Invisalign - Tallahassee, FL
Straighten Your Smile with Clear Aligners
Are you dealing with misaligned teeth but reluctant to wear fixed metal braces? Invisalign in Tallahassee offers an alternative to visible braces. Its clear aligners place focused pressure on teeth to gradually bring them into the proper position. Keep reading to learn more about how Invisalign works, including its Invisalign and what you can expect to pay for this wonderful orthodontic treatment.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear braces treatment that works using a series of aligners which are customized to fit your specific dentition. This orthodontic option is FDA-approved and has been used in more than 4 million cases worldwide. That makes it by far the most popular clear aligner system for straightening crowded, gapped, or otherwise misaligned teeth.
The Invisalign Process
To set you up with your Invisalign treatment, we will take digital impressions of your teeth to identify which ones need to be rearranged for optimal form and function. Based on these scans, your unique Invisalign aligners will be created. You can begin treatment as soon as you receive the aligners -- and we will instruct you on how long to wear each set before moving to the next in the system.
Instructions for proper Invisalign use include:
- Wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day
- Removing the aligners before you eat or drink anything besides water
- Brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly before reinserting the aligners
- Rinsing the aligners before and after taking them out
- Soaking the aligners in the special Invisalign solution occasionally
- Wearing the aligners to bed after you have brushed and flossed
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a number of benefits, especially compared to traditional metal braces. Some of the most considerable advantages of this treatment include the following:
- Removability enhances convenience -- take the trays out and continue to eat what you like without any hassle
- Slip the aligners out before special occasions to speak and smile with confidence
- The clear plastic material is very subtle when worn
- Invisalign aligners are less likely to rub sore spots in the soft oral tissues
- Fewer visits to the dentist are required throughout the treatment process
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Not long into researching the cost of Invisalign, you’ll see that there isn’t a fixed price. That’s because no two smiles are the same and several factors need to be considered when making your treatment plan, including the severity of your misalignment. The best way to find out what you can expect to pay for your clear aligners is to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist in Tallahassee at Boyd & Walther Dental Associates. You can also read on to learn some general information on the topic before your visit!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
The total price of yours will depend on a few factors, including the complexity of your case, if you need to straighten one or both arches of your teeth, and how well you comply with the instructions. For example, if you don’t store your aligners properly, resulting in them being misplaced or damaged, then that can add to the total cost of the Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Mail-order aligner companies market themselves as a cheaper alternative to Invisalign. While the upfront cost is lower, they don’t provide the same treatment. For example, Invisalign starts with a thorough initial exam to ensure you’re a good candidate. Mail-order aligner companies do not. Invisalign also has more than 20 years of experience helping patients achieve their dream smiles and has support from professional organizations, like the ADA. Mail-order aligner companies do not. It’s also worth noting that these DIY alternatives have countless lawsuits from previous patients who experienced numerous problems – from worsened misalignment to loose teeth. So, even with a lower upfront cost, it isn’t worth the money.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
There are some cases where the answer is “yes.” Of course, that isn’t across the board, which is why we encourage our patients to get in touch with their provider or review the fine print on their dental plan. We’re also in-network with several dental insurance companies, including Ameritas and Sun Life, so we can help you better understand your benefits and maximize your coverage to the fullest.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you want to make your Invisalign treatment more affordable, but you don’t have dental insurance, then ask us about CareCredit! This third-party financier offers several payment plans, which ensures your care can fit into your monthly budget. Plus, there are low-to-no interest options as well, and signing up takes only a few minutes. If you have any questions about this financial solution, don’t hesitate to ask.
Invisalign FAQs
If you’re interested in finally fixing your crooked teeth with Invisalign in Tallahassee, then reading through the information earlier on this page is a great place to start. That said, our team at Boyd & Walther Dental Associates understands that you may have a few specific concerns that you need addressed before you begin treatment or even schedule a consultation. We’ve included the answers to a handful of frequently asked Invisalign questions below, but feel free to reach out to us if you have any additional questions!
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Because your teeth are being forcibly shifted into new positions, you can expect to feel some discomfort with any type of orthodontic treatment. In fact, that’s how you can tell that it’s working! Luckily, Invisalign is generally much more comfortable than braces. The trays are made from smooth plastic that won’t irritate your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue as easily as metal wires and brackets do. If you do experience significant discomfort with Invisalign, try taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medication as needed until it subsides.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
One spectacular benefit of Invisalign is that, unlike traditional braces, you aren’t required to adhere to any dietary restrictions. As long as you take your aligners out of your mouth beforehand, you’re free to enjoy all of your favorite foods and drinks just like you did before you started treatment.
It’s worth mentioning that, in order to keep your trays free from stains and germs, you should clean them off after eating and before placing them back on your teeth. Otherwise, food debris could get trapped against your teeth, where it could attract harmful bacteria that causes cavities and discoloration of your aligners as well as your teeth.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign?
Taking good care of your Invisalign aligners is essential if you want your trays to remain discreet and your treatment to be finished in a timely manner. With that in mind, remember to:
- Always remove your aligners before you eat or drink, with the exception of plain water.
- Whenever your aligners are not in your mouth, store them in their protective case so that they don’t become damaged or misplaced.
- At least once a day, gently scrub your aligners clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush and antibacterial hand soap or a specially made Invisalign cleaning solution. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive to the plastic, so avoid using it.
- Never clean your Invisalign trays with hot water. It can warp their shape and render them ineffective.
What Happens After Invisalign?
Just like with traditional braces, you’ll need to wear a retainer after Invisalign so that your teeth don’t “forget” their new positions. In most cases, an Invisalign retainer is a clear plastic appliance that actually resembles the trays quite closely. Your cosmetic dentist in Tallahassee will instruct you on how often you’ll need to wear your retainer. Generally, you’ll be asked to wear it for 20 to 22 hours a day at first before gradually transitioning to wearing it only at night.