Invisalign – Raleigh, NC
The Clear Path to a Gorgeous Smile
If you had braces as a kid (or you haven’t looked into orthodontic treatment for a decade or more), then metal brackets and wires may have been the only teeth-straightening service available. Not anymore! With Invisalign, we can address overcrowding, open bites, and more – all with clear, comfortable aligners. If you are interested in learning more about this discreet orthodontic treatment, then read on. Or, you can take the first step toward your dream smile by scheduling a consultation with us here.
Why Choose Dalton Hunt Dentistry for Invisalign?
- Top-Rated Dental Team in the Area
- See Result Possibilities with Digital Smile Design
- Multiple Financial Solutions Available
How Invisalign Works
Since there aren’t any brackets and wires, patients are often a bit confused about the teeth-straightening process. In short, you’ll meet with one of our dedicated dentists, who will confirm that you’re a candidate and create a custom treatment plan. A series of custom-made aligners will be made to move your teeth from their current positions to their ideal ones. To stay on-track with your treatment plan, you need to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and switch to each new set on the correct days (usually every week or two weeks).
Benefits of Invisalign
Are you considering straightening your teeth with Invisalign? If so, you’ll be happy to know that virtually undetectable braces are just the beginning! If you are interested in learning more, keep reading to learn several noteworthy reasons why more than 17 million patients have chosen this innovative orthodontic treatment.
Improved Comfort
It’s no secret that metal brackets and wires aren’t the most comfortable. In fact, soft tissue irritation and mouth sores are very common with traditional braces. Don’t worry – that’s not the case with Invisalign! Since the aligners are crafted from smooth plastic, there aren’t any metal components, and they are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly, they are considerably more comfortable.
Basically Invisible Aligners
Of course, one of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that the aligners are basically invisible. So much so that even the people you see on a daily basis, like your family and coworkers, may have a hard time telling when you’re wearing them! The key to keeping them clear is proper care and maintenance. That starts with taking them off before eating or drinking anything other than water and extends to using a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove saliva, food particles, and other debris from the surface.
Hassle-Free Dental Care
Another noteworthy benefit of Invisalign: taking care of your teeth and your trays is easy! All you need to do is remove your aligners, rinse them with clean water, and store them in their case before brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash like usual. Then, before you put them back on, use a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild soap to gently clean the surface.
Important reminder: Always check the temperature of the water before rinsing your aligners! If it’s too hot, it will warp the plastic, negatively impacting their effectiveness.
No Dietary Restrictions
Another considerable difference between traditional braces and Invisalign is that traditional braces come with a long list of dietary restrictions. While there is a good reason for this (to reduce the chances of a bracket or wire breaking), it can still be inconvenient. The good news is that, since clear aligners are removable, patients can continue to enjoy all of their favorite meals on their journey to a straighter, healthier smile.
Less Time in the Treatment Chair
Not only are there fewer progress visits with Invisalign, but the average treatment timeline is shorter. As a result, you’ll spend considerably less time in the treatment chair overall. So, if you are a parent, student, or professional who already has a jam-packed schedule, you should consider clear aligner treatment over traditional braces.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
The good news is that many patients who are struggling with misalignment are candidates for Invisalign. In fact, you may even be a candidate if you have a bite problem, like a crossbite! The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation at our Raleigh dental office, but you can also read on to learn a little more information on who Invisalign can help right here.
Crowded Teeth
Do your teeth overlap? If so, you might be wondering if Invisalign can fix crowded teeth. The short answer is “yes.” So, don’t hesitate to take the next step: schedule a consultation with us! The sooner you do, the sooner we can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Fortunately, many patients with mild to moderate cases are (and they can often achieve the results they desire in just 12-18 months).
Gaps Between Teeth
Spaced-out teeth also have the potential to negatively impact your self-esteem, your speaking patterns, and even your digestion. That’s why we recommend finding out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, even if the gaps between your teeth are minor. If you are, we can straighten your teeth without the metal brackets and wires, ensuring no unwanted attention is drawn to your smile in the process.
Overbite
If your upper teeth jut out beyond your lower ones, then you probably have an overbite. Unfortunately, even in minor cases, this bite problem can lead to several issues – from trouble chewing properly to low self-esteem – which is why we recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options. If Invisalign is one of them, then we can guide your teeth and bite into proper alignment with clear, barely noticeable trays.
Underbite
If your top and bottom teeth don’t come together evenly because your lower ones jut out, then you know first-hand how difficult it can be to smile with confidence. However, that isn’t the only reason we recommend pursuing orthodontic treatment. After all, underbites can lead to everything from chronic jaw pain to premature wear and tear. Fortunately, Invisalign can align your bite before that happens!
Crossbite
Crossbites usually aren’t as talked about, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as serious. In fact, if you have this orthodontic problem, then you know that it can take a toll on your self-confidence as well as your oral health. Fortunately, clear aligners can move your teeth and bite into their properly aligned positions, creating a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful.
Open Bite
Like the other bite problems on this list, open bites can negatively impact several aspects of your life, including your self-esteem. There is good news though: traditional braces are no longer the only option. So, if you’ve been waiting for the day when you could align your teeth and bite without the metal, it’s here!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
There isn’t a flat fee for Invisalign. After all, no two smiles are the same! In order to pinpoint the price of yours, we need to conduct a thorough exam. Of course, we will also review all of the financial solutions available to you at your consultation. That way, you can determine the best way to fit that number into your budget.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Here are a few key factors we need to consider when creating your treatment plan and, in turn, determining the cost:
- If any preliminary treatments are necessary
- How complex your case is
- How many aligners you need
- If accessories, like rubber bands, are needed
- The type of retainer
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
In the years following Invisalign’s debut, several mail-in aligner companies popped up. Although they are almost always cheaper, they aren’t worth your money. Not only do they completely skip the initial exam (which can lead to several serious consequences), but they rely on DIY impressions that are often inaccurate. Furthermore, the treatments are rarely (if ever) supervised by a licensed dental professional, and there’s nowhere to turn if something goes wrong, like your tooth feels like it’s on the brink of falling out. Simply put, it’s worth investing in a tried-and-true, professional, and reliable orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
In some cases, dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost. In other words, it’s worth taking a look at your plan to see if it includes a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit, which may include Invisalign. Although we aren’t in-network, we can still help you understand your coverage, including any red tape like waiting periods and annual maximums. We can also file the claims on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about handling any paperwork.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Since roughly 50% of Americans don’t have dental insurance, it was important to us that we offer other financial solutions, including:
- In-House Dental Wellness Plan: After paying the low, annual fee, you’ll enjoy sizeable discounts on many of the treatments completed at our office. Plus, there isn’t any red tape to worry about, like yearly deductibles.
- Flexible Financing: Don’t want to pay for the entire cost of Invisalign at once? You don’t have to thanks to CareCredit! They have multiple payment plans so you can space out the price instead.
We hope this brief overview of the price of Invisalign was helpful. If you still have questions about the cost or you’d like a specific estimate, then get in touch with us to schedule your consultation!
Invisalign FAQs
Why Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day?
Initially, wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day may not seem too difficult… until you factor in the time needed to eat three meals, enjoy some snacks and drinks in between, and complete your oral hygiene regimen. It’s important to remember, however, that the wear time is there for a reason: it helps prevent you from falling off-track with your treatment plan! In other words, if you want to see the results as quickly as possible, it’s important that you do your best to meet this goal each and every day.
Tip: If you’re not sure if you’re wearing your aligners for the suggested amount of time each day, then use the stopwatch on your phone!
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Invisalign?
Since there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign, the answer is technically “no.” However, there are certain foods we recommend indulging in sparingly or exercising caution with. That includes gummy candies, hard pretzels, and taffy, which each have the potential to damage your teeth and break any attachments you have. Simply put, it’s a good idea to stick to smile-friendly foods as much as possible, like hard-boiled eggs, plain yogurt, and oatmeal.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
You’ll be happy to hear that cleaning your aligners only takes a minute or two, and you really need just two things to do so: a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean, cool water. After rinsing your aligners thoroughly in the water to remove saliva, plaque, and other debris, use your toothbrush to gently scrub each surface and rinse them off again. Some patients find it helpful to use a mild, clear dishwashing liquid or toothpaste as well. That said, it’s always a good idea to check-in with us before using something else to clean your aligners. After all, using something like bleach can be very harmful!
What Should I Do If I Lose One of My Invisalign Aligners?
If you can’t seem to find one of your aligners, it’s a good idea to retrace your steps. Starting from the last place you remember having them, carefully think through your day. Remember, there’s a good chance that your trays ended up somewhere “random,” so don’t look in just the obvious places. Instead, look in the center console of your car, the trash can, the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier, the space between your nightstand and your bed, and the like. If you still can’t find them, call us.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, you can! The only rule when it comes to coffee and Invisalign is that you have to take your aligners out first. If you don’t, then your trays will quickly discolor, causing both them and your teeth to attract the wrong kind of attention.
It’s also worth mentioning here that drinking hot coffee with your aligners in can cause them to warp, which can also ruin the look of your aligners as well as their function.
What Does Invisalign Look Like?
This treatment utilizes clear aligners that are made from completely transparent plastic, which allows your natural enamel to show through. As a result, they’re considered more discreet than traditional orthodontics, which rely on bulky metal brackets and wires.
Some patients require accessories, such as buttons or bands, in conjunction with the trays. These are not always made out of plastic and might be more visible. However, our team in Raleigh strives to provide tooth-colored or clear options for these additions that are less noticeable and less likely to detract from your appearance.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
It’s only natural to wonder how long you’ll be required to wear Invisalign to achieve the beautifully straight smile you’ve always dreamed of having. Most patients can expect to complete this treatment within 12 to 18 months, though the timeline depends significantly on your unique circumstances.
For example, patients who have very mild misalignments might only need to wear the trays for 6 months, while those who don’t adhere to the allotted wear times might have to wear them longer than originally anticipated. You’ll be expected to schedule routine follow-ups with our team throughout your treatment so we can monitor your progress to help ensure you remain on track.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
This clear alternative to standard braces continues to gain popularity because it’s considered a more discreet and comfortable option. For instance, the smooth plastic material won’t cut the tender tissues inside your mouth, like the sharp corners of brackets or broken ends of wires.
With that said, any dental services that exert enough pressure on your teeth to shift them have the potential to cause aches, and Invisalign is no exception. It’s normal to feel sore when you first start treatment, but the sensation typically fades as your mouth adjusts. You might also experience aches when switching to a new set of trays until you acclimate to their slightly altered dimensions.
What Happens After I’ve Completed Invisalign Treatment?
If you’re approaching the end of your Invisalign timeline, you might have questions about what happens after you stop wearing the trays. Many patients are given a retainer to wear immediately after treatment to prevent their teeth from reverting to their original positions.
Although these oral appliances don’t place enough force on your teeth to move them, they do help ensure that they remain in their updated positions long enough for the muscles and ligaments in your mouth to adjust to the changes. We’ll provide detailed instructions on when and for how long we expect you to wear your retainer. Some patients only require them temporarily, but it can be a lifetime commitment for others.