Invisalign – Covington, GA

How Invisalign Works

Of course, the technology and treatment planning behind Invisalign is incredibly complex. Fortunately, the teeth-straightening process itself is quite easy to explain! First, we will create a custom treatment plan designed to take your teeth from where they are now to where they should be. To accomplish this, a custom series of aligners will be made, and you will wear each tray for 7-14 days before moving onto the next one. The key to gently guiding your teeth out of their misaligned positions is that you must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Remember, they only work while you’re wearing them!

Who Can Invisalign Help?

Whether you’re struggling with overcrowding, spacing issues, or an uneven bite, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule an Invisalign consultation with us. After all, clear aligners aren’t just suitable for patients with mild cases of malocclusion! Below, you will find a few common orthodontic problems that this innovative orthodontic treatment can address, but don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’re interested in scheduling a consultation.

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Crowded Teeth

Simply put, overlapping teeth can negatively impact the look of your smile, how it functions, and how healthy it is. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with our team at Dean Dental Care sooner rather than later! That way, Dr. Stephen Dean can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign and, if you are, create a custom treatment plan that will gently guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions.

Gaps Between Teeth

While some patients love the gap between their two front teeth, others would prefer to have a straight, balanced smile. If you fall into the latter group, then you’ll be happy to hear that metal braces aren’t the only option. In fact, those with mild to moderate spacing issues are often candidates for Invisalign! If that’s the case for you, then we can create a custom series of aligners to gradually guide your teeth closer and closer together.

Overbite

When you bite down, do your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones significantly? If so, you likely have an overbite, which is an orthodontic problem that can have a negative impact on everything from your speaking patterns to your self-esteem. If you’re wondering if Invisalign can fix overbites, the answer is often “yes!” So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our dental team in Covington if you are interested in metal-free braces.

Underbite

Sadly, even relatively mild underbites can leave you vulnerable to numerous issues, including teeth grinding and jaw pain. There is good news, though: Invisalign is often an option for patients with mild to moderate cases. This does usually require the help of additional orthodontic accessories, like attachments, but you don’t have to worry – they are still considerably less noticeable than metal brackets and wires.

Crossbite

What if only a few of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones? In that case, you may have a crossbite. Like the others on this list, this bite problem can take a toll on your self-esteem and your oral health, so it’s best not to take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, schedule an appointment at our office so we can explore your treatment options, like Invisalign.

Open Bite

As you may have guessed from the name, an open bite is when there is an opening between the upper and lower teeth when a patient bites down. Unfortunately, even something as seemingly inconsequential as this can lead to several issues, including premature wear and tear on your teeth. So, it’s best to schedule an Invisalign consultation before that happens!

Invisalign Teen

Is your child less than enthused about the idea of wearing noticeable, metal braces? If so, they aren’t alone. The good news is that traditional orthodontics is no longer the only option. In fact, many teens are candidates for clear aligners, which deliver the same beautiful results without drawing unwanted attention to their smiles. If you are interested in learning more, simply read on or give us a call to schedule an appointment!

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How is Invisalign Teen Different?

Unlike Invisalign, Invisalign Teen:

• Has a blue indicator dot on the aligners – Naturally, the clear aligners will only work if your teen wears them. But how can you make sure they are keeping them on for 20+ hours a day when they spend so much time at school? That’s where the blue indicator dot comes in. This gives us insight into whether or not they’ve been meeting the daily wear time.
• Include a few replacement trays – Even if your child is typically pretty responsible, there may come a time when they accidentally throw their aligners away. If that happens, you don’t have to worry – a few replacement trays are included in the cost of Invisalign Teen. As a result, you won’t have to stress about additional costs (unless this becomes routine, of course).

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

This is an important question, and one Dr. Stephen Dean will seek to answer at the consultation! During this visit, he will complete a comprehensive oral exam to determine if your teen’s smile is healthy and assess how severe their misalignment is. Then, he will discuss the responsibilities that come with clear aligners, including keeping them on for 20+ hours each and every day. If their teeth are decay-free, their misalignment isn’t too severe, and they are ready to commit to the treatment guidelines, then there’s a good chance that the answer will be “yes.”

The Benefits of Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen continues to be loved because:

• The aligners are see-through, ensuring no unwanted attention is drawn to your child’s smile.
• Maintaining a healthy smile is easy because the aligners are removable.
• There aren’t strict dietary restrictions.
• The average treatment timeline is often shorter than traditional braces.
• The aligners can be removed for special occasions, like taking prom photos.
• There aren’t any metal components, so the trays are considerably more comfortable.

Have lingering questions about Invisalign Teen? If so, take the next step: schedule a consultation with our team at Dean Dental Care! We look forward to getting to know your child and determining if clear aligner treatment is right for them.

Benefits of Invisalign

Over two decades since its debut, Invisalign continues to be one of the most sought-after orthodontic treatments. If you’re considering it for yourself, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us so we can determine if you’re a good candidate. In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few of the many reasons why clear aligners are so loved.

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Basically Invisible Braces

Let’s start with one of the most well-known benefits of Invisalign: there aren’t any metal components. Instead, teeth are guided into their ideal places with clear, barely noticeable aligners. As a result, you won’t have to worry about brackets and wires drawing unwanted attention to your orthodontic treatment; you can smile with complete confidence every step of the way.

There Aren’t Any Dietary Restrictions

With traditional braces, patients need to eliminate certain foods from their diet, including whole apples, tortilla chips, and popcorn. With Invisalign, that’s not necessary. After all, the aligners are removable! So, as long as you take them off before eating or drinking anything other than water, you can enjoy all of your favorites on your journey to a straighter smile.

Keeping Your Trays Clean Is Simple

Naturally, you don’t want your teeth or your trays to develop a noticeable yellow hue. The good news is that you don’t need to adopt a cumbersome oral hygiene regimen. Just remove your aligners before brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Then, before you put them back on, gently scrub the surface with a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid.

Tip: If your trays start to discolor or smell, soak them in a dentist-approved cleaner for 15-20 minutes daily (ideally while you eat, since your aligners will already be off).

The Average Treatment Timeline Is Shorter

Another noteworthy perk: most Invisalign patients achieve the results that they desire in just 12-18 months. Traditional braces, on the other hand, often take 2-3 years. So, if you don’t have that long to wait because you have a wedding, a family reunion, or another important event coming up, you should consider straightening your teeth with clear aligners!

There Aren’t Monthly Adjustment Appointments

If you are a busy parent, you have a demanding work schedule, or you’re about to start a new semester at school, you might not be able to commit to monthly adjustment appointments. The good news is that the progress visits with Invisalign are usually every 6-8 weeks instead. Plus, if you’re on track with your treatment plan, they should be less than 30 minutes each time.

The Aligners Are Comfortable

Last, but certainly not least, Invisalign is considerably more comfortable than traditional braces. This is largely because there aren’t any metal components. However, the fact that the aligners are crafted from smooth plastic and are custom-made to fit snugly against your teeth without digging into the soft tissue in your mouth helps, too.

Living with Invisalign Aligners

Not only are Invisalign aligners clear, but they are also convenient. As a result, you won’t need to completely overhaul your day-to-day routine in order to stay on track with your treatment plan. There are, however, a few adjustments that you will need to make. This section is dedicated to covering what those are!

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Wearing Your Trays

Naturally, the biggest change to your routine will be wearing your aligners. In order to stay on track with your treatment plan, you need to wear them for a minimum of 20 hours each day. The best way to meet the mark? To only take your trays off when it’s absolutely necessary, like before brushing your teeth in the morning.

Tip: Use the stopwatch on your phone throughout the day to track your wear time. This is especially helpful toward the beginning of your orthodontic treatment, when you’re trying to establish a routine.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Good news: you don’t need to purchase a long list of expensive cleaning products. Just use a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing soap to gently scrub the surface of your aligners. When you’re done, rinse them with clean (never hot!) water before putting them back on.

If you feel like your trays need a deeper clean, do NOT use toothpaste, mouthwash, or bleach. Instead, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit!

Eating & Drinking

Fortunately, you don’t need to eliminate certain foods from your diet with Invisalign. In fact, as long as you eat healthy, well-balanced meals the majority of the time, you can enjoy all of your favorites throughout your teeth-straightening journey! Just make sure that you always remove your aligners beforehand so the plastic doesn’t warp, stain, or break.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Sometimes, patients who lose or damage one of their aligners are hesitant to reach out due to fear of judgment. However, our team at Dean Dental Care is here to help! Over the phone, we can learn a little more about what’s going on, take a look at your treatment plan, and determine how to get you back on track. For instance, we may give you the green light to move on to the next set in the series a bit earlier than originally planned.

Attending Progress Visits

Every 6-8 weeks, you need to meet with our dedicated cosmetic dentist in Covington, Dr. Stephen Dean, so he can monitor the movement of your teeth. If you’re on track with your treatment plan, then there’s a good chance that you’ll be in and out of our office quickly. However, if you’ve fallen off track, then he will need to determine what adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Simply put, getting an accurate estimate of the cost of Invisalign without scheduling a consultation is difficult. That’s because there are several factors that need to be considered, including how complex your case is. The good news is that making an appointment with our knowledgeable and friendly team is easy, and we’re proud to offer multiple financial solutions to our patients, including dental insurance, flexible financing, and periodic specials.

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Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Some factors that can influence the cost of your Invisalign treatment include:

• The severity of your dental misalignment. This is the biggest factor that will influence the cost of your treatment. More complex cases require more aligners, more accessories, and more appointments. Therefore, they tend to cost more.
• Whether you are straightening one dental arch or both. In some cases, it costs more to straighten both the upper and lower teeth (as opposed to just one or the other).
• Your compliance with treatment. Missteps in your treatment (for example, if you do not wear your aligners as much as directed) could lead to higher overall costs.

Invisalign vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Which Costs More?

In recent times, many people have tried to save money by using mail-order clear aligners. Often, such treatments cost around $2,000. That is quite a bit less than Invisalign, which may be anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000.

Of course, it is important to consider what you are getting for your money. With Invisalign, you get the in-person support of a highly trained dental team. You get aligners that are made out of a premium, patented plastic material. And you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are using a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment.

In contrast, many people have been disappointed with the results of their mail-order aligners. In fact, some have even experienced significant damage to their teeth. Correcting such issues can cost a significant amount of time and money. Often, it is more affordable to invest in professional, high-quality care right from the outset.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some premium dental insurance plans cover orthodontia for adults. If yours does, you might be able to save hundreds of dollars (or more) on your out-of-pocket costs for Invisalign. Our team welcomes all PPO dental insurance, and we are in-network with both BCBS and Aetna. We will be happy to help you understand how your benefits apply and file all claims on your behalf.

If your insurance does not apply to Invisalign, you might be able to use your healthcare savings account or flexible spending account to help you afford your care.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Beyond insurance, there are a couple of provisions that might make it easier to fit Invisalign into your budget:

• We accept CareCredit. This third-party company offer low-interest payment plans that allow patients to pay for their care over the course of several months. Applying is easy, and most patients are found eligible for credit.
• We offer periodic specials on Invisalign. For example, with credit approval, you may be able to receive treatment for as little as $99/month.

Are you eager to learn more about Invisalign and its cost? Get in touch with Dean Dental Care today!

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