Invisalign – Gilbert, AZ
Quick Orthodontic Treatment with Long-Lasting Results
Invisalign is one of the most popular and advanced orthodontic solutions available today. With more patients looking to alternative options to straighten their teeth and realign their bites, traditional metal brackets and wires are no longer the only methods of treatment. Instead, the team at Desert Springs Dental is pleased to provide these clear aligners to individuals looking for faster results and who want to avoid compromising their daily appearance. Whether you’re a busy professional who runs your own company or a stay-at-home parent who simply wants a straighter, more beautiful smile, contact us today to find out if Invisalign is right for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Unlike metal braces that require your dentist to regularly tighten and replace the wire for continuous movement, Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners that fit snugly around your teeth. For 20-22 hours each day, gentle, continuous pressure is applied to your teeth, allowing them to move more quickly in the right direction, putting you one step closer to your results. After 1-2 weeks, you will be expected to swap out your current set of aligners for the next ones in the serious. It will also be important for you to maintain regular follow-up appointments with our team to ensure everything is moving along smoothly.
Once you are finished with treatment, you will be required to wear a retainer to help keep your teeth firmly in place.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign isn’t just reliable and discreet, it’s also quite versatile! So, don’t just assume that you aren’t a candidate for clear aligner treatment. Instead, schedule an appointment with our Gilbert dentist, Dr. Condie, so she can determine if you are. In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few of the many orthodontic problems this teeth-straightening service can address.
Crowded Teeth
If there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your teeth to sit in their perfectly aligned positions, then they will tilt out of alignment or crowd together. In addition to the aesthetic drawbacks, it’s important to address this orthodontic problem to reduce your risk of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then the process of aligning your teeth will be discreet, comfortable, and relatively quick!
Gaps Between Teeth
Do you have small spaces throughout your smile? Maybe you have a large gap between your two front teeth instead. Either way, you should come in for a consultation to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. That way, we can improve the look, health, and function of your smile with a custom-made series of clear aligners. Since the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months, it won’t be long before you see the results either!
Overbite
An overbite is when your upper teeth jut out beyond your lower ones significantly. At first, it might not seem like this is much of an issue, especially if this orthodontic problem has been present for as long as you can remember. However, like the others on this list, it can negatively impact your oral health, make it difficult to enunciate clearly, and result in premature wear and tear on certain teeth. So, don’t wait any longer – see if Invisalign is an option for you!
Underbite
Do your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth? If so, it’s likely that you have an underbite. Again, the toll it can take on your self-esteem as well as the health and function of your smile are considerable, which is why we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with us to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, then we will create your custom treatment plan, which may include orthodontic accessories like rubber bands.
Crossbite
As you may have guessed from the name, a crossbite is when some of your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones, and some of your upper teeth sit in front of your lower ones. In addition to premature wear and tear, this bite problem can lead to persistent jaw pain, trouble chewing properly, and difficulty communicating clearly, which are a few of the many reasons we recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options, like Invisalign!
Open Bite
If your teeth don’t come together evenly when you bite down because there is a space toward the front or back of your mouth, then you likely have an open bite. The good news is that mild and moderate cases of this orthodontic problem can usually be addressed with Invisalign!
The Benefits of Invisalign
Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment can bring many benefits to your oral and overall health. Since Invisalign clear aligners are completely removable and virtually invisible, this treatment offers a wide range of unique benefits that traditional braces cannot match. Here’s a brief guide to how Invisalign treatment from our Gilbert office can realign your smile conveniently, discreetly, and comfortably.
Quick Follow-Ups
While traditional orthodontic methods require frequent appointments that involve uncomfortable appliance adjustments, Invisalign only requires patients to come to our office for checkups every six to eight weeks, and these visits usually only last for fifteen to thirty minutes. These appointments allow us to make sure that your teeth are moving as planned and that there are not any oral health complications developing.
Boosted Confidence
Since Invisalign clear aligners are transparent, they are considerably harder to notice than the metal brackets and wires of traditional metal braces. This makes it easier for Invisalign patients to maintain a professional or stylish appearance at work or school. Invisalign can be an especially excellent treatment for teens since they are often image-conscious and quite concerned about the opinions of their peers.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, they require patients to make far fewer changes to their lifestyles than they would with traditional metal braces. After removing their aligners, a patient can eat and practice oral hygiene normally, and, since these appliances are virtually invisible, they won’t have to worry about them being noticed at special events like weddings or graduations. Because Invisalign treatment doesn’t involve as many check-in visits as other orthodontic methods, it can be particularly great for people with busy schedules.
Improved Comfort
Since Invisalign trays are made from smooth plastic, they will not poke and irritate the mouth’s soft tissues like the pointy parts of traditional metal braces, eliminating the need for orthodontic wax. Most patients only report discomfort such as mild soreness or tenderness in the hours after switching to a new set of aligners, but this should be temporary and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication.
Discreet Trays
Many patients are interested in Invisalign because it uses clear aligner trays that are virtually invisible when worn. It’s quite unlikely that casual observers will notice these appliances on a patient’s teeth, which makes Invisalign an excellent choice for those who want to look their best at an upcoming major event such as a wedding or a graduation.
Better Dental Hygiene
Traditional braces require patients to stick to an elaborate oral hygiene ritual to ensure they clean all the nooks and crannies between and around their braces. Since Invisalign clear aligners can be easily removed, patients only need to adhere to a normal oral hygiene regimen of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. While you’ll still need to brush after every meal, the process will be much easier and less time-consuming than it would be with traditional braces, which can make it considerably less difficult to prevent oral infections like cavities and gum disease. Invisalign patients also do not need to worry about buying any special dental hygiene appliances.
How Do I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?
Taking care of your Invisalign aligners isn’t a long, arduous process. Instead, all you need to do is take extra minutes each day to gently brush and clean your aligners with clear soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Each time you take them out or prepare to put them back in, make sure to rinse them off. You’ll also want to keep your aligners in a protective case when eating, drinking (anything but water), or engaging in an important event where you prefer not to wear them (i.e., wedding, giving a presentation, etc.). This will ensure your aligners remain safe and prevent you from accidentally throwing them away or damaging them.
It is also best to brush and floss your teeth each time you finish eating and remember never to rinse your aligners in hot water, as it can damage and warp the plastic.
What is the Invisalign Process?
When you are cleared to receive Invisalign, you can expect to receive a formal treatment plan, complete with an explanation of the entire process as well as a cost estimate for your orthodontic care.
To start, we will:
- Discuss your smile goals and what you want to change about your current teeth and bite. We will examine your oral cavity and facial structure before taking impressions and sending them to a laboratory where your Invisalign aligners will be created.
- Once we receive the trays in our office, you will return to undergo a fitting. Our team will show you how to properly wear and remove your trays as well as go over tips and tricks to living with Invisalign each day. From the foods you can eat to the helpful ways to clean and safeguard your aligners, we’ll go over it all.
- You will be required to wear your trays 20-22 hours each day for effective results. Depending on your case and its severity, the duration of treatment may vary.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
While the multiple benefits of Invisalign in Gilbert make it the clear winner over traditional braces, cost is probably also a concern of yours. This is perfectly reasonable, but just know that our team wholeheartedly believes that Invisalign is worth every single penny. Several factors can affect the price, which is why we can’t give you an estimate until you attend an initial consultation with Dr. Condie. From there, we can go over payment options, including insurance and CareCredit, that will help make Invisalign easily affordable.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Every person’s smile has unique needs, so the price of Invisalign can vary quite a bit from one patient to another. Your overall cost can be influenced by a number of variables, including:
- Number of arches – Most Invisalign patients straighten both their upper and lower arches of teeth, but you can expect to pay less if you only need to shift one arch.
- Severity of orthodontic issues – The more tooth movement is required for you to achieve a straight smile, the higher your treatment cost is likely to be.
- Length of treatment – Longer treatment times require a greater number of aligners, which naturally comes with a higher cost.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Patients who are interested in a “quick fix” for crooked teeth often ask us how Invisalign compares to mail-order clear aligners like Smile Direct Club. These “do-it-yourself” aligner systems usually only cost a fraction of what Invisalign does, but is the cheaper solution always best?
Smile Direct Club provides very little if any supervision from a dental professional. Instead, you’re responsible for taking accurate impressions and following the treatment process properly. It’s all too easy for things to go wrong; you might end up having to visit a dentist anyway afterward to correct any issues.
By seeing a highly trained Invisalign dentist in Gilbert like Dr. Condie, your treatment process will be smoother and more successful overall. You can trust that our team will be with you every step of the way!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontic treatment, and those that do often exclude Invisalign. That being said, it never hurts to check your specific plan to find out if it offers any coverage. Our team members can help you with this process; we’re also in-network with most of the nation’s leading PPO plans.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Even if your insurance does not cover the cost of Invisalign in Gilbert, there are other ways of straightening your smile without breaking the bank. For one, Desert Springs Dental has partnered with CareCredit, which offers low- or no-interest payment plans based on credit approval. We also have an in-house discount plan that can be used to help you save on a variety of our services. Feel free to contact us to learn more and explore your options!
Invisalign FAQs
From the process of getting Invisalign in Gilbert to the benefits these clear braces come with, reading through all the above information is an important first step in determining if this discreet orthodontic treatment is right for you. Before committing, however, it is completely natural to still have a few questions that you’d like answered. To make finding those answers as easy as possible, we’ve responded to some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you would prefer to speak directly with our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign?
Whether you are struggling with minor misalignment or severe crowding, Invisalign may just be the teeth-straightening solution you’ve been looking for! The best way to find out for certain is to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Shandy Condie. Based on your unique dental needs, your smile goals, and the condition of your oral health currently, she can confirm your candidacy. Don’t worry – even if you aren’t initially a good candidate due to an untreated dental concern, like tooth decay, she can administer the appropriate restorative treatment.
Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?
Since the clear aligners are thin and discreet, many patients adjust to their presence without their speech being negatively impacted. Others, however, experience a slight lisp as their tongue adjusts to the trays. Fortunately, this is typically short-lived. Plus, you can expedite the process by reading aloud and practicing the more difficult words over and over again.
Can I Get Invisalign If I Have Dental Crowns, Veneers, or Bridges?
Possibly. The last thing you want is for your orthodontic treatment to compromise your existing restorations, which is why you should be transparent about your past dental work at your initial consultation. To protect your dental crowns, veneers, or bridges, your treatment timeline may be extended so we can keep a close eye on how your teeth are tracking. In short, restorations like these don’t automatically disqualify you from transforming your smile with Invisalign.
What Happens When I’m Done with Invisalign Treatment?
Once you’ve completed the entire series of trays, it’s time to celebrate – your new and improved smile is ready to show off! To preserve your beautiful, hard-earned results, we will provide you with a retainer. It is of the utmost importance that you wear it as instructed so your teeth don’t begin to shift into their previous position, leaving you back at square one. If you lose or break your retainer, then get in touch with our team right away so we can have it repaired or replaced.
If you have any additional questions about Invisalign or are ready to schedule your initial consultation, then there is no time like the present to contact our team. We can’t wait to help you take the next step toward the straight, healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!
