Invisalign – Nepean, ON
Metal-Free Braces with a Clear Objective
Once you reach adulthood, the idea of wearing metal braces may not seem desirable. The good news is that you don’t have to! At Nepean Dental Centre, Dr. Bal can use Invisalign to address overcrowding, spacing issues, and bite problems. As a subtle and discreet method of orthodontic treatment, you can embrace a straighter smile without worrying about shiny, eye-catching metal. If you’re interested in learning whether Invisalign in Nepean is right for you, call us.
Why Choose Nepean Dental Centre for Invisalign?
- Personalized Treatment Plans for Each Patient
- Innovative Dental Technology for Accurate Results
- Dentist Who Cares About Patient Comfort
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works by applying gentle, continuous pressure on teeth to shift them toward the desired positions. This is accomplished by creating customized trays from impressions taken of your smile. Once your aligners arrive in our dental office, you will be fitted with your first set, which you will wear 20-22 hours a day. Only taking them out to eat, drink, and keep them clean, you are to wear each set for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next ones in the series. With frequent dental visits to monitor your progress, you’ll notice a change in your smile until optimal results are achieved.
Indications for Invisalign
As we mentioned above, Invisalign isn’t just discreet; it’s also quite versatile! Here are a few common orthodontic problems that the clear aligners can address:
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding comes with its aesthetic drawbacks, but it can also negatively impact your oral health and your bite. Fortunately, Invisalign can gently guide your teeth out of their crooked positions and into their properly aligned ones!
Gaps Between Teeth
If the gaps between your teeth bother you, there’s good news: Invisalign can fix spaced-out teeth as well! With the see-through, discreet aligners, we can gradually bring your teeth closer and closer together until the gaps are completely gone.
Bite Alignment
Invisalign can fix both the position of your teeth and the alignment of your bite. In fact, Invisalign can address overbites, crossbites, underbites, and more with the help of orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands!
The Benefits of Invisalign
When comparing Invisalign to metal braces, it’s not hard to see why so many patients are choosing clear aligners to straighten their smiles. Not only is this form of orthodontic treatment more subtle and discreet because of the clear plastic aligners, but it is far more comfortable than protruding metal brackets. The smooth plastic allows your lips and tongue to move without obtaining scratches or cuts. Also, Invisalign is flexible, allowing you to take out your trays before eating or drinking. This eliminates the worry of food getting stuck between brackets and wires.
When it comes to treatment time, Invisalign is once again a great alternative because it can be completed in 12 to 18 months (on average) as opposed to metal braces, which commonly take 2-3 years.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Since there isn’t a flat fee for Invisalign, the best way to get an estimate of the price is by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Bal. Once he has an idea of how complex your case is, he’ll be able to provide you with an estimate of the price. Then, we can discuss all of the financial solutions we offer, including dental insurance, flexible financing, and special offers. That way, you can get the discreet orthodontic treatment you desire without breaking the bank!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
At your consultation, Dr. Bal will conduct a thorough exam to determine:
- The complexity of your case
- If you need to straighten both arches of teeth
- If rubber bands or any other orthodontic accessories need to be added to your treatment plan
- How many aligners are needed
These are a few of the factors that will impact the upfront cost of Invisalign. However, you may need to invest more into your teeth-straightening treatment if you fall off-track with your original treatment plan. The good news is that you can help prevent that from happening by following all of the treatment guidelines, like wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Simply put, mail-order aligner companies are often cheaper than Invisalign because they cut out crucial steps of the treatment process. For example, instead of taking detailed scans of a patient’s teeth and creating aligners from that, they rely on DIY impressions. Since there is a lot of room for error, you can see why many patients have experienced worsened misalignment and even dental emergencies, like teeth that have fallen out. These are just a few of the reasons the American Dental Association and other professional organizations have advised the public to opt for reliable, tested, and effective orthodontic treatments instead, like Invisalign.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
If they deem Invisalign “medically necessary,” then there is a good chance that they will cover a portion of the cost! Of course, dental plans vary from one patient to the next, which is why we always recommend familiarizing yourself with your benefits before making any assumptions. If you need any help understanding the fine print, don’t hesitate to ask us for help. We can answer any questions you have and handle all of the paperwork on your behalf so the entire process is as stress-free as possible.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance at the moment, don’t worry – our team at Nepean Dental Centre also offers periodic special offers that can help make the cost of Invisalign more affordable. For example, new patients can start Invisalign with $0 down! Plus, we are happy to accept DentalCard Financing, which allows you to break down the cost into smaller, monthly chunks (sometimes with little-to-no interest attached too).
Invisalign FAQs
Does Invisalign Hurt?
When you first put on your trays, you’ll feel some soreness begin to set in. Since this is a sign that your teeth are starting to move, it’s actually a good thing! Plus, there are several easy ways you can alleviate any discomfort that arises, like sipping on cool water and taking OTC pain medication as directed. In short, some soreness from time to time is normal, but Invisalign is considerably more comfortable than traditional braces, and any discomfort that you do experience will be temporary.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Since “Invisalign” and “clear aligners” are used interchangeably, patients are often surprised when their treatment plan includes attachments. Essentially, these are bonded to the front-facing surface of your teeth so your trays have something to grip onto, helping them move more stubborn teeth. The good news is that they aren’t anywhere near as noticeable as metal brackets and wires, and, when they are on, you won’t feel them at all.
Note: If one of your attachments is a bit sharp, we can file it down a bit. You can also use dental wax as needed to protect your gums, lips, and tongue from irritation.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Although the average Invisalign treatment timeline is 12-18 months, it’s possible for your treatment plan to fall outside of that timeframe. For example, if you consistently misplace your aligners or don’t wear them for 20+ hours a day, then delays are probable. Conversely, if your case of malocclusion is relatively mild and you consistently follow all of the guidelines we give you, you could finish your teeth-straightening journey in just six months!
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Cleaning your aligners is not only easy, but it’s quick! First, get in the habit of rinsing your trays with clean, cool water each time you take them out. Second, use clean, cool water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to give them a more thorough clean each morning and evening. Some patients like using a mild dishwashing liquid as well, but don’t use just any household products; products like toothpaste and bleach are too harsh.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, as long as you take your aligners out first! Remember, iced coffee can stain your trays and hot coffee can warp them. So, even if it’s inconvenient in the moment, you need to take them off beforehand.
Tip: Try enjoying this caffeinated beverage alongside your breakfast instead of separately! This will make meeting the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time easier, and it will help prevent dental discoloration since you’ll be brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal.
What Happens After Invisalign?
Your “final” appointment is when we will make sure you’re happy with the results, take “after” photos, and start the process of making your retainer! This orthodontic appliance plays a very important role in preventing orthodontic relapse, which is when your teeth begin to drift out of their aligned positions. To preserve your results and protect your investment, we will give you specific instructions on how often to wear your retainer as well as recommendations on the best way to maintain it.