Invisalign Clear Aligners Waco
The Clear Path to Straighter Teeth
Maybe you didn’t get braces when you were younger. Maybe you did, but your teeth have shifted out of alignment since then. In either case, chances are you want to straighten your teeth, but the idea of wearing braces as an adult makes you cringe. Invisalign can help you get the beautiful, straight smile you’ve always wanted — without the hassles that come with metal braces. At Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we proudly offer Invisalign in Waco for patients who want to take the clear path to straighter teeth. Call us today if you’d like to schedule an Invisalign consultation!
Why Choose Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
- No Messy Impressions Thanks to Digital Software
- Personalized Treatment Plans to Minimize Surprises Along the Way
- Flexible Financing Through CareCredit and Lending Club
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that includes clear, plastic aligners that are crafted using digital impressions taken of your mouth. Fabricated to fit comfortably over teeth, they apply gentle, continuous pressure to keep teeth moving in the right direction. When worn 20-22 hours each day, smiles begin to straighten, allowing for better oral health. You will be expected to swap out your sets every 1-2 weeks for the next ones in the series and maintain regular follow-up appointments with our dental team.
The Benefits of Invisalign
In addition to being virtually unnoticeable, Invisalign® aligners are removable. That means you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. Additionally, oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing is easier and more thorough. The aligners are comfortable and contain no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. No metal and wires usually mean fewer follow-up visits for adjustments. Invisalign® technology allows patients to view their virtual treatment plan when they start so they will know how their straight teeth will look when treatment is complete. Most often, Invisalign® also allows treatment to be completed in a shorter time than conventional braces due to the precise application of force and movement of the teeth.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Are you dreaming of a perfectly aligned smile in your future? Invisalign could be the solution you’re looking for. It has so many unique benefits that you can’t find with other orthodontic options. However, you should consider the cost upfront so that you aren’t left with any unnecessary surprises. To learn exactly how much you can expect to pay for Invisalign, give us a call so we can schedule your initial consultation. In the meantime, here are some things to consider.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign will vary from person to person based on a few main factors:
- Number of Arches: Most people who undergo Invisalign treatment will straighten both their upper and lower arches. However, in some cases, only one arch needs to be addressed. If this is the case for you, the cost will ultimately be lower.
- Complexity of Case: Some cases are more complex than others, driving up the cost. If you have more severe misalignment issues, your treatment is likely to cost more.
- Length of Treatment: A longer treatment time means more aligners and a higher cost.
Invisalign VS “DIY” Aligners: Which Costs More?
When patients are looking for a “quick fix” for their smile, DIY aligners can seem tempting. However, a less expensive product doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a better option. The price is generally lower than the cost of Invisalign but many of these “do-it-yourself” approaches have little to no oversight from a dental professional. This ultimately means more room for errors to be made. You could even end up with some serious issues that will need to be dealt with by a professional in the long run.
The good news is that with Invisalign, you have trusted oversight from your dentist. Invisalign is professionally made, uses highly accurate impressions, and will result in a more successful treatment process overall. The difference in cost is certainly worth it for a worry-free, smooth orthodontic treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Most dental insurance plans include coverage for orthodontic treatment, so you should check with your provider to see what your benefits entail. Our practice is in-network with numerous popular dental insurance plans. One of our friendly team members would be happy to help you navigate your benefits.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re left completely on your own. Our Quality Dental Plan can help you save on preventive, basic, and major procedures. We can also help you break up the cost of your care with a flexible financing plan. Both CareCredit and Lending Club offer a wide selection of plans, many with little to no interest. Contact us to learn more about your payment options.
The best way to learn about the cost of your Invisalign treatment is by scheduling an initial consultation with us. We’re eager to help you work toward a straighter smile!
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Whether you’re in the very first phases of researching Invisalign or you just got your first pair of aligners, an important question might be on your mind: What do I need to know about living with Invisalign? The good news is that this next section is dedicated to that very topic! Below, you’ll get insight into important topics like eating and completing your oral hygiene regimen throughout your teeth-straightening journey.
Wear Your Trays for 22 Hours a Day
There are some universals that apply to every Invisalign treatment. The 20-22 hour-a-day wear time is one of them. In order to stay on track with your plan, you need to wear your aligners as much as you can. In other words, you should get in the habit of only taking them out when absolutely necessary, like when you’re ready to eat breakfast. If you aren’t sure if you’re meeting this goal, try using the stopwatch on your phone!
Clean Your Aligners Frequently
Something that may take some getting used to is caring for your aligners. The good news is that this only requires a few steps, starting with rinsing them thoroughly with clean water each time you take them out. Before you put them back in, use clean, cool water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them. On an as-needed basis, you can also use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit.
Important note: Do NOT use bleach to clean your trays!
Remove Your Trays Before Eating
Remember, your aligners will break if you don’t remove them before eating. We recommend carefully taking them out, rinsing them off, and putting them in their designated case when it comes time to eat. We also recommend opting for nutrient-dense foods as much as possible since they will help keep your teeth and gums healthy during your orthodontic treatment.
Important note: Remove your aligners before drinking anything other than water. This will help prevent them from staining or warping!
Store Your Aligners Somewhere Safe
Unfortunately, losing or damaging a tray can result in significant treatment plan delays. For that reason, it’s of the utmost importance that you store yours somewhere safe anytime you take them out.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you can’t find your aligners or they are broken, call us ASAP. That way, we can learn more about what happened, take a look at your treatment plan, and determine the best way to proceed.
Prioritize Your Check-In Appointments
Every 6-8 weeks, you need to come in for a check-in appointment. This is crucial because it allows us to take new scans of your teeth and monitor how your teeth are moving. If you’re still on track with your treatment plan, then we will send you on your way with your next batch of aligners. If you’ve fallen off-track, then we will need to determine what adjustments need to be made.
Invisalign FAQs
Thanks to Invisalign, you no longer need to sport a mouthful of metal brackets and wires to achieve a straighter smile. However, you may still have some unanswered questions about the treatment process, so we’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Invisalign in Waco. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry! Give us a call and we’d be happy to answer your questions and get you started with an initial consultation.
WHAT DOES INVISALIGN LOOK LIKE?
Invisalign is designed with clear plastic, so they are visible when outside of the mouth, but very difficult to detect once they’re being worn. With proper maintenance, the aligners can be kept clean, clear, and discreet. Unlike traditional braces that require brackets and wires, Invisalign’s clear aligners won’t take away from your appearance. In some cases, patients will require attachments, buttons, or elastics that help during the alignment process. These items aren’t made of clear plastic, so they may be slightly more visible.
DOES INVISALIGN HURT?
Invisalign should not be a painful treatment. Its smooth plastic design actually makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatments out there. When you first get Invisalign, there’s an adjustment period where you may experience slight soreness, but this will go away once you get used to the treatment. Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment by using a series of aligners. Each time you switch to the next aligner in the series, you may experience some pressure, but this just means that the treatment is working. Any discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
CAN YOU EAT WITH INVISALIGN?
One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that your aligners are completely removable. This gives you the ability to take them out when mealtime comes around. Eating with your Invisalign aligners in your mouth can damage your aligners and put unnecessary pressure on your teeth. The only thing that you should be consuming when you’re wearing your Invisalign is water. If you want to enjoy anything else, you should take your trays out and store them in a safe place.
HOW IS INVISALIGN MADE?
Invisalign’s process requires a series of aligners that are made from smooth, clear plastic. The entire set of aligners is manufactured by an advanced 3D printing process before getting shipped to your dentist’s office. Invisalign is made with the impressions provided by your dentist. Typically, the manufacturing process takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Then you will be notified by your dentist when you can pick them up.
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