Invisalign -- Bellevue, WA
A Subtle Way to Straighten Teeth
Are you satisfied with the alignment of your teeth? Many adults could benefit from orthodontic treatment, but few are willing to cover up their smiles with fixed metal brackets and wires for a year or more. If you, too, are interested in closing gaps or evening out crowded or otherwise misaligned teeth, it is time for you to learn about Invisalign in Bellevue. Many patients are eligible for this clear aligner treatment. Keep reading to learn more about how it works -- and whether or not Invisalign could be right for your smile!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works using a series of customized aligners which you wear for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them to eat, drink anything other than water, and before brushing and flossing. Each aligner set places pressure on a different area of the bite throughout the treatment, gradually bringing the teeth into the proper alignment. You will advance to the next set of aligners in the series after 1 to 2 weeks, depending on our recommendation. The treatment time varies based on the complexity of the treatment, but in general ranges from 1 to 2 years.
Invisalign can be used to correct the following issues:
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Evening out crowded teeth
- Correcting overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
Numerous Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign offers a number of benefits for patients who are interested in braces but wish for a more subtle solution. Adults and teens alike often prefer this solution for the following reasons:
- Convenience: Removable aligners allow you to continue eating what you like without worry about breaking off a bracket or wire.
- Confidence: With clear plastic aligners, you can feel good knowing that “braces” will not be the first thing anyone notices when you speak or smile. Plus, you can remove the aligners before big events like speeches or interviews.
- Oral hygiene: Since you take the aligners out to brush and floss your teeth, you do not have to worry about learning any difficult maneuvering to keep your smile clean throughout the treatment.
- Time savings: Invisalign is a largely self-directed treatment, which means you will spend less time going to the dentist compared to what is expected with conventional braces.
- Comfort: Smooth plastic is more comfortable than fixed metal hardware.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Whether you want to completely transform your smile or you’re interested in fixing a small gap between your teeth, it’s natural to wonder about the cost of Invisalign in Bellevue. Not long into your research, however, you’ll realize that pinpointing a specific price is difficult without a consultation. That’s because each treatment plan is 100% customized. So, the cost varies too. Luckily, there are a few all-encompassing factors that play a role in the answer. To learn what they are, read on!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Our Bellevue dentist will consider several factors before providing you with a price estimate at your initial consultation:
- The severity of your misalignment
- Whether you’re straightening one arch or two
- The need for any accessories, like rubber bands
Once you begin working through your series of clear aligners, another important factor will come up: compliance. Misplacing your trays or neglecting to wear them for 20-22 hours a day can add time and money to your original treatment plan. So, make sure to implement all of your dentist’s instructions.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Since DIY clear aligner companies, like Smile Direct Club™ market themselves as reliable and cost-effective, many patients wonder why they should invest in Invisalign instead. Well, there are several reasons. To start, Invisalign has support from notable organizations, like the American Dental Association, while DIY clear aligner brands have consumer warnings against them. Additionally, Invisalign treatment involves in-person meetings with your dentist to monitor your progress, make adjustments as needed, and answer your dentist. The same cannot be said about the DIY orthodontics approach. Lastly, Invisalign is comprised of high-quality materials, is crafted from detailed impressions, and has helped more than 10 million patients achieve the smiles of their dreams. Again, DIY clear aligner companies can’t say the same.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
It’s certainly possible! After all, many dental plans have a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit, which can lower your out-of-pocket expenses by $1,000 or more. Our knowledgeable team knows how to help you maximize your coverage. Even better, we are in-network with many of the nation’s leading providers, including Guardian, Aetna, Cigna, and more. So, if you have a question about your dental insurance, don’t hesitate to ask!
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, or you’re unhappy with your coverage, don’t be discouraged. Our team is proud to offer a few other ways to make Invisalign in Bellevue more affordable. To start, we welcome flexible financing through CareCredit. As a result, you can space out your payments instead of having to pay for your entire treatment upfront. We also offer monthly specials, so don’t hesitate to get in touch to ask what the current one is!
Invisalign FAQs
After reading through the above information, you know a bit more about the process and the numerous benefits of Invisalign in Bellevue. If you’re now ready to take the next step toward your new and improved smile, don’t hesitate to schedule your initial consultation. If you’d prefer to do a bit more research before getting in touch, that’s okay too! We’ve responded to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from patients to make finding the answers as seamless as possible.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
To be honest, orthodontic treatment of any kind comes with some minor discomfort. After all, your teeth are being moved into an entirely new position! Fortunately, Invisalign’s clear aligners are designed with comfortability in mind. As a result, the materials won’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth like traditional braces do. In the days following the transition to your new trays, you may experience some soreness, which can be addressed with a cold compress/ice pack or over-the-counter pain medication.
What Happens After Invisalign?
Once you’ve worked through your entire series of trays, Dr. Preet Taneja will give you a retainer. To preserve your hard-earned results, you’ll be asked to wear it full time for the first six months or so as your teeth “set” into place. From there, you’ll be given the green light to transition to wearing it for three or four days a week before using it solely at night. To protect your investment, you’ll be expected to use your retainer for a lifetime.
My Invisalign Broke – What Should I Do Now?
Invisalign’s clear aligners are incredibly durable, but not indestructible. If they sustain a crack or chip, then you should give us a call so we can have them repaired or replaced. In the meantime, exercise caution when taking them in and out of your mouth. Do NOT attempt to remedy the situation from home by using products like super glue, especially since potentially toxic substances like these can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Since Invisalign’s clear aligners are entirely removable, you won’t have to worry about dietary restrictions throughout your treatment! With that being said, there are some best practices you should follow to prevent your treatment timeline from derailing. To start, always remove your aligners before eating or drinking (with the exception of water). Next, make sure to limit your consumption of cavity-causing foods, like candy, which can lead to dental problems, like cavities. Lastly, make sure to avoid unhealthy dental habits, including chewing on ice and using your teeth as tools.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign?
If you don’t care for your aligners properly, your once clear trays will take on a stained, yellow look. To prevent that from happening, you should prioritize their care. Fortunately, that task isn’t too cumbersome! Cleaning crystals are designed specifically to loosen food particles and debris, which will help maintain their discreet appearance. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them frequently with lukewarm water. Lastly, make sure to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash regularly.
Let’s Get Started This Month!
Are you interested in Invisalign? It’s just one of the cosmetic services we offer in our state-of-the-art office. To learn more about this clear aligner treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Bellevue Family and Cosmetic Dentistry! We can’t wait to help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile with healthy, well-aligned teeth.
