Invisalign – Dallas, TX

Is My Teen a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

The only way to definitively know whether your teen is eligible for Invisalign is to have them visit an orthodontist. Before that point, though, you should consider a few questions:

• Does your teen have all of their adult teeth? – For some teenagers, the permanent teeth may grow in later than usual, or the “baby” teeth may not have fallen out yet. In cases like these, your teen will most likely need traditional braces rather than Invisalign.
• What orthodontic problems does your teen have? – Invisalign can correct mild to moderate instances of crowding, crookedness, gapped teeth, and bite alignment issues like overbite and underbite. However, if your teen has severe orthodontic problems, such as jaw abnormalities or a major crossbite, then traditional braces may be the only effective treatment.
• How responsible is your teen? – Metal braces stay on the teeth throughout the course of treatment, but Invisalign trays can be removed at any time. If your teen forgets to wear their aligners often enough or doesn’t switch to a new set on time, their treatment may not be as successful.

How Does Invisalign Teen Work?

Once we’ve determined that your teen is a candidate for Invisalign, we’ll take digital scans of their teeth, which are used to create a 100% customized series of clear aligners. Your son or daughter will wear each of these sets of aligners – which adjusts a tiny section of their smile at a time – for about two weeks before moving onto the next one. These aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day – essentially, they should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Invisalign Teen vs. Regular Invisalign

While Invisalign Teen very closely resembles regular Invisalign, two key differences make the former easier and more effective for teenagers:

• More replacement aligners are provided, as teenagers are more likely to lose or damage them in the hustle and bustle of high school life.
• Every aligner has a tiny dot that slowly changes from blue to clear to white as the tray is worn. This not only helps our team know how well your teen is following their treatment guidelines, but it also serves as a reminder for them to switch to the next set of aligners.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

There are three main factors that influence the price of Invisalign:

• Which arch(es) you’re straightening – Most people straighten both their top and bottom teeth, but that’s not always the case.
• Complexity of the required tooth movements – The more your teeth have to shift to achieve a well-aligned smile, the higher your cost of treatment will be.
• Estimated length of treatment – Longer treatment times lead to higher prices because more aligners are required.

At your consultation, your Invisalign dentist in Lakewood will discuss all of these considerations and how they factor into your final treatment price.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: A Cost Comparison

Depending on the above factors, Invisalign tends to cost somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000. Smile Direct Club, a mail-order clear aligner kit, rarely exceeds $2,000. So, if you’re looking to quickly and cheaply fix a small number of orthodontic flaws, Smile Direct Club is your best bet.

That said, the cheaper solution is not always better when it comes to dental care. Do-it-yourself clear aligners come with plenty of risks because you receive very little if any supervision from a professional. You may end up shifting your teeth in the wrong way, which would require extensive treatment (and higher dental bills) later on. With the accurate, professionally made Invisalign aligners and the oversight of our dentists, your treatment will be much smoother and more efficient. Invisalign is worth the investment for the peace of mind that this high-quality treatment brings.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign. Others may only cover traditional orthodontics because they view Invisalign as more of a cosmetic treatment. Your level of coverage will depend on the specifics of your plan.

At Dental Center of Lakewood, our insurance expert, Kelli, will be more than happy to look over your insurance policy and help you navigate your benefits. We’re in-network with Delta Dental Premier, but we’ll gladly work with out-of-network plans as well as to help you afford Invisalign in Lakewood.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Even if you don’t have insurance, we can still help you fit the cost of Invisalign into your budget via CareCredit. This financing company offers multiple monthly payment plans to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. Plus, most of these plans come with very little or even zero interest for qualified patients!

Ultimately, the only way to definitively know how much Invisalign will cost for you is to schedule a consultation with us. Fortunately, we offer a FREE Invisalign consultation to help you find out whether this treatment is right for you!

Will Wearing Invisalign Aligners Hurt?

Traditional metal braces are notorious for their sharp wires and brackets that painfully rasp against the soft tissues in your mouth. In comparison, Invisalign aligners are crafted from a single piece of smooth, biocompatible plastic that glides comfortably over your tongue and the inside of your cheeks. When first wearing a new set of aligners, you’ll likely feel some soreness. However, any discomfort should disappear on its own relatively quickly. You can also alleviate your symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed or applying an ice pack. Many patients find it helpful to start a new set of aligners right before bed, which allows them to sleep through any initial discomfort.

Do I Have to Avoid Certain Foods During My Invisalign Treatment?

One of the most popular benefits of Invisalign aligners is their removable nature. This unique feature allows you to continue enjoying all your favorite foods, including items that would damage traditional braces. Simply take out your aligners and store them safely in their case, enjoy your meal, then give your teeth a quick brush before putting them back in! It’s very important that you brush away any lingering particles before you replace your aligners, otherwise they discolor them and increase your risk of cavities. Additionally, it’s not advised to store your aligners in a napkin when you take them out to eat—you could easily throw them away by accident!

Will Invisalign Aligners Change How I Talk?

In the initial stages of your Invisalign treatment, it may sound like you have a slight lisp when you speak. To make certain sounds, your tongue is placed against the back of your teeth. Since these areas are now covered by your aligners, your tongue needs a little bit of time to adapt. Typically, it only takes about a week or so to regain your normal speaking patterns. If you want to speed up the process, try talking aloud and repeating words like “sixty” and “Mississippi.”

Can I Get Invisalign If I’ve Had Metal Braces in the Past?

Many people who had traditional braces in childhood find that their teeth shift out of place years later, especially if they neglect to wear their retainers. Thankfully, Invisalign is an excellent choice for nearly anyone who wants a straighter smile, including those who’ve had traditional braces in the past in most cases. During your Invisalign consultation, your Lakewood dentist will carefully inspect your teeth, jaw, and bite to determine the most effective way to correct your misaligned teeth.

Are you ready to get the smile you’ve always wanted, without the metal braces? Call us to schedule your consultation today and start your journey towards your ideal set of pearly whites!