Smile misalignments are a common occurrence, but they don’t have to be permanent. Advances in dental procedures have made straightening a crooked smile easier than ever, including the revolutionary Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is perfect for both adults and children who want a fast solution that prioritizes discretion.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a proprietary smile straightening system that involves using a series of transparent aligner trays to slowly adjust the teeth into the right place. Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth perfectly, applying gentle pressure strategically to gradually move the teeth just a small distance. Once the teeth have moved to match the current aligner tray, it is changed out for a new aligner tray to further move the teeth, and so on.
Invisalign® Timeline
The average time a patient will need for Invisalign treatment is somewhere between 12 and 18 months. However, this isn’t a hard rule. Some patients with very minor misalignments or issues may see results in just a few months, while more severe cases will take 24 months or more. However, Invisalign still takes considerably less time than traditional metal braces, plus they are much, much more discreet.
Factors That Will Affect the Invisalign® Timeline
There are several factors that will affect each patient’s Invisalign timeline, including:
Version of Invisalign
There are several different versions of Invisalign, each designed to address specific dental needs. The Invisalign version can have an effect on the length of treatment time. Invisalign Go, i7, and Express all just take a few months on average, while Invisalign Teen and Full typically take 12-18 months.
Severity of Dental Issues
As should be expected, minor dental misalignments or overcrowding can be corrected much faster than severe misalignments or gaps.
Patient Age
Children’s and teenager’s teeth move much more freely than an adult’s teeth, so Invisalign treatment for these younger groups is typically quicker.
Patient Compliance
Invisalign trays should be kept in the mouth for a full 22 hours per day and only removed for eating meals and cleaning the teeth. They should not even be removed while sleeping. Some patients have a hard time adhering to this strict schedule, which ultimately causes their treatment time to be longer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
How much does Invisalign® cost?
The cost of Invisalign depends on several variables, including the number of aligner trays required, the type and experience of dental professionals used, geographic location, and insurance coverage. However, most patients can expect to spend somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000 for a full Invisalign treatment before any insurance reimbursements.
Does Invisalign® hurt less than traditional braces?
Yes, out of patients who have used both Invisalign and traditional metal braces, almost all report less pain with Invisalign than traditional braces.
Invisalign® for the Whole Family in Stockbridge, GA
Are you living with a crooked smile that makes you self-conscious? If you’re in the southern Atlanta metro, trust Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge for high-quality smile straightening solutions for the whole family. We offer a full range of dental services in a professional yet inviting environment, keeping you and your loved ones in great dental health for life. Schedule an Invisalign consultation for yourself or your child today by calling us at 770-389-0389 or by booking an appointment online.
If you are like most people, you have at least slightly misaligned teeth. In fact, Scientific American reported in 2020 that up to 90% of people have misaligned teeth to some degree. It’s no wonder that millions of people search for a solution to their misaligned teeth each year, and over 18 million of those people chose Invisalign.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a proprietary system of clear orthodontic aligners designed to carefully move the teeth gradually into a more aligned position. Invisalign aligners are made of a transparent polyurethane-resin blend that are shaped using advanced computer scans of the patient’s existing teeth. Each aligner moves the teeth a small amount and is changed out for the next aligner in the progression fairly frequently. Invisalign requires close monitoring by a qualified dentist for the best results.
Average Cost of Invisalign®
The cost of a full Invisalign treatment varies widely depending on several factors, including how many aligners are required for the full progression, the dentist’s experience and fee structure, geographic location, and how dedicated the patient is to wearing the aligners as instructed. Patients can expect the entire Invisalign process to cost anywhere from $3,500 for very mild misalignments, up to $8,000+ for severe misalignments that require extensive treatment.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Invisalign®
As mentioned above, there are several factors that affect the overall cost of each patient’s Invisalign treatment:
Number of Aligners Required
A major factor in the cost of Invisalign is the number of clear aligner trays that are required to align the patient’s smile. Very mild misalignments may require as few as five aligner trays, while more severe misalignments may require 20+ trays. The number of trays required is entirely dependent on the patient’s unique situation.
Provider’s Experience
Different dental providers will charge different prices for the Invisalign treatment depending on their specialty and experience. You can expect a new dentist that is fresh out of school to charge less than a dentist that has been in practice for many years.
Location
Just like everything else, geographic location has an effect on the cost of services. In larger cities or affluent areas, the price of Invisalign treatment may cost more. In rural or lower-income areas, the treatment will likely be less.
Patient Diligence
How diligently the patient sticks to the Invisalign treatment plan has a large effect on the overall cost, mainly because it may significantly lengthen the treatment timeline. If the patient does not wear the aligner trays for the required amount of time, they will likely have to wear each aligner for more weeks or months than originally planned.
How to Pay for Invisalign®
Invisalign may seem costly at first glance, but it’s a small price to pay for a straighter smile for life. Here are some of the most common ways patients pay for Invisalign:
Insurance
Many private insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of the Invisalign treatment. Check with your plan administrator to find out exactly what your plan covers.
FSA/HSA
If you contribute to an FSA or HSA, you can use those funds to help cover the cost of Invisalign treatment.
Self-Pay
For patients without insurance, or for the portion of treatment cost that is not covered by insurance, many patients choose to pay out of pocket. Cash, check, and credit card are all accepted forms of self-pay payments.
Third-Party Financing
Third-party financing is also an option for patients who cannot pay out of pocket. CareCredit is a popular financing option for these types of healthcare procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
How long does it take to straighten teeth with Invisalign®?
Just like cost varies with the complexity of the Invisalign treatment, so does the time required to finish the treatment. For very mild misalignments, patients may see results in a few months. However, most patients will need 12-18 months to see full results.
What makes someone ineligible for Invisalign?
While many patients are great candidates for Invisalign, there are a few conditions which make this treatment inadvisable. If the patient has active cavities or gum disease, they will need to be resolved before the Invisalign treatment begins. Also, patients with extreme dental issues, such as structural abnormalities, may require corrective surgery before Invisalign can be considered.
Invisalign® Treatment in Stockbridge, Georgia
If you have a mild to severe smile misalignment and want an effective treatment that doesn’t give you a mouth full of metal like traditional braces, Invisalign may be a great option for you. For residents of the southern Atlanta metro, Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge offers quality Invisalign treatment in a warm, welcoming, and professional atmosphere. Schedule your Invisalign consultation today by calling 770-389-0389 or book your appointment online.
Invisalign burst onto the dental scene back in 1998 after it was approved by the FDA as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Since then, millions of adults and teens have successfully used Invisalign to straighten their teeth and give them a show-stopping smile, making it one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures on the market.
Step #1 - Comprehensive Exam
During your first visit, your dentist will complete a comprehensive exam of your dental status and health. This visit will include a full physical exam, complete dental health history, and diagnostic imaging to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
Step #2 - 3D Scan
If the dentist determines that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, the next step is a 3D scan of your mouth using the iTero Lumina™ scanner. This scan will be used to create a map that will help the dentist create a custom Invisalign plan for you.
Step #3 - Custom Aligners
After your customized Invisalign plan is developed, a series of 20-50 clear, removable aligners will be created which are unique to your teeth. These aligners will be worn in succession, with each aligner being worn for 20-22 hours per day over a short period of time, slowly moving the teeth into the desired position. It is important to wear the aligners for the required number of hours each day or they will not straighten the teeth as effectively or quickly as intended.
Step #4 - Regular Check-ins
You will have frequent visits to the dentist during the alignment process. During these check-in visits, the dentist will assess your progress, answer any questions you may have, give advice about oral health and care, and ensure that the aligners are as comfortable as possible.
Step #5 - Post-Alignment Retainer
You will need to wear a retainer after your Invisalign treatment is finished to keep your teeth in the correct location and alignment. This retainer is vital for preventing the teeth from returning to their previously misaligned state. Your dentist will create a custom retainer for you and explain how to use and care for it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
How do you take care of your teeth with Invisalign?
Caring for your teeth while using Invisalign is crucial. Along with cleaning the Invisalign aligner trays properly using the Invisalign cleaning system or unscented, non-abrasive liquid soap, you will also need to brush and floss your teeth just as you would normally. This includes morning upon waking, at night before bed, and after meals. You should also continue to receive routine dental care, such as exams and cleanings, during the Invisalign process.
How quickly will Invisalign move my teeth?
Invisalign takes an average of 9 to 24 months to straighten the teeth, depending on the severity of the initial misalignment.
Straighten Your Smile in Stockbridge with Invisalign
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional metal braces for patients who want a faster and less visible straightening solution. For adults and teens, Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge is the best place to go for Invisalign treatment. To find out more or see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, contact us at 770-389-0389 or book an appointment online.