Invisalign – Springdale, AR

Discreet Appearance

One of the most common complaints about traditional metal braces is the fact that they are very noticeable. Invisalign, in contrast, is quite discreet. Although the aligner trays are not totally invisible, they are subtle. They are unlikely to be the first thing that onlookers notice about you, so you can enjoy improved confidence throughout your entire treatment period.

Enhanced Comfort

Invisalign aligner trays are made of smooth plastic that rests comfortably against soft oral tissues. There are no metal wires and brackets to rub against your tongue or cheeks and cause irritation. Plus, Invisalign is somewhat gentler than traditional braces, so you can expect less soreness overall as your teeth gradually get shifted into their ideal positions.

No Dietary Restrictions

Invisalign aligners are easy to remove. At mealtimes, you can simply take them out of your mouth and enjoy whatever food you are craving — even if that food would be off-limits with traditional metal braces! After you eat, all you have to do is attend to your oral hygiene, rinse your aligners, and place them back in your mouth.

Easy Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing can be somewhat challenging with traditional metal braces. Navigating around all those brackets and wires requires special instruments and can take quite a bit of time! With Invisalign, you can simply remove your aligners and brush and floss using normal techniques. Keeping the aligners clean is also easy and simple.

Fewer Follow-Up Appointments

On average, braces require that you visit a dentist 20 to 40 times throughout treatment. In contrast, aligners only need about 6 to 12 follow-ups. Plus, the appointments are usually brief, often lasting no more than 15 – 30 minutes. You can expect Invisalign to have a minimal impact on your daily life!

Reliable Results and Non-Invasive Treatment

Invisalign is a state-of-the-art treatment that combines technology and time-tested orthodontic techniques to produce reliable tooth movements. It consistently delivers desirable results, and it does so in a way that has minimal effects on your daily routine. As long as you comply with some simple instructions, it is likely that you will enjoy a very smooth treatment journey!

Wearing Your Trays

Even though your trays are removable, it doesn’t mean that your treatment is part-time. Just like braces, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for most of the day, every day. In fact, the recommended minimum time to wear them is 20 to 22 hours a day, only taking them out whenever you clean your teeth and eat. When you leave your trays out of your mouth for longer than a few hours, it will only add more time to your treatment.

Cleaning Your Aligners

After each time you take your aligners out of your mouth, before you put them back in, you will need to rinse them with lukewarm water. This will help minimize any cross-contamination of whatever surface you placed them on to your mouth.

It’s important to thoroughly clean them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap after every time you eat or drink anything besides water. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth after each of your meals. This will keep food debris from becoming trapped between your trays and teeth.  

Eating & Drinking

There aren’t many restrictions when it comes to Invisalign treatment, but there are a couple adjustments you will need to make to avoid damaging an aligner. Before you eat or drink anything besides water, it’s important to remove your trays. This will keep them from becoming misshapen, discolored, or otherwise altered, which could halt your treatment until you receive a new tray from your dentist in Springdale.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If you accidentally damage or lose one of your Invisalign aligners, don’t worry! Simply call our team at Sunset Avenue Dental as soon as possible. Depending on how long until you switch to the next series of aligners in your treatment, we may either recommend coming in for a replacement or moving forward with your next trays.

Routine Check-Ins

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you will need to visit our office every six to eight weeks for routine check-ins. These appointments are very short, typically around 15 minutes. We will check to make sure that your teeth are moving as anticipated and provide you with the next sets of aligners in your treatment.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

As mentioned above, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all Invisalign treatment, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cost. Before determining the price, Dr. Bollin will need to assess:

• The severity of your misalignment
• How many trays are needed to straighten your teeth
• If rubber bands or any other additional accessories are needed
• If you need to straighten one or both arches of your teeth

Of course, those are just factors that will impact the initial price. Once you begin your clear aligner treatment, you will need to follow all of the guidelines (like wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day) to avoid falling off-track with your plan. In the case that you do, new trays will need to be made, which will require additional time and money.

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

Since mail-order aligner companies lead with a lower upfront cost, it’s not surprising that many patients wonder if they should opt for Invisalign or an alternative. In short, while Invisalign may come with a higher upfront cost, it’s well worth it. Unlike mail-order options, Invisalign starts with a thorough initial exam to determine whether or not you’re a candidate. Furthermore, Invisalign cases are supervised by licensed professionals that conduct periodic check-ins to ensure your teeth are tracking properly. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Invisalign has support from professional organizations like the American Dental Association, and the same cannot be said for mail-order alternatives.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

There are some cases where the answer is “yes!” Although some plans don’t include any orthodontic coverage, others include a once-in-a-lifetime benefit that will cover a portion of the cost. So, don’t hesitate to review the fine print on your dental plan to find out. You can also get in touch with our team; we’re proud to be in-network with many popular providers like Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and Delta Dental.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

In addition to welcoming dental insurance, Sunset Avenue Dental has an in-house membership plan, happily accepts flexible financing through CareCredit, and offers periodic specials. So, don’t hesitate to talk to us about the cost of Invisalign! We’d be more than happy to review each financial solution, answer any questions you have, and help you determine which one is best for you.

Does Invisalign Give You a Lisp?

Over the years, a misconception has surfaced that Invisalign gives you a lisp. Not only do the large majority of patients not have a lisp, but the ones that do have a short adjustment period can rest easy knowing it’s temporary. Furthermore, there are several things you can do to speed up the learning curve, including reading out loud and repeating the more difficult words when you come across them.

What Happens After Invisalign?

While Invisalign can guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions, you’ll need a retainer to keep them in place. Typically, patients are encouraged to wear them as much as possible while their teeth “set” (usually around six months). After that, we will give you the green light to wear them solely at night. Since orthodontic relapse can happen in the short and long-term, it’s important to make this a life-long habit.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

Patients often overcomplicate the process of cleaning their aligners. In reality, it just takes a few simple steps! First, rinse your trays with clean, room temperature water. Second, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface. Third: rinse your trays again. That’s it! If your aligners have begun to discolor and you want to give them a deeper clean, you can also soak them in a mixture of water and cleaning crystals (which are in your welcome kit).

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

On average, Invisalign treatment timelines are 12-18 months. Since every treatment plan is completely personalized, however, the exact length can change. For example, patients with minor misalignment can complete their series of trays in just six months. On the other hand, patients struggling with more moderate malocclusion may need more than 18 months. Don’t worry – an estimate of your treatment timeline will be provided at your consultation!

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

Eating with your aligners in is an absolute no-no since it can damage your aligners, delaying your treatment timeline in the process. Fortunately, you can eat whatever you’d like after you remove them! With that said, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution with hard, sticky, and chewy foods, especially if you have attachments. You should also keep your consumption of sugary foods to a minimum since they increase your chances of developing cavities. Instead, focus on eating lots of vitamin-rich foods that will keep your smile healthy from the inside out!