Invisalign  – St. Augustine, FL

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign are considered clear braces that are made from a plastic, SmartTrack material. What this means is that you can expect a more comfortable fit and predictable results when undergoing treatment with Invisalign. When fitted with your initial set, you will notice your teeth begin to shift in the right direction. The aligners will apply continuous yet, gentle pressure to your teeth, ensuring they move as they should as long as you wear them 20-22 hours each day. After 1-2 weeks or so of wear, you will swap out your current set for the next one in the series. With each new set, you’ll watch your teeth move closer to the final location.

After 12-18 months of treatment (on average), you can expect to be done with treatment and enjoy a healthier, happier, more vibrant smile.

Indications for Invisalign

Invisalign is known for its versatility. With more and more patients (adults and teens) feeling more self-conscious about their appearance, Invisalign clear aligners offer a trusted alternative that can fix most orthodontic problems, including:

Crowded Teeth

When teeth sit too close to one another, you will notice extreme difficulty in maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. Bacteria and food particles can easily become trapped in these tight crevices, raising your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. With Invisalign, though, you can watch your teeth move and create necessary space, giving you the chance for a life with better oral health.

Gaps Between Teeth

When it’s too much space existing between teeth, it, too, can cause problems with trapped food and bacteria. Keeping these gaps clean can also prove quite difficult, which is why you may find it beneficial to inquire about Invisalign. These clear aligners can bring your teeth closer together to not only create a healthier smile but also improve your overall aesthetic.

Bite Alignment

Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and even open bites are no match for Invisalign. These clear braces can move, shift, and reposition your bite in a way that reduces the risk of chronic jaw pain and minimizes the potential for excessive wear and tear to your tooth enamel.

The Benefits of Invisalign

When compared to traditional metal braces, the benefits of Invisalign cannot be overlooked. While it is true certain situations can only be treated with the help of metal brackets and wires, most individuals with common orthodontic problems can find hope in a more subtle method of treatment – Invisalign. From their discreet look to quicker results, the choice for this type of care is often an easy one to make.

Some additional benefits you can expect to receive include:

• Minimal irritation because of the smooth, plastic material used to create the aligners. Unlike brackets that can rub your soft oral tissues and create sores, Invisalign fits snugly against your teeth, resulting in little-to-no irritation at all.
• Greater flexibility in eating the foods you love because you are expected to remove your trays before you begin to eat or drink anything (except water).
• An easy-to-clean orthodontic solution that doesn’t require special instruments, cleaning products, or tools. You have the option to purchase Invisalign Cleaning Crystals but all you need is a soft-bristled toothbrush, clear soap, and lukewarm water.
• Faster results in 12-18 months as opposed to 2-3 years with metal braces.
• Improved aesthetics create a straighter smile that allows you to also maintain greater oral health.

Am I A Candidate for Invisalign?

Until you schedule a consultation with a member of our dental team, we will not be able to determine if you are eligible to receive Invisalign. The most viable candidates have crooked, overcrowded, or gapped teeth, or a mild bite alignment issue and:

• Are committed to the process and agree to wear their trays 20-22 hours each day to avoid a delay in treatment
• Have good general oral health from the start (i.e., no signs of gum disease or tooth decay)
• Prefer a discreet solution as opposed to wearing traditional braces
• Are looking to achieve results much faster than with regular braces
• Agree to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment and keep follow-up appointments with our team in St. Augustine

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

When visiting Salt Run Family Dentistry, we treat each patient according to their individual needs. This means no two patients are alike, so providing a cost estimate for treatment is simply not possible until you come in for a consultation. With that said, we’ve dedicated this next section to covering some important information on the topic, including some of the factors that impact the price.

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Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign St. Augustine is the preferred orthodontic system for teens and adults. It is normal to have a few concerns because clear aligners are a big commitment, but we will explain everything at your Invisalign consultation . While you wait, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

 

What does Invisalign look like?

You don't have to worry about the appearance of brackets or wires. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. Although they are visible when holding them, the aligners are virtually undetectable when placed over your teeth. Removing your Invisalign when having anything except water will prevent discoloration. Caring for them correctly will also ensure they will remain transparent, like using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

 

How long does Invisalign take?

Every case is unique, but most patients will complete their treatment in 12 to 18 months. Various factors affect the duration, like the complexity of your case. Major tooth movements may require more aligners to correct. Your age can also play a small role because younger patients’ teeth aren’t as firmly set in the jaw as adults, making them easier to move. You can streamline your journey to a complete smile by wearing your aligners for 22 hours per day and switching to the next in the series on time. Changing to a new aligner sooner than instructed can lead to several delays down the road. After examining your mouth and creating a treatment strategy, your cosmetic dentist in St. Augustine will explain how long you’ll need to wear them.

 

Does Invisalign hurt?

Many patients report Invisalign to be more comfortable than metal braces. The aligners are smooth and will fit your teeth like a glove. There won’t be any irritation to the gums or insides of your lips and cheeks. You won’t have any discomfort from brackets or wires pulling on your teeth. Instead, the aligners apply gentle pressure. Your teeth may be a little sore initially or when switching to a new aligner, but you can manage it with an OTC pain reliever. Eating softer foods can also prevent discomfort until any tenderness subsides. After a brief adjustment period, you may even forget you are wearing your aligners.

 

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

 

Contrary to common belief, you don’t have to be rich or famous to benefit from Invisalign. There isn’t a flat fee for traditional braces or clear aligners because every mouth and situation differs. Often they are similar in price, and our office offers several solutions to keep a straight smile affordable. If your dental insurance includes orthodontics, your policy may cover a set amount, which typically ranges from $500 to $2,000, after meeting your deductible. Your dental insurance may also cover a portion of the cost of any prep work, like a cleaning and checkup. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage. They’ll also review your payment options for any out-of-pocket balance, like third-party financing.