Invisalign in Toledo

Improved Comfort

Since Invisalign clear aligners are completely smooth and involve no pointy metal wires and brackets, it is much less likely for them to scrape or irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. In fact, Invisalign patients do not typically need dental wax to protect their lips and cheeks. However, a patient can expect to experience some tightness around their teeth when they switch to a new set of aligners, but this discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and should disappear after a day or two.

Discreet Trays

Traditional metal braces are quite conspicuous whenever the patient shows their teeth. Invisalign clear aligners, on the other hand, are virtually invisible when worn, making it unlikely for casual observers to notice that they are there. This makes Invisalign great for image-conscious people or those who have a special event like a wedding or graduation coming up.

Better Dental Hygiene

Traditional braces require patients to floss and brush between and around their wires and brackets, resulting in an intensive and time-consuming daily oral hygiene regimen. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, they only require patients to clean their teeth with standard brushing and flossing practices. While you’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth after every meal while wearing Invisalign, doing so is much easier than with traditional braces. This makes it much less difficult to prevent oral infections like cavities and gum disease, and patients won’t have to worry about purchasing special dental hygiene equipment.

Quick Follow-Ups

Invisalign patients usually only need check-in appointments at our office every six to eight weeks, and these appointments typically only take fifteen to thirty minutes. These visits mainly serve to ensure that the treatment is on track and the teeth are moving as intended. Invisalign checkups are also far more comfortable and less intensive than those needed by traditional orthodontic patients.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Since Invisalign treatment requires fewer alterations to a patient’s day-to-day life, it is considered a much less invasive treatment than traditional braces. Invisalign patients can eat, brush, and floss normally while attending social events without worrying about their orthodontic appliances showing up in photographs. The shorter check-in appointments involved also mean that it’s much easier for patients to avoid missing work or school.

Boosted Confidence

Invisalign clear aligners are transparent, making them much harder to notice than traditional braces. This makes it much easier for patients to maintain professional appearances at work so they can close sales, meet clients, and attend meetings confidently. Teens, on the other hand, can benefit from not having to worry about showing conspicuous metal braces when they smile, which can make it much easier to integrate with the social scene.

Wearing Your Trays

For your Invisalign treatment to stay on schedule, you will need to wear your aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours every day. Since teeth being straightened will immediately begin to drift back out of alignment when the orthodontic appliance is removed, it’s best to minimize the amount of time you spend not wearing your aligners by only removing them for oral hygiene sessions, snacks, and meals unless you are only drinking water. Every two weeks or so, you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in your sequence so your teeth can begin the next stage of their realignment.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners can develop stains or accumulations of plaque and food debris if they are not cleaned properly. Always rinse your aligners off before placing them back in your mouth while remembering to never use hot water, as this can cause the appliances to warp. It’s crucial to soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals for between fifteen and thirty minutes every day or brush them with a soft-bristled brush and clear hand soap. It’s also imperative that patients practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before putting their aligners back in.

Eating & Drinking

While you can eat and drink whatever you like during Invisalign treatment, it’s important not to do so while the aligners are in the mouth. Always remove your orthodontic appliances when eating or drinking anything but water, as the pressure of chewing can break them and drinking sweet or darkly colored beverages can leave sugary accumulations and unsightly stains. Plaque and food debris trapped between the teeth and the aligners can lead to dental discoloration and tooth decay, so always brush and floss before putting your appliances back in. It’s also important to store your aligners in a safe protective case so they don’t get lost or thrown away while you are eating.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

You may lose your Invisalign aligner if it is not stored securely during meals. If this happens, call our office so we can offer further instructions. Depending on how long you have been wearing your last aligner, we may recommend switching back to the previous tray while a new one is being manufactured or simply moving on to the next one in the sequence.

Routine Check-Ins

We generally recommend having Invisalign check-in appointments every four to eight weeks so our dentist can make sure your treatment is on track and provide you with new aligners. These visits often only take about fifteen minutes, making them much briefer than the checkups required by traditional braces.

How is Invisalign Teen Different?

Since the aligners are clear and removable, you might be wondering, “What’s the difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen?” Well, there are actually two key differences! The first is that Invisalign Teen aligners come with a small blue indicator dot, which shows how well your child is complying with the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time. The second is that six replacement aligners are included in the treatment plan. So, if your teen accidentally throws them away at school or damages them while playing a sport, you don’t have to worry about paying an additional cost.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

There’s really only one way to find out for certain: schedule a consultation with us! Then, we can take X-rays and conduct a visual exam, ensuring their smile is healthy and their case of malocclusion isn’t especially complex. The good news is that Invisalign Teen has helped patients with everything from minor bite problems to considerable overcrowding. In other words, there’s a good chance that your child is a candidate for clear aligner treatment!

The Benefits of Invisalign Teen

Teens and adults alike are drawn to Invisalign because the aligners are see-through, making them virtually undetectable when worn. However, this is just one of the many benefits of this discreet orthodontic treatment! Our patients also love that:

• The aligners won’t interfere with extracurricular activities, like sports
• There aren’t any dietary restrictions
• The average treatment timeline is shorter
• There are fewer check-in visits, and they are usually only 15 minutes or so
• No special oral hygiene products are needed

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign Teen – whether it’s about what to expect from the treatment process or the price – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

Crowded Teeth

 

When there’s not enough space in your mouth for all your teeth to fit properly, they can shift, overlap, or twist. Invisalign can gradually reposition your teeth, creating an attractive and uniform smile. This correction not only improves your appearance but also makes it easier to keep your teeth clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Gaps Between Teeth

 

Gaps between your teeth, also known as diastemas, can be caused by dental trauma, missing teeth, and even genetics. Invisalign is highly effective at closing these spaces, preventing food from getting trapped, which can lead to plaque buildup. This also helps avoid excessive enamel wear and damage that can happen when teeth have large gaps between them.

Overbite

 

Do your upper front teeth overlap the lower ones by a pretty wide margin? An overbite is a common jaw alignment issue that can lead to excessive wear on your teeth or cause pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Invisalign aligners along with SmartForce attachments can be used to help shift your teeth and jaw into a more balanced alignment. This reduces the risk of tooth damage and improves the functionality of your bite.

Underbite

 

With an underbite, your lower teeth protrude past your upper teeth when your mouth is closed. This condition can make it difficult to chew or pronounce certain syllables properly, possibly leading to digestive issues and speech impediments. Invisalign can help correct mild to moderate underbites by gradually moving the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward to connect them once again.

Crossbite

 

A crossbite happens when some of your teeth sit inside the arch rather than outside, as they normally should. This misalignment can lead to severe headaches, bruxism, and even bone loss. Invisalign can help correct crossbites by slowly shifting affected teeth outward, restoring their proper alignment for a pain-free smile and easier oral hygiene.

Open Bite

 

Open bites typically occur due to poor bone development as a child. Over time, the upper and lower teeth in the front of your mouth form a small opening when your mouth is closed. This often leads to speech issues and a greater risk of enamel damage, especially on your back teeth. Luckily, Invisalign combined with elastics, buttons, or attachments can gently move your teeth back together and close the gap!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign can vary from person to person based on a few different factors, such as:

• One arch or both – Most people straighten both the upper and lower teeth at the same time. Straightening a single arch logically costs less then straightening both.
• Number of aligners – If your teeth are severely misaligned, you will likely need more time – and more aligners – to straighten your smile.
• Your commitment – If you take your aligners out often your results will be delayed.

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

Some patients ask us if Smile Direct Club is a good alternative to Invisalign. The truth is that if you’re only looking for a “quick fix” at a low cost, then Smile Direct Club wins. Invisalign typically costs anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000, while Smile Direct Club is a little under $2,000.

However, it’s important to consider the key differences between the two aligner systems. Smile Direct Club is a “do-it-yourself” clear aligner kit with little to NO oversight from a dental professional. If you make a mistake when creating impressions or do not follow the treatment process correctly, you could end up with serious issues for your smile that will require professional treatment anyway.

At Dental Group West, one of our experienced Invisalign dentists in Toledo will guide you through every step of Invisalign treatment. You can expect professionally made, highly accurate impressions and a smoother, more successful treatment process overall. If you want the peace of mind of a quality cosmetic service, the cost if Invisalign is worth it.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans do not include coverage for traditional braces or Invisalign in Toledo. However, every insurance plan is different! Before committing to orthodontic treatment, check with your dental insurance company to confirm your coverage. In addition, if you have a Flexible Spending Account through your employer, you can likely use those funds to help cover the cost of Invisalign. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you understand the details of your insurance plan and maximize your benefits.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

While each treatment plan varies, the average time with Invisalign is 12 to 18 months. If your misalignment is more minor, then you may work through your series of trays in as little as six months! The best way to work through your treatment as quickly as possible is by following all of your dentist’s instructions, like wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day and switching to your trays on the right days.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Of course, orthodontic treatment of any kind comes with some soreness. The good news is that Invisalign is significantly more comfortable than traditional braces. Since the aligners are crafted from high-quality, smooth plastic, you won’t have to worry about sharp brackets or wires. Plus, any discomfort that you do experience will typically subside within a few hours. If it persists, then don’t hesitate to use a cold compress or take an over-the-counter pain reliever (just be sure to check with your dentist first).

What Happens After Invisalign?

Once your Invisalign treatment is finished, we will provide you with a custom-made retainer. Designed to prevent orthodontic relapse, your retainer will keep your teeth in place as they “set” in their new positions. The exact wear time will depend on your unique dental needs, but many patients need to commit to a lifelong practice of wearing it each night.

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

You can’t eat with your Invisalign aligners in since this would increase the chances of them warping or breaking altogether. You can , of course, eat whatever you’d like after you’ve removed them. If you have a lot of attachments, then it’s still a good idea to avoid super crunchy or hard foods, like pretzels, tortilla chips, and whole apples. Instead, opt for softer, nutrient-dense foods, like oatmeal, vegetable soup, and yogurt.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

Fortunately, cleaning your Invisalign aligners is easy. After you’ve removed them from your mouth, rinse them under clean, room temperature water. Next, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface before rinsing them off again. It’s that simple! If your aligners begin to look a bit yellow or have a funny smell, then you can use the Invisalign cleaning crystals to provide them with a deeper clean. Simply place your aligners in a cup of room temperature water and add a packet of cleaning crystals to the mix. Gently shake the container, allowing the crystals to dissolve in the process. After about 15 minutes of soaking, rinse off your aligners and put them back in.