Invisalign – Lakewood, CO

Crowded Teeth

Do your teeth crowd together to the point where they overlap? Are they tilted out of alignment, negatively impacting the look, health, and function of your smile in the process? If you answered “yes,” then we have good news: if your case isn’t too severe, then Invisalign may be the solution! If that’s the case, then moving your teeth into proper alignment won’t require any metal at all!

Gaps Between Teeth

Some patients have the opposite problem: there is a large gap between their two front teeth or several smaller gaps throughout their smile. Fortunately, like the other orthodontic problems on this list, Invisalign is a solution for mild to moderate cases. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with us; we’ll take a look at the position of your teeth and determine if clear aligners are right for you.

Overbite

Although your upper teeth should sit in front of your lower ones, problems can arise if they jut out too far. In fact, it’s common for patients with overbites to struggle with their chewing and speaking patterns as well as low self-esteem. The good news is that Invisalign clear aligners can be used in tandem with other orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, to make this bite problem a thing of the past.

Underbite

If your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth, then you have an underbite. Fortunately, Invisalign can help both teenagers and adults straighten their teeth and bring their bite into proper alignment without the metal brackets, dietary restrictions, and lengthy treatment timelines. So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to see if you’re a candidate for clear aligners!

Crossbite

What if some, but not all, of your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth? In that case, you likely have an underbite. This orthodontic problem can lead to chronic jaw pain, trouble enunciating clearly, and difficulty chewing, which are a few of the many reasons it’s important to schedule a consultation with us sooner rather than later. We’ll review all of your treatment options, including Invisalign!

Open Bite

If you have a healthy bite, your teeth will come together evenly when you bite down. If that’s not the case for you because there is space in the front or back of your mouth, then you might have an open bite. This orthodontic problem is often the result of genetics or childhood habits, like thumb-sucking, and, in both cases, Invisalign may be an option.

How is Invisalign Teen Different?

Invisalign works through continual pressure applied to the teeth by clear aligners. Each aligner moves your teen’s teeth in small increments to improve their alignment and bite. The method is similar to the technique used for adults, but there are a couple of differences with Invisalign Teen:

• Small Indicator Dots: Teens often forget to change their aligners every 1-2 weeks as instructed by their dentist. Invisalign Teen makes it easy to remember because the aligners feature small blue dots to promote treatment compliance.
• Complimentary Replacement Aligners: Teens are more likely to break or misplace their aligners. Don’t fret. Dr. Henry offers complimentary replacement aligners to keep your teen’s treatment on track.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

Invisalign is suitable for many teens, but they’ll require a consultation with Dr. Henry to ensure it’s the right treatment for your child’s needs. Your teen may be a good candidate depending on:

• The Complexity of Tooth Movements: Invisalign can correct various alignment issues, but there are limitations.
• Your Teen’s Habits: Invisalign Teen requires self-discipline to wear the aligners as instructed. Besides abiding by their treatment plan, they must also have good oral hygiene habits.
• Your Teen’s Preferences: Henry will learn more about your teen’s goals and preferences to determine if clear aligners are the right treatment for them.

The Benefits of Invisalign Teen

Invisalign is the preferred solution for teens needing braces. Clear aligners offer exceptional benefits not possible with traditional orthodontics, including:

• Discrete: Your child won’t have to worry about wires or brackets drawing unwanted attention to their teeth. Invisalign is virtually undetectable to promote your teen’s confidence during their treatment.
• Safe for Sports: Trauma to the mouth during sports can cause serious oral injuries from brackets and wires. Invisalign is a safer solution because the aligners are smooth. However, they aren’t a substitute for an athletic mouthguard.
• Removable: Your teen doesn’t have to miss out on eating their favorite snacks because Invisalign is removable. However, they must commit to wearing their aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
• Affordable: Invisalign Teen can cost about the same as metal braces using your dental insurance.

Improved Comfort

Invisalign clear aligners (also called trays) are made from smooth and transparent plastic that won’t poke and irritate your lips and cheeks like the metal brackets and wires that come with traditional braces. The only discomfort Invisalign patients typically encounter happens when they switch to a new set of aligners. While a patient is getting used to a new set of trays during the first few days of wearing them, they may experience some pressure, soreness, or tenderness. However, this discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Discreet Trays

Many patients opt for Invisalign over traditional braces because clear aligners are virtually invisible, making it much harder for casual observers to notice that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment at all. This can also be great for patients who are looking forward to an upcoming event like a wedding or a graduation, as they can rest assured that their clear aligners won’t show up in any photographs taken.

Quick Follow-Ups

Invisalign patients usually only need checkup appointments that last between fifteen and thirty minutes every six to eight weeks, and these visits are much easier and more comfortable than those required by traditional braces. These visits serve to make sure that the treatment stays on track and that the teeth are shifting as intended.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Invisalign treatment is generally much less invasive than traditional braces. Patients will not have to make as many alterations to their daily routines because they can remove their aligners to brush, floss, and eat normally. However, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for at least twenty hours a day and clean your teeth thoroughly before putting them back in to prevent oral infections and the teeth from shifting out of alignment. Since Invisalign checkups are so short and infrequent, the treatment can be especially great for patients with busy schedules at school or work.

Better Dental Hygiene

Traditional braces require patients to brush and floss thoroughly around their orthodontic appliances, making for an intensive and time-consuming oral hygiene routine. On the other hand, Invisalign clear aligners can be easily removed, allowing the patient to stick to a normal oral hygiene regimen of brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. While it’s still necessary to brush and floss after every meal, not having to work around an intricate metal appliance attached to your teeth can make it much easier to prevent oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease. Patients also won’t have to worry about buying special oral hygiene devices to clean their teeth while wearing Invisalign.

Boosted Confidence

Since Invisalign trays are virtually invisible, it’s much easier to maintain a professional appearance while wearing them during work, a job interview, or a meeting with a client. These discreet orthodontic appliances are also great for teens and other patients who are concerned about their appearance in social situations. The added confidence that comes with Invisalign can make a significant difference in your professional and social life.

Wearing Your Trays

In order to straighten your teeth effectively, Invisalign aligners have to be worn for 22 hours each day. That means that the time your trays spend in their case should be minimal. Removing them only for oral or aligner hygiene and eating or drinking is the best way to ensure you progress through your treatment smoothly. We also recommend sticking to a consistent routine. On days when you’re tired or spacey, it’s nice to be able to rely on muscle memory!

Cleaning Your Aligners

Invisalign trays have to be cleaned regularly to maintain their crystal-clear appearance, as well as to prevent bacteria build up. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush and colorless hand soap or toothpaste to give them a good scrub. Brushing your aligners during your twice-daily oral hygiene routine is a good way to help cement the habit. Besides that, you should rinse the trays whenever you remove or insert them. But remember to never use hot water. It could warp the plastic and distort the shape of your Invisalign!

Eating & Drinking

You won’t have to change your diet for the sake of your trays, which is a huge advantage for this type of treatment. Simply pop off your aligners, take a quick moment to care for them as recommended, and enjoy whatever food or drink you’d like. Just know that eating or drinking with your aligners still on will result in staining and could very well damage them.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If you do happen to damage (or lose) a tray (or two!), don’t panic. It’s true that putting off calling in for a replacement could set your treatment back, since that’s more time you’re unable to wear your straighteners. But give us a prompt ring, and we can send you a new set. We might even simply instruct you to switch to the next trays up in your treatment, depending on the situation.

Routine Check-Ins

We like to have patients visit the office for quick progress check-ins roughly every four-to-eight weeks. This allows us to see how your treatment’s going and plan any adjustments that might be necessary for keeping you on track. We’ll also provide you with your next-step Invisalign trays, so it’s important to stick to these meetings!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Your initial consultation with Dr. Tavi Henry allows you to share your smile goals, ask questions about the treatment process, and learn more about his experience with Invisalign. It also allows him to conduct an oral exam, take X-rays, and determine:

• How severe your misalignment is
• How many aligners are needed to straighten your teeth
• If you need to straighten one or both arches
• If rubber bands and other orthodontic accessories are needed

Important note: these are just a few of the factors that impact the cost upfront. Once you begin treatment, your compliance with the guidelines will also play a role. For example, if you don’t wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day, your teeth won’t track properly, which may necessitate more aligners.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Smile Direct Club™ does come with a lower upfront price, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. Mail-order aligner companies often skip crucial steps in the treatment process, including a thorough exam to determine if you’re a good candidate. They also rely on their patients’ DIY impressions, which can be difficult to use and lead to inaccurate results. So, it’s not surprising that so many patients have spoken out about the worsened misalignment (and, in some cases, fallen out teeth!) they’ve experienced as a result. Simply put, professional orthodontic treatments, like Invisalign, are a much better option for your smile and wallet.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

There are some plans that do cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign! If you are unsure if you have orthodontic benefits, our team can help. We work with many of the nation’s leading providers, including Delta Dental, Principal, Guardian, and Humana. Of course, you can also reach out to your provider directly as well. They often have help lines specifically for answering important questions about benefits and coverage.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

In addition to welcoming dental insurance, our team is proud to offer our patients additional financial solutions, including:

• CareCredit – A trusted third-party financier, CareCredit offers patients numerous payment plans to choose from. As a result, you can break up your payments into manageable chunks that won’t put stress on your wallet.
• KLEER® In-House Membership – Our in-house membership plan helps you save significantly on your dental care. There is even a 20% discount on all procedures completed in our Lakewood dental office!
• Special Offers – Although our special offers periodically change, they are all designed to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. To learn about our latest ones, give us a call!