INVISALIGN® CLEAR BRACES - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

Crowded Teeth

 

As you get older, crowding in your arches can worsen as your teeth shift. This can cause damage to your oral and overall health by increasing your risk of developing a variety of oral health problems, including:

• Cavities/decay
• Gum disease
• Jaw discomfort or aching
• Difficulty chewing or biting

Because crowding causes your teeth to overlap, it can create hard-to-reach spaces in your mouth that are difficult to keep clean. This in turn can allow bacteria, food debris, tartar, and plaque to accumulate.

Invisalign aligners can help shift your teeth to lay flush with each other, making brushing and flossing easier and more effective. Plus, you’ll have a straighter, more beautiful smile to boot!

Gaps Between Teeth

 

Having too large gaps between your teeth can be the result of natural bone development and oral anatomy, having too small teeth, a large jawbone, and a variety of other natural factors. It can also be caused by habits like thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting during childhood.

Addressing these gaps is the best solution for your oral health, as it can reduce your risk of bacteria and plaque buildup, decay, gum disease, and gum inflammation.

In addition to your Invisalign treatment, your dentist may also address minor gaps between teeth with dental bonding.

Overbite

 

Also known as an overjet, an overbite is an alignment issue that causes your top teeth to jut out too far from your lower teeth. They can lead to jaw pain, speech problems, uneven tooth wear, and difficulties closing and opening your mouth.

Overbites can also leave your top teeth more exposed, which can increase their risk of injury because they are not well protected.

Underbite

 

An underbite is the term used to describe when your bottom teeth go slightly past or match with the top row of teeth when you close your mouth. These are typically the result of genetics, oral trauma, tumors, or non-nutritive habits as a child, such as thumb or pacifier sucking.

Underbites can lead to a variety of problems if left untreated, including an increased risk of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and difficult speaking and chewing. They are most easily addressed in younger patients, but even in adulthood they are important to correct.

Typically, patients with underbites will require the use of rubber bands or other attachments that can be used in combination with Invisalign trays. These accessories will help gradually adjust your bite and pull your lower arch back into its proper position.

Crossbite

 

A crossbite is the term used to describe when your bottom teeth are slightly in front of your upper arch. This is typically caused by genetics, poor oral habits, or premature loss of your baby teeth.

Invisalign can typically fix a crossbite, but if it is due to issues involving the development of your jaw, it might be necessary to accompany the aligners with elastics or other accessories. This can help shift your jaw into its proper position as the aligners correct your bite.

If left untreated, crossbite can lead to long term problems such as an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, jaw pain, speech problems, headaches, bruxism, and facial asymmetry.

Open Bite

 

An open bite refers to when your top and bottom front teeth cannot overlap or touch when your mouth is completely closed. It is typically caused by poor bone development, or by non-nutritive habits as a child such as prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking.

Most commonly, an open bite can lead to difficulty pronouncing certain words/sounds, as well as excessive enamel wear on your back teeth, increasing their risk of damage.

Invisalign aligners can help by bringing your top front and bottom teeth together and correcting the bite pattern, thereby reducing their risk of damage and wear.

Wearing Your Trays

This orthodontic method relies on clear plastic aligners designed in advance to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth over a designated period. You’ll switch to a new set of trays every one to two weeks to ensure your treatment progresses as intended. To stay on track, it’s essential to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day to prevent your teeth from reverting to their starting positions.

If you don’t wear your Invisalign for the allotted time, your overall treatment timeline could be extended by weeks or even months.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Because bacteria and food particles can become trapped between your teeth and gums and your aligners for long periods, you’re at an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Consistently cleaning your trays is a simple and effective way to prevent potential problems, and fortunately, it’s not too difficult.

You should remove them at least twice daily to wash all the surfaces using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand or dish soap. Then, rinse them with lukewarm or room-temperature water because hot temps can warp the plastic, so they no longer fit. Be sure to also brush and floss your teeth, so you can put them back into a clean mouth.  

It’s also safe to soak them for 15 minutes daily using special Invisalign Cleaning Crystals that can eradicate up to 99% of germs.

Eating & Drinking

Unlike traditional braces, there aren’t long lists of foods to avoid with Invisalign because you should remove them for meals. If you leave them in, overly hot, hard, or acidic foods could abrade the material. We recommend taking your carrier case with you when you’re on the go so that no matter what, you have a safe place to stow them while you eat.

You might be tempted to enjoy different drinks, like coffee or tea, with your aligners still inserted. Unfortunately, this can leave them looking dark or cloudy, which defeats the purpose of “invisible” orthodontics. We recommend only drinking water if you have your trays in your mouth.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If you lose a tray, don’t panic! You’re not the first patient to have done so, and you won’t be the last. That said, you should inform us immediately because an absent aligner could add additional time to your treatment if it’s not handled correctly. Contact us, and we’ll let you know whether you should advance to your next trays early or revert to a previous set to maintain your teeth while a replacement is ordered.

Routine Check-Ins

Although you won’t require adjustments like you would with braces, you’ll still need to schedule regular follow-up appointments with our team. Typically, you can expect to have a check-in every four to eight weeks, depending on your situation. These visits are usually brief (about 15 to 20 minutes) and allow us to provide the next series of aligners and ensure that your teeth are shifting the way they’re meant to.

Better Dental Hygiene

Caring for traditional braces can be very difficult. To properly clean your teeth and gums, you need to floss between and around your orthodontic equipment, which can be challenging to say the least. With Invisalign, however, your aligners are easily removable to make brushing and flossing your teeth much easier and more effective.

Though it is necessary to brush and floss your teeth after each meal with Invisalign, having full access to your teeth makes this much easier and less time-consuming. It also means you have a lower risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health conditions while undergoing treatment.

Another perk of Invisalign is that you also won’t need to purchase any special dental hygiene equipment to effectively clean your teeth during treatment, which will save you plenty of money caring for your smile!

Discreet Trays

One of the top reasons adults and teens choose Invisalign treatment over traditional braces is that they’re extremely discreet. Clear aligners are less noticeable when you smile or talk, making it unlikely that anyone will mention your treatment. Furthermore, if you have an upcoming event such as a wedding or graduation, you can still wear your trays without worrying about them being the main focus of every photo taken on your big day!

Improved Comfort

Unlike traditional wires and brackets, your Invisalign trays are smooth, drastically cutting down on the chance of experiencing irritation or scraping against your lips or cheeks.

Typically, the only discomfort patients feel during Invisalign treatment is when you advance to a new set of trays. Because they initially will fit more snugly than the previous set, the extra pressure could cause some soreness, tenderness, or general discomfort. Thankfully, this is typically well-managed with OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This stage is also usually very brief, usually only lasting a day or two.

Increased Self-Confidence

Because Invisalign trays are transparent, they are much less noticeable than metal wires and brackets. This makes it easier to maintain a professional appearance at work, during important job interviews, and in meetings with clients.

For teenagers, having a smile that’s less clunky looking can help make these formative years of social development much less anxiety-provoking. This can help them have the confidence to build new friendships and socialize with their peers. It can even help them feel better in school photos and in things like college interviews and school presentations.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Invisalign treatment is typically less invasive than traditional braces because it requires fewer changes to your daily lifestyle and routine. With Invisalign, you can continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual, enjoy your favorite foods, and attend important life events without feeling insecure about wearing braces.

Additionally, shorter check-ins with your dentist make the treatment easier for patients with busy schedules, whether you have school, extracurriculars, family obligations, or a demanding job.

Faster Follow-Ups

With Invisalign, your check-in appointments only need to happen every six to eight weeks. Thes visits usually only last between 15 and 30 minutes and are far less uncomfortable and extensive than they would be with traditional braces.

Invisalign check-ins are typically just to ensure that your treatment stays on track, and that your teeth are moving as anticipated.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of your Invisalign treatment doesn’t just rely on one factor; it relies on several factors, including the state of your oral health, the initial position of your teeth, your commitment to the treatment plan, and if you lose or break any aligners. For these reasons, the best way to get a fair and precise estimate is to schedule an appointment with our office. During this appointment, we can learn all about your orthodontic issues and smile goals before creating a custom treatment plan and reviewing the associated costs.

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

Although the cost of Invisalign will certainly play a role in whether or not this clear aligner treatment is right for you, it’s important to remember it’s not the only factor. Although mail-order alternatives come with a significantly lower upfront price, they don’t offer the same safe, reliable, and trustworthy treatment. In fact, they don’t include thorough exams upfront, they rely on DIY impressions, and they have countless lawsuits from previous patients who experienced worsened misalignment from their product. So, even if they cost less, mail-order clear aligners aren’t worth your money.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Remember, the fine print on dental plans varies from patient to patient. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you review your benefits and reach out to your provider if you have any trouble understanding your coverage. As always, our team at Smile by Design VA is here to help as well. We’re proud to welcome dental plans from popular providers like Humana, MetLife, Aetna, and several others. Plus, we can help you file the claims and maximize your benefits as well as find the answers you’re looking for along the way.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t automatically assume that Invisalign will be too expensive. We would be happy to review all of the financial solutions available to you during your consultation, including CareCredit. Many patients have benefited from using the payment plans they offer, which allow you to space out your payments instead of paying for the entire cost of your Invisalign treatment upfront. This third-party financier has helped millions of patients, signing up only takes a few minutes, and there are little-to-no interest options for qualified patients as well!

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.