trapped. As a result, the same oral health problems can occur. With Invisalign, the clear aligners can move teeth closer together, allowing for adequate space but appropriate closure, ensuring that your smile remains in proper alignment and without unappealing gaps.

Overbite

An overbite, also referred to as an overjet, occurs when the upper teeth protrude excessively beyond the lower arch when the mouth is closed, leading to misalignment. This condition can result in various issues such as speech difficulties, jaw discomfort, uneven tooth wear, and other oral problems. In some cases, Invisalign can effectively address overbites by gently repositioning the teeth and guiding the lower jaw into its correct alignment.

Underbite

An underbite happens when your bottom teeth stick out in front of your top teeth when you close your mouth. This can lead to problems like difficulty breathing, speaking, and chewing, as well as a higher risk of sleep apnea. Invisalign can often fix an underbite by using special rubber bands to help move your jaw into the right position.

Crossbite

A crossbite happens when some bottom teeth stick out in front of the top teeth. Without treatment, it can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth breakage. Invisalign is often effective in shifting the teeth and jaws to fix a crossbite, promoting better oral health.

Open Bite

Do you notice a gap between your upper and lower front teeth even when your back teeth are touching? If so, you might have an open bite. This condition can cause speech problems and extra wear on your back teeth. The great thing is that Invisalign often fixes an open bite by aligning the upper and lower front teeth.

Comfortable Aligners

Traditional braces are often associated with discomfort due to their metal brackets and wires. Fortunately, Invisalign provides an alternative that is both discreet and comfortable. These aligners are made from smooth plastic and custom-designed to address common orthodontic issues such as overcrowding, gaps, and bite misalignment. Without the irritation of metal components, Invisalign offers a significantly more comfortable way to straighten your teeth.

Nearly Invisible Trays

A major advantage of Invisalign is its clear aligners, which are virtually unnoticeable. Unlike traditional braces that are immediately visible, these transparent trays blend seamlessly with your teeth. Unless someone is specifically looking for them, they will likely go unnoticed. To keep them stain-free and maintain their invisibility, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene by brushing regularly and cleaning your aligners after meals.

Better Oral Hygiene

One of the best aspects of Invisalign is the ease of maintaining oral hygiene. Since the aligners are removable, you can continue brushing and flossing as you normally would – no need for special tools or techniques. However, you should make it a habit to brush your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in place. This prevents plaque buildup, staining, and potential tooth decay. Keeping a small dental care kit with you can make this routine more convenient, especially when you’re on the go.

Fewer Follow-Ups

With traditional braces, adjustment appointments are needed roughly every four weeks. Invisalign, on the other hand, streamlines the process by providing multiple sets of aligners at once. This allows you to progress through your treatment at home, only needing check-in visits approximately every six weeks. During these appointments, we’ll ensure your teeth are shifting as planned. If everything is on track, you’ll receive your next set of aligners. If any adjustments are necessary, we can modify your treatment plan accordingly to prevent delays.

No Dietary Restrictions

Patients with braces must avoid certain foods, such as popcorn, whole apples, and crunchy snacks, to prevent damaging brackets and wires. With Invisalign, these restrictions don’t apply since the aligners are removable. Simply take them out before eating, enjoy your favorite foods, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. This freedom allows for a more enjoyable eating experience without the fear of breaking your orthodontic appliances.

Faster Treatment Time

One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign is the shorter treatment timeline. While traditional braces often require 24-36 months to achieve results, Invisalign typically takes only 12-18 months. To stay on track, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day, switch to each new set as directed, and attend all scheduled checkups. By following these guidelines, you can achieve your perfect smile faster and with greater ease.

Wearing Your Trays

Since Invisalign aligners are not bonded to your teeth, you have the freedom to remove them throughout your orthodontic treatment. It’s important to remember that consistent wear is crucial for optimal results since they are only effective when worn. For this reason, patients are advised to wear the clear aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours daily. If needed, you can use the Invisalign app to monitor wear time and easily meet this daily goal.

Cleaning Your Aligners

For effective aligner cleaning, you'll need a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water. Wet the bristles and softly brush each surface of your trays. Follow up with a thorough rinse, proceed with your regular oral hygiene routine, and reinsert the trays.

Additionally, if you notice yellowing, you can use the Invisalign cleaning crystals provided in your welcome kit for a deeper cleanse.

Eating & Drinking

Thankfully, there are no strict dietary limitations with Invisalign – you're free to enjoy your favorite foods! However, you must remove your trays before consuming anything besides water, including coffee. Additionally, be mindful that crunchy, sticky, and hard foods may dislodge attachments, which constitutes an orthodontic emergency needing prompt attention. Be sure to exercise caution with foods like raw nuts and popcorn to avoid such incidents.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Should you encounter any mishaps, such as losing or damaging an aligner, don't hesitate to reach out to our dental team! When you give us a call, we'll ask about the specifics of your situation to better understand your needs. Then, we'll assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Depending on your case, this may involve scheduling a same-day appointment for treatment or moving on to the next tray in your series.

Routine Check-Ins

Even if you have your complete set of aligners, you must prioritize your scheduled Invisalign check-in visits. These appointments allow us to oversee the progress of your teeth, ensure the health of your teeth and gums, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Moreover, these sessions are an excellent opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign can differ from one individual to another, primarily influenced by several key factors:

• Number of Arches – In most Invisalign treatments, both upper and lower arches are straightened. However, in certain instances, only one arch may require correction, resulting in a lower overall cost.
• Complexity of the Case – The complexity of orthodontic issues varies, and more intricate cases tend to incur higher expenses. If you have significant misalignment issues, your treatment is likely to be more costly.
• Length of Treatment – Longer treatment durations require the use of more aligners, which can increase the overall cost of the treatment.

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

Invisalign typically ranges between $3,000 and $8,000, whereas Smile Direct Club™ (a do-it-yourself option for clear aligners) usually comes in around $2,000. However, it's important to consider some crucial factors that balance out this cost difference:

• Quality of Materials – DIY aligners often use lower-grade materials, resulting in less comfort and a higher likelihood of breakage.
• Professional Oversight – Opting for Invisalign means you have a professional overseeing your progress, ensuring your treatment stays on track and successful.
• Treatment Safety – While DIY aligners promise quicker results, there's a risk of potential dental damage due to moving teeth too rapidly. Invisalign offers a safer alternative in this regard.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

It depends! Certain policies may include a one-time allowance for orthodontic treatments, which includes Invisalign. Of course, it's important to verify your benefits prior to starting any orthodontic procedure. Our team has extensive experience dealing with several different dental insurance plans, and we're more than willing to address any inquiries you may have regarding your coverage and its inclusion of Invisalign.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

If you're without dental insurance, you're not without options. We offer flexible financing to help manage the cost of your care. Both CareCredit and Lending Club present a range of plans, some with minimal to no interest. Get in touch with us for further details on your payment choices!

Does Invisalign Hurt?

As your teeth are being guided into their properly aligned positions, you might feel some soreness. The good news is that it usually dissipates within a few hours of transitioning to a new tray. Plus, there are several ways you can prevent this sensation all together! For example, you can take an OTC pain reliever about 30 minutes beforehand so you feel little-to-no discomfort. Many patients find that sticking to soft foods and putting the new tray in after dinner is also helpful.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

Fortunately, keeping your aligners clean won’t be a cumbersome or time-consuming process. After you eat breakfast, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Then, use some clean, room-temperature water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface of your trays.

Note: You can also use the cleaning crystals that came in your Invisalign welcome kit. All you need to do is place a packet in a small container of water, shake the container a bit to dissolve the crystals, and soak your trays for about 15 minutes in the mixture!

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

You might have heard that Invisalign only takes 12-18 months. While that is the average treatment timeline, there are multiple factors that will influence the length of your teeth-straightening journey. For example, if you are correcting minor misalignment, you might only need to dedicate six months to clear aligner treatment. If, on the other hand, you need to fix more moderate overcrowding, then it may take more than 18 months to align your teeth and bite. At your consultation, our Arlington dentist, Dr. Baldwin, will provide you with an estimate as well as instructions on how to stay on-track.

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

As long as you remove your aligners beforehand, you can eat whatever you’d like – there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign! With that said, we do recommend tweaking your diet a bit if you usually indulge in foods that are crunchy, sticky, or high in sugar. While raw nuts, popcorn, croutons, and other “tough” foods can cause an attachment to come off prematurely, products that are loaded with sugar can dramatically increase your risk of developing cavities. Since both can negatively impact your treatment timeline, we recommend exercising caution or avoiding them altogether.

What Happens After Invisalign?

After completing your final set of Invisalign aligners, Dr. Baldwin will evaluate your results to ensure your teeth have reached their ideal position. To preserve your hard-earned results, you’ll need to wear a retainer.

The good news is that modern retainers are more comfortable than older versions, and you can typically choose between a wire retainer or a clear plastic one that’s similar to Invisalign. Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining your new smile and protecting your investment. Dr. Baldwin will guide you on how often to wear it, usually starting with full-time wear before transitioning to nighttime use. Consistently wearing your retainer will allow you to enjoy the benefits of your treatment for years to come!

What If My Invisalign Broke?

While Invisalign aligners are made from durable plastic, they can still crack, break, or get damaged. If you notice a small hairline crack, you may still be able to use the aligner – just be extra careful when inserting and removing it. Apply even pressure when placing it on your teeth and use a flat edge to take it out to avoid further damage.

You should never attempt to repair a broken aligner yourself, as glue and other fixes can be harmful. Instead, contact Dr. Baldwin for guidance. He may advise you to temporarily switch back to your previous aligner or, if you’re close to finishing your current set, move on to the next one. To prevent damage, always remove aligners before eating or drinking (except water), store them properly, and use only room-temperature water for cleaning.

What Are Invisalign Attachments?

They are small, tooth-colored resin bumps bonded to your teeth to help guide them into place more effectively. They provide extra grip for the aligners, making it possible to treat more complex misalignments that Invisalign alone couldn’t initially address.

The bonding process for attachments is quick and simple, and they do not damage your natural tooth enamel. Despite these additions, you’ll still enjoy the convenience of removable aligners. Eating, drinking, and oral hygiene will continue to be easy! Once treatment is complete, the attachments are easily removed without damaging your teeth underneath.

Does Invisalign Give You a Lisp?

When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may experience a slight adjustment period with your speech. Some patients develop a minor lisp due to the aligners slightly altering the space inside the mouth, which affects tongue placement and airflow during speech. However, not everyone is affected, and for those who do develop a lisp, it is usually very mild and temporary.

Most patients adjust within a few days to a couple of weeks as their tongue learns to maneuver around the aligners. The best way to speed up this adjustment is to keep practicing your speech helps your tongue adapt more quickly. Even in cases of a more noticeable lisp, normal speech typically returns once you become used to wearing Invisalign.