Invisalign® – Belmont, MA

Crowded Teeth

It can be very difficult to clean teeth that are crowded too closely together, which can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues in the long run. And of course, crowded teeth can have a less-than-positive impact on the appearance of your smile. Invisalign can often be used to correct the positions of crowded teeth so that they are correctly aligned with each other.

Gaps Between Teeth

Overly large gaps between the teeth can be a bigger problem than you might think, as they provide areas where harmful bacteria and bits of food can easily accumulate. It’s therefore in your best interest to have these spaces closed as soon as possible, and Invisalign can be an effective way to do so.

Overbite

Do your upper teeth stick out too far in front of your lower teeth? This is known as an overbite, and it can lead to all kinds of problems. In particular, it can make it more difficult to chew properly, and it can put uneven pressure on your teeth, causing them to wear down faster. If your overbite is pronounced enough to be a problem, it may be possible to treat the issue with Invisalign.  

Underbite

As you can probably guess, an underbite is the opposite of an overbite; it occurs when the lower teeth are too far in front of the upper teeth. Not only can an underbite have a negative impact on your ability to speak, but it can also potentially lead to mouth breathing or even sleep apnea. We may be able to correct your underbite with Invisalign depending on how severe it is.

Crossbite

Having a crossbite means that some of the upper teeth are seated behind the lower teeth. A crossbite can result in an asymmetrical smile, and it can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and excessive tooth wear. A crossbite can sometimes be treated with Invisalign, but other services may be required depending on the underlying cause of the issue.

Open Bite

Your upper and lower teeth should come in contact with each other whenever you bite down; if they don’t, you have what is known as an open bite. This particular bite issue can put you at a higher risk for a chipped tooth, and it can lead to other complications such as difficulty chewing. We can evaluate your open bite to determine whether it can be successfully treated with Invisalign.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

No two patients have the same dental needs. As such, the final cost of Invisalign will vary based on various factors such as:

• The number of aligners needed. More complex orthodontic issues require a greater number of aligners, which naturally carries a higher cost.
• Whether both arches need to be straightened. Treatments that only involve one arch usually have a lower cost.
• Patient compliance. You need to be careful not to break or lose an aligner. Otherwise, you’ll likely need to pay to have it replaced.
• Additional accessories. Sometimes Invisalign treatment involves elastics to make specific changes to the teeth; this adds to the overall cost of care.

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

The cost for Invisalign is usually between $3,000 and $8,000. Meanwhile, Smile Direct Club™, a DIY option for clear aligners, typically costs around $2,000. However, this is balanced out by a few important factors:

• The materials used to make DIY aligners tend to be of lower quality. This makes them less comfortable to wear, and they’re more likely to break.
• A DIY treatment means you don’t have a professional keeping an eye on your progress. By choosing Invisalign, you can benefit from working directly with a professional to keep your treatment on track.
• DIY aligners promise shorter treatment times, but attempting to move the teeth too quickly can potentially lead to dental damage. Invisalign is much safer by comparison.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

The answer depends on what insurance plan you have. Some policies offer a once-in-a-lifetime provision for orthodontic treatment that includes Invisalign. You should confirm your benefits before you begin any kind of orthodontic treatment. Our team has experience working with various dental plans, so we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about your coverage and whether Invisalign is included.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

We accept many popular insurance plans like Delta Dental and MetLife. But if you don’t have insurance, don’t worry! You still have other options for fitting Invisalign into your budget:

• You can apply for a CareCredit financing plan that allows you to pay for treatment in monthly installments instead of all at once. CareCredit plans have little to no interest, and you can choose a plan that’s suited for your unique situation.
• You can sign up for our Wellness Dental Access plan, which offers discounts on a variety of services. Enrollment is easy; simply reach out to our office to learn more.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

It depends! Generally, it takes about 12 to 18 months to complete Invisalign treatment. Of course, factors like the severity of your dental misalignment and your commitment to the treatment plan will affect the exact amount of time it takes. You can speed up the process by staying on track with your Invisalign treatment plan and visiting our team regularly to ensure everything is moving accordingly.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

The smooth plastic design of Invisalign’s clear aligners makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options available today. Although treatment is not painful, there is an adjustment period you have to go through. When you first get your aligners, you’ll likely experience mild soreness and discomfort that some may characterize as pain. However, it should go away once you get used to your treatment. The plastic trays apply gentle pressure to move a portion of your smile at a time until the entire thing is aligned. Because of that, you might also experience pressure every time you advance to the next set of aligners. You can manage your discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed, using cold compresses, or drinking ice cold water.

What Happens After Invisalign?

At your last orthodontist appointment, we’ll examine your teeth to ensure they’re in their final desired, straight position. Once we’re satisfied with your results, we’ll explain how to maintain your newly aligned smile. You’ll need to wear a retainer post-treatment to preserve your hard-earned results. After examining your case, we’ll recommend how often you’ll need to wear your oral appliance. Typically, patients start wearing it full-time before gradually decreasing to only wearing it at night.

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

Since Invisalign is removable, there are no dietary restrictions while you undergo treatment. However, you need to make sure you remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water. If you fail to do so, you can damage your plastic trays by causing cracks or stains. Eating with your aligners also puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth. That’s why you should take them out before every meal and snack. Don’t forget to store them in a safe place when they’re not in your mouth!