Invisalign – Dallas, TX
The Smile You’ve Always Wanted, Without Metal Braces
Have you always wanted to correct your crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, without wearing brackets and wires? With Invisalign, you can! This outstanding alternative to metal braces gives you the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, comfortably and discreetly. And with the expert care of our Invisalign-certified dentists, Dr. Spillman and Dr. Green, you can count on top-notch treatment from start to finish. Learn more about Invisalign below, and contact us anytime with additional questions or to schedule a consultation!
Why Choose The Dental Center of Lakewood for Invisalign?
- Experienced Team of Dentists With Advanced Orthodontic Training
- We Love Working With Patients of All Ages
- Custom Treatment Plans That Meet Your Specific Needs
How Does Invisalign Work?
Any type of orthodontic treatment works by applying pressure to the teeth to move them into proper alignment over time. But, whereas traditional braces rely on brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that fit snugly over the teeth.
In addition to straightening your teeth invisibly, removable trays also give you the benefit of taking them out before eating or brushing your teeth. And while you’ll need to wear the aligners at least 20 to 22 hours per day to get your results on time, you still have the flexibility to remove them for special events like weddings or job interviews. Another advantage is that Invisalign is often completed faster (the average treatment time is 12 to 18 months as opposed to 18 to 24 months for metal braces).
What Is the Process Like?
It only takes 2 or 3 visits to get started with Invisalign. Here’s what you can expect:
- We’ll start with a consultation to make sure Invisalign is right for you.
- Then we’ll take X-rays and digital impressions and send them to the Invisalign lab to make your aligner trays.
- Next, you’ll return about 3 weeks to pick up your first set of trays. We’ll review how to wear and maintain them, and you’ll leave wearing your first pair.
- You’ll switch to a new set of aligners about every 2 weeks, and will come back for progress visits every 4 to 8 weeks throughout your treatment.
Who Is a Candidate For Invisalign?
Invisalign works for many of the same issues that are treated with metal braces, including underbites, overbites, crossbites, gaps, crowding, and more. With that said, our goal is to make sure you get the best final results, so we may recommend traditional braces for severe cases.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign in Lakewood can vary greatly from patient to patient. Since each person’s smile is unique, their Invisalign treatment plan and overall fees will be unique as well. But one thing is certain: Making the decision to invest in your oral health and self-confidence will pay off for life!
And since we want to make having a straight, even smile accessible to as many people as possible, we offer a third-party financing option called CareCredit and are also in-network with Delta Dental Premier. Once you’ve had a consultation, we’ll give you an estimate of your cost and discuss insurance benefits or financing as necessary.
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!
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign in Lakewood is a truly unique way to comfortably and conveniently straighten your teeth, so it’s completely natural to have a few questions about it. That’s why we’ve gathered a few of the most common inquiries we get about this revolutionary orthodontic treatment below. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to call us and we’ll be more than happy to help!
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!