If you’re dreaming of a straighter smile without metal brackets or wires, Invisalign® at Lakeview Family Dentists might be your solution. To give you more details, here are answers to some of the most common questions about this modern orthodontic option.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth into their ideal position. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks before switching to the next in the series. The trays are nearly invisible, comfortable, and removable, making them a discreet and convenient orthodontic choice.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Treatment time varies depending on your case and specific needs, but most patients achieve results in 6 to 18 months. After examining your teeth and creating a customized plan, your dentist will share a personalized timeline.

How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?

The cost of Invisalign® varies from case to case but typically ranges between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on complexity and treatment length. Your provider will provide a specific estimate after your consultation.

Can You Eat and Drink with Invisalign®?

One of the biggest perks of Invisalign® is that the aligners are removable. You can take them out to eat or drink anything besides water, so there are no food restrictions. Just remember to brush and rinse your aligners before putting them back in.

Does Insurance Cover Invisalign®?

Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic treatment will also cover Invisalign®, often up to a specific dollar amount or percentage. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for details on your coverage. When joining our dental membership plan, you can save 15% on our dental services, including Invisalign®.

Is Invisalign® Right for You?

Invisalign® offers a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten teeth without the hassle of metal braces. From flexible eating to predictable results, it’s an orthodontic option worth considering.

If you’re considering Invisalign®, the first step is to consult our team to determine if Invisalign is right for you. Schedule a consultation today!

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Braces can feel like a bit of a contradiction. You want a clean, straight smile, but you first have to wear a highly visible device on your teeth for months on end. You want a well-aligned bite, but for a while braces make some day-to-day tasks, such as brushing teeth and eating some foods, more difficult.

Fortunately, for those who want to show off their pretty pearly whites as they go AND show off the results of their realignment as soon as possible, one option is clear plastic removable aligners such as Invisalign aligner systems.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, as their name suggests, are clear plastic devices intended to straighten your teeth over time. They are nearly undetectable by observers. Not only are they more difficult to see (getting you closer to being able to show off that perfect smile), but they can be taken out temporarily when needed, allowing you to brush your teeth or eat without distraction.

How to Pay for Clear Aligners

Depending on the degree of work your teeth need, an Invisalign clear aligner treatment can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. According to Invisalign’s website, your insurance may be able to pay as much as $3,000 of the cost. For the amount your insurance doesn’t cover, you have some options.

Many dentists offer payment plans, which allows you to split a large bill into smaller payments over time. This makes payment much more manageable for some people and can be useful in emergency situations when you don’t have time to save money for the treatment before you begin.

Of course, if you can save the money ahead of time, that’s probably the better option. If you’re planning to save up for an Invisalign clear aligner treatment or something similar, you may want to consider opening a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Accounts such as these allow you to take a certain amount of money out of your paycheck, pretax, to pay for some expenses—including, in some cases, clear aligners. The types of accounts you’re allowed to open and the amount of money you can put into them will vary depending on your situation, so talk to your bank or another financial professional about your options.

The Clear Aligner Fitting Process

For most clear aligners, including Invisalign systems, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and send it in. From there, orthodontic experts will determine the difference in positions between where your teeth are and where you want them to be and will create several stages of aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. You’ll have to wear the aligners most of the time—about 22 hours a day. At certain points in the process as your teeth change position, you’ll move on to the next device, switching them out until your teeth are right where you want them to be.

Alternatively, there are kits you can order to take a mold of your teeth at home. This is an overall less expensive process, but you aren’t likely to achieve the same results and you lose the benefit of your dentist’s expertise. Clear aligners may not be the best solution for you, so it’s best to consult your dentist beforehand even if you decide to go this route.

For those who can use them, clear aligners such as Invisalign systems can be the least intrusive solution for straightening teeth. It’s nice not to have to worry about the looks and inconveniences of traditional braces! The initial cost of clear aligners may seem daunting, but options are available to help pay for them. If you have any questions about clear aligners or other methods of straightening your teeth, please give us a call at 978-957-6300. We’ll be happy to walk you through your options and help you find the best possible solution for your smile.