INVISALIGN® CLEAR BRACES - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
Straighter Teeth Without the Metal
Invisalign® is a cosmetic braces option that helps adults and image-conscious teens create straighter smiles without the need for conventional bracket-and-wire braces. Instead, it uses a series of clear, custom-made trays, also known as aligners, designed to fit comfortably and discreetly around your teeth.
This revolutionary orthodontic option has been used by over 6 million people, a number that is growing every day, to align their smiles with beauty and comfort. This treatment will be conducted under the supervision of one of our experienced dentists in Virginia Beach to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that your treatment stays on time. Dr. Stephanie L. Santos and Dr. Vinita J. Folck will carefully examine your smile before developing a personalized treatment plan to ensure the success of your alignment. If you’re ready for a straighter smile without the metal, give us a call!
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Each one of your Invisalign® aligners is carefully crafted according to a detailed treatment plan created by Dr. Santos or Dr. Folck. As you go through your treatment, you’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the set. To ensure your teeth are ready to move onto the next set, you’ll need to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, floss, and engage in special occasions. Periodically, you’ll visit us for quick checkup appointments so we can monitor your progress.
The treatment time will vary based on the severity of your misalignment and how committed you are to our instructions for wearing them. On average, Invisalign treatment takes between 10 and 18 months to gradually shift your smile into alignment. Afterwards, we will give you a clear retainer to wear to make sure that your teeth stay in their new position. This process is typically shorter than traditional braces.
Is Invisalign® Right for You?
Not every patient is a good candidate for Invisalign®. If you want to know if this cosmetic service is right for you, visit Smile by Design of Virginia Beach for a consultation. During your talk with Dr. Folck or Dr. Santos, your oral health will be assessed, and all your treatment options will be fully explained. If Invisalign® isn’t right for you, we can help you understand what your alternatives are. Fortunately, most patients are great candidates for Invisalign! This treatment can be used to fix mild to moderate cases of crowded teeth, gaps between the teeth, and bite alignment issues like overbite or underbite.
Why Patients Love Invisalign®
Besides being clear, Invisalign® is also removable! That means your aligners can be taken out throughout the day to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As a result, you can enjoy the same diet without ever having to worry about eating something that will damage your aligners.
You can also keep your teeth cleaner with Invisalign®. Braces that have brackets and wires make it difficult to thoroughly clean your smile by giving food, bacteria, and plaque places to hide. As a result, patients with conventional braces are more vulnerable to common oral health problems, like tooth decay and gum disease. With Invisalign®, this is never an issue because you can take care of your teeth like you always have!
A straight smile won’t just help you improve your confidence; it’s good for your oral and overall health, too. Call Smile by Design of Virginia Beach today to schedule an Invisalign® consultation. Dr. Santos and Dr. Folck are committed to helping patients from Virginia Beach, Fort Story, and Northeast Virginia Beach achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles.
The Cost of Invisalign®
The cost of your Invisalign clear braces will depend on a variety of factors like your oral health, commitment to the treatment plan, original position of your teeth, and if you lose or break any aligners. Because of these many variables, the best way to get a fair and precise estimate is to schedule an appointment with our office.
Caring for Your Invisalign® Aligners
You can use the Invisalign Cleaning System to clean your aligners, but you can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild hand soap, and lukewarm water. It’s important to avoid using hot water because it can warp the plastic permanently. Additionally, be careful not to drop your aligners on hard surfaces because they can crack or break.
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign in Virginia Beach is a great alternative to metal braces, but choosing an orthodontic system is a big decision. It’s not uncommon to have a few concerns before you’re ready to move forward. Your cosmetic dentist will explain everything during your Invisalign consultation and address any apprehensions. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about clear aligners.
What does Invisalign look like?
Your aligners are customized to fit your mouth like a glove while applying pressure to reposition your teeth. They are made of clear plastic to provide a nearly invisible treatment. Although you can see the aligners when they are in your hand, they are very difficult to detect when you’re wearing them. Your aligners will stay transparent by removing them when eating or drinking anything except water. A good oral hygiene routine and cleaning your Invisalign regularly will safeguard them from stains or discoloration. Although your aligners will be virtually undetectable, any buttons or attachments may be a little easier to spot; however, they are far less noticeable than brackets and wires.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Many patients say Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces because there aren’t any brackets or wires rubbing on the inside of the gums and cheeks. Not to mention, there are no wires pulling on your teeth. However, it’s normal to have some tenderness when first wearing your aligners. Don’t be concerned because that’s a sign your treatment is working. Any tenderness will improve in a few days, which can be managed using an OTC pain reliever. Eating softer foods can also prevent discomfort. You may also experience some pain when switching to a new aligner in your series, but it will become less frequent as you progress through your treatment.
Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?
Braces and Invisalign can cost about the same because various factors affect the price, like the complexity of the tooth movements and whether you’re treating one or both arches. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your mouth and provide you with an estimate for your individualized treatment plan. A member of our team will review your payment options, like using your dental insurance. Many dental plans will cover a set amount for orthodontics, which can range from $500 to $2,000. Besides traditional payments, you can pay any remaining balance using monthly installments with little or no interest in financing.
How long does Invisalign take?
Most patients are finished with their aligners in 12 to 18 months, but every situation differs. Teens often have shorter treatment times than adults because their bones are still developing. The number of aligners needed will also affect your timeline, as well as your commitment to your treatment plan. Your cosmetic dentist in Virginia Beach will explain how long you’ll need to have aligners during your consultation. You can avoid delays in your treatment by wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day and switching to the next in the series on time.