Invisalign - Marlton, NJ
Many
dental patients know that a straight smile looks great, but they don’t necessarily know that straighter smiles
are also healthier. Another thing that many dentistry patients don’t know about straighter teeth is that you
don’t need to receive traditional bracket and wire treatment to achieve the flawless smile you desire.
Instead, let the dentist and dentistry team at the South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine talk to you about
Invisalign at our Marlton, NJ dental office. These clear alignment tray orthodontic solutions allow dentistry
patients to achieve straight, beautiful smiles in less time while looking their very best. If you want to learn more
about Invisalign or any of our other treatment options, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to helping
you with all of your oral health and hygiene goals.
How Invisalign works
Traditional braces use wires connected to
brackets that attach to the front surfaces of teeth to place pressure, moving smiles into position. Invisalign
alignment tray orthodontics complete the same process using a series of clear plastic aligners. Each set of
alignment trays is molded to reflect your smile one step closer to the ideal position. When you wear the aligners
for about two weeks at a time, the pressure shifts your teeth into this new placement. Then, you exchange the
current set of aligners for the next set in the series. Over the course of about twelve months of treatment, your
teeth will be gently shifted into their ideal position.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
If what you’ve read about Invisalign so far has intrigued you, then you’ll be happy to hear that clear aligners are quite versatile as well. In fact, this discreet orthodontic treatment has helped patients with crowded teeth, spaced-out teeth, and several common bite problems over the years. You can read on to learn more, but don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us if you want to find out if you’re a candidate!
Crowded Teeth
Teeth that overlap don’t just take a toll on your confidence; they take a toll on your oral health. In fact, patients struggling with overcrowding often are prone to cavities and are at an increased risk of developing other serious oral health problems, like periodontal disease. In other words, Invisalign can improve the look and health of your smile – all with clear, custom-made, and comfortable aligners.
Gaps Between Teeth
If there are noticeable gaps between your teeth that you’re not fond of, then you might develop a habit of covering your smile when you laugh or covering your teeth in photos by keeping your lips closed. The good news is that patients with mild to moderate cases of malocclusion are usually candidates for Invisalign. To find out if clear aligners are right for you, take the next step: contact us to schedule a visit!
Overbite
Unfortunately, even minor cases of overbites can result in trouble enunciating clearly, difficulty smiling properly, and even premature wear and tear on your teeth. For that reason, we recommend contacting our team at South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine if your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones. From there, we can assess the complexity of your case and determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Underbite
In addition to the aesthetic drawbacks, this bite problem keeps your jaw in an unnatural position for extended periods of time. That’s why so many patients deal with chronic pain! Underbites also can make it difficult to chew and speak, which takes an undeniable toll on your quality of life. Fortunately, Invisalign is an option for many patients, so call us today to find out if it’s the metal-free solution you’ve been waiting for!
Crossbite
Crossbites, like the other bite problems on the list, can negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile in more ways than one. That said, premature wear and tear on your teeth is a prevalent concern, so it’s important that we bring your bite into proper alignment sooner rather than later. Oftentimes, this can be accomplished with clear aligners and other orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands.
Open Bite
If there is space toward the front or back of your mouth that’s preventing you from biting down properly, then there’s a good chance that you have an open bite. Don’t worry – Invisalign is often an option for patients if their case isn’t too severe. So, don’t just assume that your only option is metal brackets and wires!
Benefits of Invisalign
While traditional braces continue to be effective, many patients choose Invisalign when given the choice between the two. Naturally, the discreet appearance of the aligners plays a significant role, but that’s not the only benefit that patients enjoy. Here are a few of the many reasons more than 17 million patients have opted for this innovative orthodontic treatment!
Saved Time
Typically, patients wear traditional braces for 2-3 years. Invisalign, on the other hand, has an average treatment timeline of only 12-18 months. Plus, the progress visits are usually every 6-8 weeks instead of every 4. So, whether we’re using the clear aligners to address small gaps or more considerable overcrowding, you’ll spend considerably less time in the treatment chair.
Easy Dental Care
With Invisalign, you don’t need to buy interproximal toothbrushes, pre-threaded floss, and other special oral hygiene products to keep your smile healthy. Simply remove your oral appliance and complete your regular dental care routine! Outside of that, just make sure that you take good care of your aligners to prevent stubborn stains from developing on the surface.
Discreet Appearance
It’s no secret that traditional braces are a bit of an eyesore. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are completely metal-free. In other words, you’ll get the same beautiful results with clear, custom-made braces that don’t draw any unwanted attention to your smile. So, you can smile, talk, and laugh with complete confidence throughout your teeth-straightening journey.
Complete Comfort
If you had traditional braces in the past, then you might remember that the brackets and wires can lead to soft tissue irritation. Invisalign doesn’t have any metal components, so patients don’t run into the same problems. In fact, since the aligners are smooth, many don’t experience any discomfort (outside of the pressure from their teeth moving into their properly aligned positions, of course).
No Dietary Restrictions
Lastly, Invisalign doesn’t require patients to completely alter their diet. There’s basically just one rule you need to abide by: remove your aligners beforehand. That way, they don’t break, warp, or crack, negatively impacting your treatment in the process. Outside of that, just do your best to eat mostly nutrient-dense, well-balanced meals to help keep your smile healthy from the inside out.
If you are interested in learning more about the perks of Invisalign, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! We can determine if this is the best orthodontic treatment for you and, if it is, let you know exactly what to expect during your time with clear aligners.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Have you ever wondered how your day-to-day life will change with Invisalign? Since the aligners are removable, discreet, and easy to care for, you won’t have to make any drastic changes. That said, it’s always a good idea to do your homework on what life with braces will look like before you sign on the dotted line. With this in mind, keep reading!
Wearing Your Trays
In order to avoid unwanted treatment plan delays (and added expenses), you need to wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day. So, it’s important to find a routine that works for you! For some, that means dedicating 40 minutes to each meal. For others, that means setting a reminder on their phone so they remember to brush their teeth and put their aligners back on right after they are done eating. In both cases, using the stopwatch on your phone or the timer on the Invisalign app should help!
Cleaning Your Aligners
There are three things you need to clean your aligners: a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean water, and a clear, mild dishwashing liquid. Outside of that, make sure that you never use hot water since it can warp your aligners. It’s also a good idea to soak your trays each morning or evening in a dentist-recommended cleaner to help prevent plaque, saliva, food particles, and other debris from clinging to the surface.
Eating & Drinking
The good news is that there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign. So, you don’t need to worry about steering clear of apples, celery, and other crunchy foods. You do, however, need to remove your aligners before you eat. You should also take them off before drinking anything other than water, including iced coffee. This will help prevent them from warping or staining, which can negatively impact your treatment plan in more than one way.
Losing a Tray
If you realize that your aligners aren’t where you thought they were, then it’s important to start looking for them right away. After all, there is only a finite amount of aligner-free time allotted to each day. The best thing to do is re-trace your steps, looking in “random” places, like the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier. If you cannot find them, then call us ASAP so we can determine if replacement trays need to be made or if you can move onto the next set of aligners in the series.
Routine Check-Ins
Instead of coming in every month for adjustment appointments, you’ll come to our office every six or eight weeks so we can take new scans of your teeth. This gives us important insight into how your teeth are responding to the aligners. If something isn’t right, like one of your teeth isn’t moving as anticipated, then we can make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, hopefully preventing delays in the process.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of
Invisalign treatment varies according to several factors. However, patients typically spend a similar
amount on alignment tray orthodontic treatment that they would for traditional orthodontics. Today, dental insurance
providers typically provide the same percentage of coverage for Invisalign, which further reduces the out of pockets
costs of care. Before we begin your Invisalign treatment plan, we’ll go over each step of the process and the
costs associated to ensure you are never surprised by the costs of your dental treatment. Until then, here are some
things to take into consideration.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign varies from patient to patient. Here are some of the factors that play a role:
- Arches: Most people who get Invisalign need to have both of their arches addressed. However, in some cases, only one needs correction. If this applies to your situation, the cost will be lower.
- Complexity: If you have more severe misalignment, your treatment may have a higher cost. Closing a few small gaps is less costly than correcting significant bite issues.
- Length of Treatment: Longer treatment times mean additional aligners and a higher cost.
- Compliance: If you aren’t wearing your aligners for as long as you should, it could take longer to finish your treatment.
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
If you’re looking for a “quick fix,” mail-in aligners are a tempting option. However, a lower cost doesn’t necessarily mean that they are better. The price is generally lower than Invisalign, but mail-in aligners have a do-it-yourself approach with little-to-no oversight from a dental professional. This means a higher chance of something going wrong. You could end up with some serious issues that need to be addressed by a dentist anyway.
When you choose Invisalign, you have the trusted oversight of your dentist for every step along the way. Invisalign is professionally made, uses highly accurate impressions, and results in a more successful treatment. The cost difference is worthwhile for a smooth, stress-free orthodontic treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatment, so you should check with your provider directly to see if this applies to you. At South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine, we are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, and we will accept and file all out-of-network dental insurance claims. If you have any questions or concerns about your dental insurance plan and what is covered, give us a call.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. With our oral health savings plans, you can save on treatments completed at our practice. We are also happy to accept payments through CareCredit and Wells Fargo Healthcare Advantage – third-party financing companies that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn more about your payment options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.
Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions
While most people are familiar with traditional metal braces, not everyone knows how Invisalign treatment works. If you still have questions about Invisalign clear braces, we are here to help! Our team at South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine has answered some of the most common questions about Invisalign in Marlton below. We hope you find this FAQ section helpful as you consider how to best straighten your teeth.
When you are finished reading, don’t hesitate to take the first step toward a new smile by scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Sandberg!
Does Invisalign Treatment Hurt?
Many patients find Invisalign treatment more comfortable than traditional metal braces. However, you will likely experience some slight soreness or sensitivity when you first start wearing your Invisalign trays. This is a sign that the orthodontic treatment is working! Your discomfort should go away in just a few short days once your teeth adjust to the pressure from the trays.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear My Invisalign Aligners?
Generally speaking, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day or as directed by Dr. Sandberg. While the aligners are easily removable to eat and brush your teeth, you should always put them back in as soon as possible. Every minute that your aligners are out, your teeth will want to shift back toward their previous position. To complete your Invisalign treatment as quickly and smoothly as possible, wear your aligners whenever you are not eating or cleaning your teeth.
Are Invisalign Aligners Safe to Wear?
Yes! More than eight million people worldwide have safely and effectively straightened their teeth using Invisalign technology. Invisalign aligners are crafted from medical-grade polyurethane plastic, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use in the body. In addition, the aligners do not contain any Bisphenol A (BPA), parabens, latex, phthalates, glutaraldehyde or epoxy, according to the manufacturer.
How Do I Clean My Aligners?
Gum disease, tooth decay and other oral health problems can interrupt and delay successful Invisalign treatment. To prevent plaque and bacteria from building up on your aligners and harming your teeth and gums, follow these steps:
- Gently brush your aligners each day using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Brush with soap and lukewarm water instead of an abrasive toothpaste
- Rinse your aligners with lukewarm water only – hot water can damage the plastic trays
- Always place your aligners back in your mouth after cleaning them
I Had Metal Braces in the Past. Can I Still Benefit from Invisalign?
Did you survive your teenage years wearing metal braces? Even with traditional orthodontic treatment, teeth can still slowly shift over time. If you wore braces in the past but are unhappy with the current position of your teeth, you may still be able to benefit from Invisalign in Marlton. Wearing clear braces this time around will certainly be more comfortable and less embarrassing compared to your prior orthodontic experience!
Can I Smoke While Undergoing Invisalign Treatment?
One of the major advantages of Invisalign is that the trays are nearly invisible. However, if you smoke while wearing Invisalign trays, they will quickly accumulate noticeable stains. Taking your trays out to smoke is not a good option either, as frequently removing them will significantly delay completion of your treatment. Your best bet? Kick the tobacco habit! Doing so will boost both your smile and your overall health.