Invisalign Clear Braces – Beachwood, OH

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that use gentle force to shift teeth and their underlying structures. This is much like traditional braces, except there is no metal hardware used whatsoever to complete treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Hornstein or Dr. Schlessel will examine your smile and look for imperfections Invisalign can fix. These typically include crowding or rotated teeth, gaps and even uneven bites! He will collect diagnostic images and X-rays and use them to create your custom alignment trays with Invisalign. After the entire series is fabricated, you can begin treatment.

Throughout the process, patients wear one set of trays for about two weeks at a time, only removing to brush, floss and eat meals. Each pair must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day in order to achieve optimal results in the shortest amount of time possible. Once your treatment is complete (averaging about 10 to 18 months), you will wear a retainer to prevent your new smile from shifting back to its original state.

 

Benefits of Invisalign

Every year, countless people choose to get started with Invisalign clear aligners. Why is this treatment so popular? Mainly, because it offers several benefits that you cannot find with traditional metal braces. Indeed, it is designed to fit into even the busiest lifestyles. What are some of the specific advantages you can expect to experience with Invisalign? Continue reading below to find out.

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Improved Comfort

Metal braces involve the use of brackets and wires, which can irritate soft tissues in the mouth. In contrast, Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic that rests comfortably against the teeth and gums. Plus, since you switch aligners fairly often, you can expect less overall soreness and discomfort as your teeth move toward their ideal positions.

Discreet Appearance

Many teens and young adults cringe at the idea of having visible metal brackets and wires across their teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign has a much subtler appearance. Although the trays are not completely invisible, they are discreet; they are unlikely to be the first thing that other people notice about your smile. You can even take them out of your mouth for special occasions or photoshoots.

Better Dental Hygiene

Thorough oral hygiene is of critical importance. Unfortunately, metal braces might make that challenging for some people. With Invisalign, things are easier. You can simply take the aligners out of your mouth, then brush and floss using normal techniques. It is that easy! Of course, you should also take time to thoroughly clean your aligners at least once a day.

Quick Check-Ins

Invisalign check-in appointments usually happen once every 6 – 8 weeks. These visits tend to be brief, often lasting just 15 – 30 minutes or so. All we have to do is check your progress, answer your questions, and provide you with the next set of aligners in your series.

Freedom from Dietary Restrictions

Traditional braces come with some dietary restrictions; they are necessary in order to reduce the risk of damage to the brackets and wires. Invisalign, on the other hand, has removable aligner trays. As long as you are not wearing them, you can feel free to eat all of your favorite snacks and meals.

Treatment that Fits Your Lifestyle

Invisalign is geared toward busy, responsible adults and teens who do not want traditional braces to interfere with their lifestyle. As an Invisalign patient, you can expect it to be easy to keep up with your treatment once you get into a good routine. From its discreet appearance to its user-friendly treatment model, there is a lot to love about Invisalign!

Living with Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign clear aligners provide a convenient and discreet way to straighten teeth. In order for Invisalign to be successful, though, you will need to make some small adjustments to your daily routine. What exactly will you have to do? Our team will be happy to coach you and provide personalized advice. In the meantime, here is an overview of the basic guidelines that contribute to successful orthodontic treatment with Invisalign:

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Wearing Your Trays

You should make it your aim to wear your aligner trays as close to 24/7 as possible (22 hours of daily wear time is recommended). In fact, you should keep them in your mouth at all times, removing them only when you eat, drink anything besides plain water, or clean your teeth. Failure to wear them as much as recommended can slow down the movements of your teeth and interfere with your treatment’s progress.

Cleaning Your Aligners

To keep your aligners fresh, clean, and stain-free, you need to have a good cleaning routine. You should:

• Rinse your aligners after meals, before placing them in your mouth.
• Gently clean your aligners each day. Use a soft brush and clear, mild soap.
• Soak your aligners daily using Invisalign cleaning crystals.
• Always use cool or lukewarm water to clean your aligners; if the water is too hot, it could cause them to warp.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Try to brush and floss after each meal.

Eating & Drinking

There are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign. You can feel free to enjoy all of your favorite foods, even those that would be off-limits with traditional braces. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:

• You should never eat while wearing your aligners. Doing so could damage them. The only thing you should consume while wearing them is plain water.
• Try to eat a balanced diet that promotes oral health. Avoid overindulging in sugary, sticky, or highly acidic items.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Life happens, so there might come a time when you lose or damage one of your Invisalign trays. If that happens to you, give us a call so we can advise you. We might tell you to go back to wearing a previous aligner until we can provide a replacement for the one that is no longer usable. Alternatively, there is a chance that it might be safe for you to progress to your next aligner a few days earlier than originally planned.

Routine Check-Ins

Every 4 – 8 weeks or so, you should visit us for a brief check-in appointment. During these visits, which usually last just 15 minutes or so, we will check on the progress of your teeth and answer any questions that might have popped up since your last visit. We may also provide you with additional aligners so you can keep shifting your teeth into their proper positions. If we ever determine that your treatment plan requires some refinements, you may need to attend a longer appointment so we can make the necessary adjustments.

Who Should Consider Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is ideal for patients of all ages. What matters most is the current state of your oral health. For example, those with tooth decay or gum disease will need to have it treated before receiving Invisalign treatment or any other cosmetic services. Furthermore, those who need to solve severely uneven bites or misaligned teeth may want to reconsider traditional braces as Invisalign can only do so much.

The best way to find out which treatment is best for you is to schedule an Invisalign appointment at the Center for Advanced Dentistry today. We see patients from the Beachwood, Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Solon, Pepper Pike and nearby Ohio neighborhoods.

 

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign can vary from patient to patient. In most cases, it runs at least a few thousand dollars. During your consultation, our team can share some specific numbers and help you understand your payment options, such as insurance and financing. Most people find that with the help of available provisions, it is surprisingly easy to afford their treatment!

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Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

A few factors that can have a bearing on the cost of Invisalign treatment include:

• The extent of your treatment. This is the biggest factor that affects the cost of Invisalign. The severity of your dental misalignment, the number of aligners you need, and whether you require any special accessories can all affect the price of your care.
• Additional treatment. In some cases, extractions or other treatments are necessary prior to starting Invisalign.
• Your compliance with instructions. If you skip appointments, do not wear your aligners as directed, or make other missteps with your treatment, your total costs might increase.

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

In recent years, mail-order clear aligners have seen a boom in popularity. Often, these systems cost around $2,000, which is usually quite a bit less than the cost of Invisalign.

Given how inexpensive mail-orders aligners are, you might wonder why anyone would choose Invisalign. Well, the reality is that Invisalign is a better overall treatment experience. You get beautiful aligners made out of a patented material, and you get to enjoy the in-person support of an expert dental team. The results are consistently predictable and desirable.

Mail-order options, on the other hand, deliver a different experience. Some of them even expect patients to take their own dental impressions. Even a small mistake while doing so could adversely affect the outcome of your treatment. A number of mail-order aligner patients have ended up paying more to fix the undesirable consequences of their treatment than they would have if they had chosen professional in-person care right from the very beginning.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Most dental insurance plans do not cover orthodontia for adults, but a handful of plans do. Usually, Invisalign and other types of clear aligners are eligible for coverage. In many cases, these plans pay for 50% of the cost of care, up to the amount of the plan’s lifetime orthodontic maximum. The maximum can vary, but often, it is around $1,000. Our team is not in-network with any insurance companies, but we can still help you understand your benefits and file claims on your behalf.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Beyond insurance, there are a couple of provisions that might make it easier for you to afford Invisalign:

• Most patients qualify for low-interest financing through CareCredit. Our team can walk you through the fast and easy application process.
• FSA or HSA accounts. You may be able to use your flexible spending account or healthcare savings account to pay for a portion of your treatment.

Invisalign might seem pricey at first, but it is a worthwhile investment in your smile! Get in touch with us today to learn more about this treatment and its cost.