Invisalign – Gainesville, FL
The More Comfortable and Discreet Way to Straighten Teeth
Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, being embarrassed to show your smile because of crooked and misaligned teeth can have a massive impact on your self-esteem. The only problem is, the thought of getting uncomfortable and noticeable metal braces doesn’t sound like something you would want to have to deal with, especially when you’re required to maintain a certain professional image at work or school. If you could benefit from braces but don’t want to deal with a cumbersome mouth full of metal, Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center offers Invisalign in Gainesville, FL. To learn more about how we can transform your smile into one that you’ll be proud to show off, contact our dental office today!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear braces is a versatile FDA-approved orthodontic treatment that uses transparent, customized aligners made from smooth plastic to gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner targets its pressure on improving certain areas of your mouth at a time, eventually achieving a beautiful and straightened smile. The average treatment timeline is between eight and 14 months, which is significantly shorter than with metal braces.
Every six to eight weeks, you’ll visit our dental office for a routine progress check, where your dentist in Gainesville will make sure your smile is on the right track and hand you your next sets of aligners. When it gets towards the end of your treatment, we’ll also discuss retainer options for you to ensure that your treated teeth don’t stray from their ideal positions.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Many patients aren’t aware of how versatile Invisalign aligners are; they are an effective solution for correcting a variety of minor bite problems, misalignment, crowding, and gaps! Ultimately, the best way to learn whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is to contact our dental office to schedule a consultation . Until then, you can keep reading to learn some common orthodontic problems that clear aligners can address.
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Crowded Teeth
Overcrowded teeth can certainly take a toll on your confidence, but they can also take a toll on your oral health. After all, your toothbrush and floss have a harder time removing plaque, food particles, and bacteria when your teeth aren’t aligned properly! If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then we can create a custom series of trays to gently guide your teeth into their ideal positions.
Gaps Between Teeth
Similar to overcrowded teeth, gapped teeth can negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile. The good news is that Invisalign clear aligners can be used to improve the position of your teeth and the alignment of your bite. Since they are see-through and removable, you won’t have to worry about metal brackets, dietary restrictions, or cumbersome oral hygiene regimens either!
Overbite
A slight overbite is normal. What isn’t normal is when your top teeth protrude beyond your lower teeth significantly. This bite problem can make it difficult to smile confidently, chew efficiently, and enunciate clearly. Plus, there’s a risk of premature wear, jaw pain, and other complications. Fortunately, metal braces aren’t always necessary; sometimes Invisalign can improve the position of your teeth and bite!
Underbite
An underbite is the opposite problem (when your bottom teeth jut out farther than your top teeth). Patients with this bite issue are usually concerned about improving the aesthetics of their smile, but it’s important to know that there are other drawbacks, including the risk of TMJ dysfunction. The good news is that orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, can be added to your treatment plan to fix this problem.
Crossbite
A crossbite is when some of the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower teeth, and some of the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. Again, this bite problem can result in problems like chronic jaw pain, premature wear and tear, and TMJ dysfunction. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with us to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign!
Open Bite
If your teeth don’t come together evenly in the front or back, then you may have an open bite. Whether it’s the result of sucking your thumb as a child or genetics, it’s important to address it before the look, health, and function of your smile suffers. Since rubber bands, buttons, and other orthodontic accessories can be added to your treatment plan, clear aligners may still be an option!
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as an alternative method to traditional orthodontics as more people realize they can attain their dental goals without having metal brackets bonded to their teeth for extended periods. In addition to the apparent advantage of straightening your smile, these clear plastic aligners also provide many unique benefits. Continue reading to learn more about how you might benefit from this treatment, and feel free to contact us for more information.
Subtle Improvements
One of the most evident reasons people choose Invisalign is because it’s ‘invisible.’ The clear trays are much more discreet than awkward, shining metal braces. Plus, because they’re transparent, they allow your teeth and gums to show through when you speak or smile. You’ll already be showing off a straighter smile as your teeth shift with each new set of aligners.
Improved Dental Hygiene
Many patients with braces struggle with maintaining their daily dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing around the wires and brackets is notoriously challenging. If you’re unable to clean your teeth sufficiently, you’re more prone to cavities and gum disease. Thankfully, Invisalign is removable so you can brush and floss normally to prevent oral issues.
Remember to rinse your trays after meals and thoroughly (but gently) brush them twice daily to keep them clean, too.
Enhanced Comfort
Although braces allow for a great deal of manipulation of movement, they’re also notorious for rubbing raw spots into the soft materials of your mouth. The sharp corners can jab the insides of your lips and cheeks, and broken wires can poke your tender tissues. Conversely, Invisalign is made of smooth plastic that won’t irritate or cut anything. Although you may feel sore when you start wearing a new set of trays, this is usually temporary and can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Boosted Confidence
Did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to develop anxiety or try to avoid social interactions? Worrying about how others might judge your appearance can put a real dent in your self-esteem, and bulky metal brackets often only exacerbate the issue. Thankfully, Invisalign is less visibly intrusive, so you can look and feel like your best self.
Quick Follow-Ups
Those with traditional braces require more frequent follow-up appointments because their wires and brackets must be adjusted periodically. Clear aligners require fewer repeat visits because your trays are all designed in advance. You’ll need a checkup every six to eight weeks, but these appointments often only last 15 to 30 minutes. This allows your provider to ensure that you’re on track with your treatment timeline and that your teeth, gums, and aligners are all in good shape.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Having sharp brackets and wires permanently bonded to your teeth requires making major adjustments to your lifestyle. For example, you’ll have to follow certain dietary restrictions to avoid breaking the brittle metal.
Invisalign is considered much less invasive because it’s removable. You’ll take it out to eat and drink anything, so you don’t have a long list of foods to avoid. Plus, having fewer and shorter follow-up appointments is easier on your busy schedule.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
At Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center, we offer Invisalign, a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth without the stress of metal braces. Living with them is easy as long as you follow a few simple guidelines! Once you have the hang of it, you’ll be able to enjoy all your regular day-to-day activities while achieving a beautiful and straight smile at the same time. If you want to see a snapshot of what living with Invisalign is like, read more below!
Wearing Your Trays
To get the best results from Invisalign, your trays should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink, or clean your teeth. At first, this can seem daunting, but with a little planning, you’ll be able to seamlessly integrate them into your routine. Every couple of weeks, depending on your treatment plan, you’ll come to see us to receive your new aligners and get a status check on your progress.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Getting your Invisalign trays clean will become another routine you’ll need to master, but it’s relatively simple. Start by rinsing them with lukewarm water every time you remove them (just avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.) For a deeper clean, soak your aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or use a soft toothbrush with clear, unscented hand soap. Always brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in to keep your smile squeaky clean.
Eating & Drinking
One of the advantages of Invisalign is the freedom to eat and drink whatever you want! However, you should always remove your aligners first. Eating with your trays in can damage them and cause food particles to get trapped, leading to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Not only will these issues set your treatment back, but they’ll also make your aligners cloudy or yellow, making them far less discreet.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
Accidents happen, but it’s important to address a lost or damaged tray as soon as possible. If you lose a tray, contact our office right away. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may suggest moving on to the next set of aligners or ordering a replacement tray to avoid setbacks in your progress. To avoid loss or damage, always try to keep your aligners in a carrying case when they’re not in use and keep them out of reach of children or pets.
Routine Check-Ins
Invisalign treatment includes routine check-ins with your dentist every four to eight weeks. These quick visits ensure that your teeth are moving as planned and that you’re on track to achieve your desired results. During these appointments, your dentist will provide your next set of aligners and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Invisalign can help you achieve your smile goals whether you are struggling with minor misalignment or a more complex orthodontic issue, but how much does this discreet treatment cost? While the best way to find out the precise answer is to schedule an initial consultation with our team, we know that many patients prefer to do their research online. In this section, we are going to break down a few important things to consider when it comes to the price of your clear aligners.
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Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Invisalign in Gainesville isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to price. There are, however, a few all-encompassing factors that will determine the final cost, including:
- If you are straightening both arches of teeth.
- The complexity of your treatment (ex: addressing a small gap vs. severely crooked teeth).
- The length of your treatment.
The Difference Between Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™
When Invisalign introduced clear aligners in the late 1990s, the field of orthodontics was forever changed. In the last 20 years, many companies have attempted to replicate this innovative treatment, causing many patients to wonder which teeth-straightening service is right for them. To start, one of the biggest differences to consider is that treatment with Invisalign is monitored by a licensed professional while alternatives, like Smile Direct Club, are a “do it yourself” clear aligner kit. While the upfront low cost draws many patients in, plenty can go wrong when you have to handle everything from the impressions to the trays on your own. More times than not, this causes complications that require treatment from a dental professional, which means you don’t end up saving any of your hard-earned money after all. Simply put, it’s best for your smile and your wallet to stick with the pros from the start.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Typically, Invisalign isn’t covered by dental insurance providers. However, dental plans vary from patient to patient, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with your carrier! If you need any assistance with this process, we would be more than happy to help. Just bring the necessary documents with you so we can handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Just because you don’t have dental insurance or your plan doesn’t cover Invisalign doesn’t mean that your treatment has to break the bank. Our team happily accepts low-to-no interest financing through CareCredit and Lending Club. Both of these options allow qualifying patients to break up the cost of even the most extensive treatments into manageable monthly chunks!
Our team genuinely wants you to have the smile you’ve always wanted, and we are happy to work with you on the financial component of your care to ensure cost isn’t what stands in your way. Schedule your initial consultation today so we can provide you with the treatment and the payment option that makes sense for you!
Invisalign FAQs
If you’re looking for a more comfortable and discreet way to straighten teeth, look no further than Invisalign in Gainesville! This unique orthodontic treatment offers an array of benefits when compared to bulky traditional metal braces. During your consultation, we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. In the meantime, we invite you to look over the following Invisalign FAQs to learn more!
Does Wearing Invisalign Aligners Hurt?
The metal wires and brackets of traditional braces are notorious for rasping painfully against the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem with Invisalign! These clear aligners are crafted from a single piece of smooth plastic that should glide past your soft tissues effortlessly.
However, it’s normal to experience some slight soreness with any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. You may feel some discomfort when starting a new set of aligners, but it should be minimal and fade within a few days. To manage your symptoms, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, apply an ice pack, or start each new set of aligners before going to bed.
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for Each Day?
The removable nature of Invisalign aligners is one of its most popular benefits, but it’s also one of its greatest responsibilities. It’s up to you to make sure you wear your aligners often enough and keep your treatment on track. You should be wearing them for at least 20-22 hours a day. Any less than that and the lack of pressure could cause your teeth to shift out of place, which could increase the length and cost of your treatment!
What Foods Should I Avoid During My Invisalign Treatment?
Traditional braces require you to adhere to a restrictive diet. On the other hand, you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods or drinks during your Invisalign treatment. Simply take your aligners out, enjoy your snack, beverage, or meal, then give your teeth a quick brush before popping your aligners back into place.
Exposing your aligners to food or drinks can break, bend, or warp them. Not only could this make wearing your aligners more uncomfortable, but your teeth could potentially be moved into the wrong positions. So make sure you always take your aligners out whenever you eat or drink anything other than plain water.
How Are Invisalign Aligners Cleaned?
It’s important that you clean your aligners every day to keep them from becoming discolored and protect your smile from cavities. You should rinse them off every morning and night and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, most normal toothpastes are too abrasive and will scratch and weaken your aligners, so check with us to see if your toothpaste is safe for them. There are also plenty of Invisalign cleaning solutions and systems that can help keep your smile sparkling.
Can I Get Invisalign If I’ve Had Metal Braces Before?
Did you have traditional braces earlier in life, but find that your teeth have become crooked again years later? Invisalign is a great option for addressing mild to moderate orthodontic issues, so there’s a good chance it can help you regain your results. However, every case is different, so you’ll need to come see us for a consultation to make sure that Invisalign is the best choice for you.
Are you ready to get the happy, healthy, and beautiful smile you deserve? Give us a call and schedule your Invisalign consultation today!
Is There Anyone Who Isn’t a Candidate for Invisalign?
Yes, there are some cases where Invisalign is not ideal. For example, if we find a serious oral health problem, like a large cavity, during your initial exam, then we will need to treat it before moving forward with any cosmetic services, including clear aligner treatment. Patients who are struggling with severe malocclusion also aren’t candidates for Invisalign (at least initially); they need traditional braces to bring their teeth and bite into proper alignment. Ultimately, if you are interested in finding out which orthodontic treatment is right for you, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with our Gainesville dental team!
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, but there is an important rule: you need to take your aligners out first. There are a few reasons for this. The first is that hot beverages can warp your trays, leading to frustrating treatment plan delays. The second is that dark-colored drinks can create stubborn stains, which will draw unwanted attention to your braces. So, if you want to stay on-track with your treatment plan and enjoy all of the benefits of virtually invisible aligners, it’s important to take them off first.
Do I Need Attachments?
Clear aligners are used across the board with Invisalign, but there are other orthodontic accessories that can play a crucial role in the teeth-straightening process, including attachments. Usually, these are used when the case of malocclusion is more moderate. If your treatment plan includes them, you don’t have to worry – they don’t stand out like metal brackets and wires.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Usually, patients achieve the results they desire in 12-18 months with Invisalign. That said, it’s possible for your treatment plan to be shorter or longer than that; the length of yours depends largely on the complexity of your case. There are other factors that play a role, including if you consistently wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day. For that reason, we will review all of the treatment guidelines with you at your initial appointment, and we will schedule check-in appointments every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress.
Do I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?
Yes! The reason why is that upwards of 50% of patients experience orthodontic relapse in the months or years following their last appointment. If you haven’t heard of this phenomenon before, it’s when your teeth drift back into their previously misaligned positions. To prevent that from happening to you, we will have a custom retainer made and ask you to wear it each night while you sleep.
What Should I Do If I Lose One of My Invisalign Aligners?
If you accidentally lose one of your aligners, then start re-tracing your steps! Remember, there’s a good chance that they ended up somewhere you might not expect, like the waste bin, so be thorough in the process. If you can’t find them, then call our Gainesville dental team ASAP.
