Invisalign – Rockville, MD
A Clear Solution for Misaligned Teeth
Many patients are hesitant to move forward with orthodontic treatment because they want to avoid the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Thankfully, Invisalign is a modern orthodontic solution that allows you to discreetly and comfortably get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. At Rockville Family Dentistry, we’ll get you started with the process right away, putting you one step closer to your dream look. To find out if this is the ideal solution for you, continue reading or give our office a call today!
How Invisalign Works
Instead of metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Each set of plastic trays is worn for a predetermined amount of time, usually about two weeks. A portion of your smile will be moved at a time until the entire thing is straightened. While you won’t need to visit Dr. Modarres as often as you would with traditional braces, you’ll still have to visit him every six weeks or so to pick up your new aligners and make sure everything is going accordingly.
Indications for Invisalign
One significant advantage of Invisalign in Rockville is its ability to treat multiple orthodontic issues. Some of those include:
Crowded Teeth
Patients with crowding may benefit from Invisalign. Since it increases the risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, the clear aligners can easily move the teeth into a healthier and straighter position.
Gaps Between Teeth
Having spaces in your smile isn’t just unsightly – it can also increase your chances of developing cavities and gum infections. That’s mainly because food can more easily get trapped in the gaps, leading to decay and bad breath. Luckily, Invisalign can push your teeth into proper alignment.
Bite Alignment
If your bite is misaligned, it can place unnecessary pressure on your temporomandibular joint, causing problems like TMJ disorder and teeth grinding and clenching. The good news is that Invisalign can correct issues like underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign in Rockville is incredibly popular because it allows patients to reap many benefits, such as:
- Increased Comfort: Because there are no brackets and wires, you don’t have to worry about experiencing soft tissue irritation. The clear aligners are made of a smooth plastic design, crafted with your comfort and safety in mind.
- Virtually Invisible Treatment: Since the clear aligners are virtually invisible, no one will be able to tell you’re wearing them.
- No Dietary Restrictions: Invisalign is completely removable orthodontics, which means you’re able to eat pretty much anything you want! All you have to do is remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything that’s not water.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Since the overall cost of Invisalign in Rockville varies significantly from patient to patient, we can’t provide you with an estimate here. We can, however, provide you with an accurate price estimate during your consultation, which is when we will learn all about your dental history and conduct a comprehensive oral exam. We will also explain your financing options and help you get a straighter smile without breaking the bank. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about the topic, including the factors that impact the price.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
There are a few things we need to determine in order to provide you with an estimate of the cost of Invisalign, including:
- If any preliminary treatments are needed, like a tooth-colored filling
- The complexity of your case
- How many aligners are needed
- If orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, need to be added to your treatment plan
- The type of retainer you need
If you choose to move forward with clear aligner treatment, we will also provide you with helpful tips so that you can avoid added costs down the line, like storing your trays in their designated case when you take them out so you don’t lose them.
Does Invisalign Cost More Than Mail-In Aligners?
Typically, Invisalign does cost more than mail-in aligners. That’s because there is an initial exam to ensure you’re a candidate, your treatment plan is custom-made by a licensed dental professional, and there are follow-up visits every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and answer any questions you have. Mail-in aligner companies, on the other hand, skip all of that, which is why so many patients have experienced complications – from really loose teeth to worsened misalignment. In short, it’s not worth taking a gamble with the cheaper option, especially when it comes to something as important as your smile.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Sometimes, yes! So, take a look at your dental plan. If it includes a once-in-a-lifetime benefit, then you may not have to pay for the entire cost out-of-pocket. Of course, there are lots of factors to consider, including waiting periods and annual maximums, so don’t hesitate to give your provider a call to learn a bit more about your coverage. If you need help, you can also give our Rockville dental team a call; we’re proud to welcome Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, and many others.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Patients often assume that if they don’t have dental insurance, smile-enhancing treatments like Invisalign are too expensive for them. That’s not the case at Rockville Family Dentistry; we offer two other financial solutions for our uninsured patients. The first is our periodic promotions, like a free Invisalign consultation. The second is CareCredit, which allows you to space out the cost of your orthodontic treatment instead of having to pay for it all in one lump sum.
Invisalign FAQs
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Aligners Per Day?
Patients are asked to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day. This is crucial because, if you consistently miss the mark, it’s only a matter of time until you fall off-track with your treatment plan. If you’re not sure if you’re hitting this goal day in and day out, then try using the Invisalign app or the stopwatch on your phone to track your wear time!
Can You Eat with Invisalign Trays In?
No, you cannot eat anything (even applesauce, smoothies, and other soft foods) with your Invisalign aligners in. If you do, then your trays will quickly discolor and your risk of tooth decay skyrockets. So, make sure that you always remove them, rinse them with cool water, and store them properly before enjoying your meal or snack.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign?
To remove saliva, food particles, and other debris from the surface of your aligners, you need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them after each meal. Outside of that, make sure that you’re always rinsing them with clean, cool water when you take them out and that you’re soaking them daily in a dentist-recommended solution.
Important note: Do NOT use hot water since there’s a chance that the aligners will warp. It’s also crucial that you don’t use household cleaners, like bleach, since they contain toxins that shouldn’t be ingested.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?
Yes! After all, Dr. Modarres and the rest of our Rockville dental team want to preserve your beautiful results and all of the time and money you invested in clear aligner treatment. Without a retainer, your risk of orthodontic relapse skyrockets.
If you haven’t heard of “orthodontic relapse” before, it’s the phenomenon where your teeth begin to move out of their aligned positions and back into their misaligned ones. This happens to upwards of 50% of patients, which is why wearing a retainer for the recommended amount of time each day is so important.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Patients are often concerned that straightening their teeth will be a painful process. The reality is that all orthodontic treatments come with soreness from time to time since your teeth are being moved into entirely new positions. That said, Invisalign aligners are quite comfortable since they are custom-made for each patient. Plus, there isn’t any metal; the trays are crafted from smooth, high-quality, and low-profile plastic.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
You may have heard that Invisalign has a shorter average treatment timeline than traditional braces. That’s true! While traditional braces often take two or more years, Invisalign treatments are usually between 12 and 18 months. There are some cases where it’s even shorter than that, like if you only have a few small gaps between your teeth. If you’d like an estimate of your teeth-straightening journey with Invisalign, then get in touch with us to schedule a consultation!