Invisalign Clear Aligners Waco

Crowded Teeth

If there isn’t enough room in your mouth for all of your teeth, they will begin to overlap. Unfortunately, the unique crevices that are created can trap food particles and plaque that are difficult to remove. That’s why it’s so important that you explore your treatment options; Invisalign can improve the look, function, and health of your smile!

Gaps Between Teeth

Other patients are struggling with the opposite problem: there is too much space in their mouth. Whether you have several noticeable gaps or one big one between your two front teeth, you should schedule a consultation with us to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, then we will use the clear aligners to gently push your teeth together.

Overbite

Do your upper teeth stick out well beyond your lower teeth? If so, you may have an overbite. The main issues with this bite problem are that it can negatively impact your chewing and speaking patterns as well as the look of your smile. Fortunately, orthodontic accessories can be added to your treatment plan, like rubber bands, to improve the alignment of your bite as well.

Underbite

If your lower teeth jut out beyond your upper teeth, then you have an underbite. Although this is the opposite problem as an overbite, it can result in many of the same consequences, including difficulty chewing properly. Not to worry – Invisalign has helped patients with this orthodontic issue as well. So, if you want to discreetly improve the position of your bite as well as your smile, schedule an appointment!

Crossbite

Patients can also have a crossbite, which is where some of the bottom teeth jut out beyond the top teeth and vice versa. If left untreated, this can result in chronic jaw pain, premature wear, and low self-esteem. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with us to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign! If you are, then we will create a custom treatment plan designed to make this bite problem a thing of the past.

Open Bite

An open bite is when your teeth don’t come together evenly in the back or front. Trouble enunciating clearly, chronic jaw pain, and premature wear and tear are a few issues that can stem from this bite problem, which is why we want to address it early on. The good news is that Invisalign is often a viable solution!

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!

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.