Invisalign^®

What Is Invisalign?

With Invisalign, you can achieve straighter teeth without the discomfort and self-consciousness you might feel with metal braces. Our experienced cosmetic dentists, Dr. Todd Mabry and Dr. Colleen Murphy, offer this innovative system of clear teeth aligners to help patients improve the look of their teeth more discreetly and with less of the hassle typically associated with traditional orthodontic techniques. Invisalign’s removable, virtually invisible aligners can help you progressively straighten your teeth and renew your smile with fantastic results.

Invisalign can also be part of a comprehensive smile makeover from our practice, incorporating a number of effective cosmetic dental care treatments to address a variety of issues. The ultimate goal? A refreshing, beautiful new smile that can enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem!

• Invisalign Candidates
• How Does Invisalign Work?
• Invisalign Teen
• Invisalign vs. Braces
• Invisalign Treatment
• How Long Invisalign Takes
• Does Invisalign Hurt?
• Invisalign Results
• Invisalign Longevity
• Invisalign Cost
• Invisalign Alternatives
• Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign can address a variety of orthodontic issues, and those who struggle with crowded or misaligned teeth can typically benefit from this dental treatment. Invisalign can also help those who want to straighten their teeth and improve their oral appearance without the possible hassle and discomfort associated with traditional braces. Additionally, candidates for Invisalign may be experiencing unwanted gaps in their smile or an underbite, overbite, or crossbite due to jaw misalignment. An initial consultation with Dr. Mabry or Dr. Murphy can help determine if you are an ideal Invisalign candidate.

How Does Invisalign Work?

What Is Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen utilizes the same innovative system as Invisalign, but it includes special features to address the specific needs of teenagers. This includes small blue dots hidden on each aligner, which gradually fade over the two-week period needed to shift teeth. If the dots are still visible at the end of the period, this can indicate the teen should wear their aligners longer. Another feature of Invisalign Teen is the addition of small spaces designed as part of their custom aligners. By providing a small amount of extra space, new molars have the ability to grow in, while the teeth are gradually guided into a straightened position.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontics by providing you with a way to improve teeth misalignment without letting others know you are undergoing treatment. Advantages of Invisalign include:

• Clear, virtually invisible teeth aligners
• Aligners are removable for eating, drinking, and daily dental hygiene routines
• Less maintenance required during treatment
• No brackets or wires
• Reduced need for office visits
• Greater comfort
• When compared with traditional orthodontic techniques, less time is often necessary to achieve optimal results

What Can I Expect in My Invisalign Treatment?

Once the digital impression is made, a system of Invisalign clear teeth aligners will be custom-designed for your treatment process. These aligners will be given to you to take home, and once you have worn the first set of aligners for about two weeks, you will replace them with the next set in the series. Each set of aligners is slightly modified from the one before, making it possible for Invisalign to gradually move your teeth into a straighter position. The aligners are virtually invisible, and can be removed while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign can often straighten the teeth and achieve the patient’s cosmetic goals in less time. Most patients are satisfied with their results from Invisalign within 7 to 15 months, depending upon the initial severity of misalignment. It is vital for patients to wear the clear plastic aligners as often as possible during treatment. Although these aligners are removable to allow patients to easily eat as well as clean their teeth, prolonged periods of removing the aligners can extend the total duration of the treatment. Our dentists recommend patients wear their Invisalign aligners at least 20-22 hours a day to achieve the fastest results.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign is typically considered a more comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. While most people do not report feeling pain, it is important to remember that the teeth are being shifted, and this is bound to create some degree of discomfort. When you first begin a new set of aligners, your mouth may feel sore as pressure is put on your teeth to move them. As your teeth adjust to the new aligners, you can expect the soreness to fade.

With traditional metal braces, the brackets can press and rub against your mouth, causing gum irritation. Since Invisalign uses plastic aligners, patients avoid this unpleasant side effect. However, the edges of the aligners can cause mild discomfort in some cases, which you should gradually get used to as your mouth develops callouses to protect against the material.

When Will I Start to See My Invisalign Results?

When you start your Invisalign treatment, you may be anxious to see your results, but keep in mind teeth straightening is a very gradual process. It usually takes at least three months before teeth look noticeably straighter, which may be different from patient to patient. As you progress to your new aligner trays, your teeth are very slightly being straightened, ensuring precise movement and minimal discomfort. Factors that can affect the rate at which Invisalign straightens your teeth include the complexity of your case, how many hours per day you wear your aligners, your gum condition, and your genetics.

How Long Do Invisalign Smiles Last?

The results of your Invisalign treatment are intended to produce long-lasting results, possibly even your lifetime. The ultimate longevity may vary from patient to patient, with contributing factors including how diligently patients follow aftercare instructions, wear their prescribed retainer, and adhere to a strong oral hygiene routine. Additionally, keeping up with twice-a-year dental office visits can help maintain desired smile results with Invisalign.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The total cost of Invisalign will factor in a number of variables, depending upon the needs and goals of the patient. On average, Invisalign typically costs around $5,000, which can greatly vary based on each patient’s treatment plan. The severity of misalignment, the number of aligner sets, and the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners can all play a role when calculating the price of Invisalign. When comparing the cost of Invisalign among different dentists, patients should be aware that the experience of the dentist and the geographic location of the practice can also impact the total. In many cases, the price of Invisalign is similar to the cost of traditional braces; in some cases, it may even be more affordable. We also offer a number of dental financing options for patients who could benefit from flexible, low monthly payments.

What Are My Invisalign Alternatives?

For patients who are seeking an alternative to Invisalign for achieving a more beautiful smile,, our dentists can use porcelain veneers to straighten the appearance of the teeth without orthodontics. By applying a thin layer of porcelain to the front surface of the affected teeth, mild to moderate tooth misalignment and spacing issues can be addressed. Porcelain veneers are custom-made and tinted to match the color of your other teeth for a natural-looking smile. Patients who have severe misalignment may not be good candidates for correcting tooth misalignment with porcelain veneers. Our dentists will help you decide during the consultation process which method of achieving a straight, beautiful smile is best suited for your goals and lifestyle.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

The aligners in your Invisalign treatment can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly and properly. You should gently brush your aligners at night with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them well. Toothpaste should be avoided as it can be too harsh for the aligner material. Certain cleaning products may also be recommended, such as an Invisalign cleaning solution or “cleaning crystals” that dissolve in water, both of which involve soaking your aligners to cleanse them. If your Invisalign trays appear dirty or you would like to clean them more often than nightly, you can brush and rinse them throughout the day, as well.

What Can I Eat and Drink with Invisalign?

A major benefit of Invisalign is you can remove the aligners to eat or drink what you choose. Keep in mind that you should minimize how long you go without wearing your trays, though, as this can prolong your treatment time. While you can wear your aligners when drinking liquids, it is a good idea to remove them for dark or sugary beverages, as these can cause stains. You should also take your aligners out when eating food to avoid damage and excessive wear. Before putting them back in, make sure to brush your teeth and rinse your aligners.

Will I Need a Retainer After Invisalign?

Yes, you will need to wear your custom-made retainer after completing your Invisalign treatment to maintain your results. Without daily retainer use, your teeth may start to shift back to their original position. To keep your teeth looking straight, you should wear your retainer every night. Unlike the Invisalign aligners, you do not need to wear them during the day.

Is Invisalign Covered by Insurance?

Many dental insurance providers offer coverage for Invisalign, typically a percentage of treatment or a certain dollar amount. The best way to learn if your dental insurance plan will cover a portion of your Invisalign cost is to contact your provider to get more information about the specifics of your plan.

Contact North Scottsdale Dental Studio

Invisalign can be an extremely effective technique to improve the appearance of crooked teeth in a more comfortable and less visible way. If you would like more information on Invisalign, or if you would like to schedule an Invisalign consultation with our doctors, please contact our practice today.