Invisalign – Carrollton, TX
Straighten Your Teeth with Virtually Undetectable Clear Aligners
Although traditional orthodontics have reliably helped millions of patients straighten their teeth, the metal brackets and wires leave much to be desired aesthetically. Fortunately, there is an equally effective alternative that is virtually undetectable: Invisalign. In addition to being a preferred Invisalign provider, Dr. Anthony Dillard has completed more than 100 hours of advanced courses in this clear aligner treatment. So, if you are interested in learning more about the treatment process and finding out if you’re a candidate, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation ! Otherwise, you can read on to learn about how Invisalign works, the benefits of this orthodontic solution, and more.
Why Choose Anthony Dillard, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Orthodontics?
- Preferred Invisalign Provider
- iTero Digital Scanner for Putty-Free Dental Impressions
- Special Offer for $500 Off Invisalign
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is well-known for its see-through aligners, but how exactly do they work? In short, you’ll be given a series of trays, and you’ll wear each one for 7-14 days (the exact time will depend on your specific treatment). Each one is designed to move your teeth a step closer to their properly aligned positions, so it won’t take long for you to begin seeing progress.
Important note: since the aligners only work while you’re wearing them, you’ll be asked to keep them on for 20-22 hours a day. If you consistently are unable to meet that goal, then you may fall off-track with your treatment plan, necessitating more aligners.
Indications for Invisalign
Fortunately, Invisalign’s clear aligners aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they also can effectively address crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and bite problems. To learn more about each and how Invisalign can help, read on:
Crowded Teeth
If your teeth overlap, then you may feel self-conscious about your smile. However, this orthodontic issue can also negatively impact the health of your smile by trapping food particles and plaque in the unique crevices between your teeth. The good news is that your clear aligners can apply just enough pressure to gently guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions.
Gaps Between Teeth
Spaced-out teeth are a signature look for some people, but if you are unhappy with the gaps in your smile, then talk to us about Invisalign. With the comfortable, virtually undetectable trays, we can gradually close the spaces between your teeth, revealing a straight, balanced, and even more beautiful smile.
Bite Alignment
If your bite is uneven, you can have trouble chewing properly. It’s also common for patients with overbites, underbites, and the like to chronically grind or clench their teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign may be the solution you’ve been looking for!
Benefits of Invisalign
It’s very common for patients to assume that the benefits of Invisalign begin and end with aesthetics. While metal-free braces are certainly a perk, they are far from the only reason to choose this popular orthodontic treatment. Below, you will find a few of the many perks that come with clear aligners!
Improved Comfort
Not only are metal-free braces considerably more discreet, but they are also considerably more comfortable. So, if you want to straighten your teeth, but you haven’t scheduled a consultation because you’re worried that Invisalign will hurt, you don’t have to worry. Since the aligners are crafted from smooth plastic and are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly, they won’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth.
Discreet Trays
Of course, the list of benefits wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how discreet Invisalign aligners are. After all, unless they know what to look for, even those closest to you likely won’t be able to tell when you’re wearing yours! The key to keeping them clear is proper maintenance. That starts with rinsing them with clean, cool water when you take them off and extends to gently scrubbing the surface with a soft-bristle toothbrush before putting them back on.
Shorter Average Treatment Timelines
Another noteworthy perk: the average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. So, if you start now, there’s a good chance that you’ll have the results you desire by this time next year! This is a considerable improvement over traditional braces, which usually take 2-3 years.
No Dietary Restrictions
In an effort to prevent orthodontic emergencies, like broken brackets, patients with traditional braces are expected to abide by a long list of dietary restrictions. Since the aligners are removable, that’s not necessary with Invisalign. In fact, all we ask is that you are mindful of your intake of added sugar to reduce the chances of tooth decay developing (and potentially causing you to fall off track with your treatment plan).
Easy Dental Care
We mentioned above that taking care of your aligners is easy. Fortunately, taking care of your smile during your Invisalign treatment is easy, too! Simply take your trays off, rinse them with clean, cool water, and place them in their designated case for safekeeping. Then, proceed to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash like usual.
Fewer Progress Visits
Another noteworthy difference between traditional braces and Invisalign is that traditional braces require monthly adjustment appointments. Invisalign, on the other hand, allows patients to progress through portions of their treatment plan at home. As a result, much less time is spent in the treatment chair. So, you can see why busy students, parents, and professionals love Invisalign!
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Many patients choose Invisalign because it can often be a more comfortable and discreet way to straighten smiles than traditional orthodontics. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best treatment to meet everyone’s unique needs.
Before choosing this service, it’s essential to understand what treatment involves. Continue reading to learn more about what life is like with Invisalign so you can make an informed decision, and please feel free to contact us to schedule your consultation.
Wearing Your Trays
This service utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your arches to gently shift your teeth to their ideal positions. However, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent them from reverting to their starting places.
Then, after a week or two with your current trays, you’ll be directed to switch to wearing the next set in your series to account for the ongoing movement of your smile.
Cleaning Your Aligners
These clear trays are popular because they don’t draw as much unwanted attention as bulky metal brackets and wires. But you must keep them clean to prevent plaque buildup or stains that can leave them looking dark or cloudy.
To do so, you should remove them twice daily, gently scrubbing all sides with a soft-bristle brush and clear dish soap to avoid damaging the material. Then, be sure to rinse them off before reinserting them. You can also place them in a solution containing Invisalign cleaning crystals for 15 minutes daily to gently remove bacteria buildup.
Eating & Drinking
Unlike with braces, there are no dietary restrictions for patients who choose Invisalign because the trays are completely removable. They’re not intended to be in your mouth to eat or drink anything other than water, so you can enjoy all your favorite foods as usual.
Be sure to keep your trays’ carrying case with you so you have a safe place to store them while you eat. Then, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water before reinserting them to avoid trapping bits of food between your teeth and gums and the plastic.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
You might not think it’s a big deal if one or more of your trays is lost or broken, but it’s important to let our team know right away so we can provide proper instruction for moving forward.
For example, depending on how long you wore the missing aligner, Dr. Dillard might recommend wearing a previous set or switching to the next trays earlier than initially anticipated. This can help you remain on track with your treatment timeline while we repair or reorder the tray.
Routine Check-Ins
You will need to attend routine check-ins every 4 to 8 weeks to ensure your teeth are shifting at the anticipated rate and to receive the next aligners you’ll be required to wear. Fortunately, these visits are often as brief as 15 to 30 minutes, which is shorter than standard checkups with braces.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign will certainly vary. After all, no two smiles are the same! Numerous factors impact the cost, including the severity of your misalignment and how well you follow the treatment guidelines. Don’t worry – we will be here every step of the way to answer any questions you have. Plus, we can review all of the financial solutions available to you, including our latest Invisalign special. Until then, here’s what to know about the cost of Invisalign.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
The price of your Invisalign treatment can depend on various factors, including:
- The number of aligners required: The length of time needed or the number of aligners that you will need to use will be based on the complexity of your bite misalignment.
- The need to straighten one dental arch or both: Needing to straighten one dental arch or both will alter how much you might have to pay for your orthodontic treatment plan.
- If you require additional Invisalign accessories: Some patients might need to utilize extra tools such as buttons or elastics to help the process of straightening your smile go as smoothly as possible, which can come with additional costs.
- Your treatment compliance: Those who lose their aligners or fail to stay on track with the treatment plan might expect to pay a higher price.
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
While there might be mail-in aligners available, it doesn’t mean that they’ll necessarily be budget-friendly. In many cases, DIY clear aligners aren’t constructed of the same professional-grade materials as those with Invisalign. Not only does this mean they won’t be as durable, but they also might require a lengthier treatment time, especially since they won’t have professional supervision. With Invisalign, you’ll have the highest quality of materials as well as reliable oversight from a qualified dentist.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance companies offer coverage for Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments. Just be sure to learn the details of your policy from your insurer. You can also speak with our team so that we can provide as much information as possible, as well as file claims on your behalf. We will be glad to help you every step of the way.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. Our team is happy to provide a special offer of $500 off Invisalign to help make this treatment more affordable. You can even consider signing up with CareCredit financing, which can turn the total cost of Invisalign into monthly installments that often come with little to no interest!