Invisalign – Metairie, LA
Get Perfectly Straight Teeth Without Braces
How Invisalign Works
Rather than using brackets or wires, Invisalign utilizes a series of clear plastic aligner trays to straighten the teeth. They simply slip over the teeth similar to a mouthguard, and each one in the series is shaped slightly differently to bring the teeth closer to their ideal position. Once a patient has worn all of their trays, they should have a perfectly straight smile.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign can be used to correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues. In order to determine whether you’re a candidate for this treatment, our team will need to examine your smile to learn more about the nature and severity of your specific alignment problem. Listed below are some of the situations that Invisalign can potentially help with.
Crowded Teeth
Having teeth that are too crowded together can make it harder to brush and floss properly, which can ultimately lead to cavities and other oral health complications. On top of that, crowded teeth can stand out for the wrong reasons whenever you smile. But with Invisalign clear aligners, our team can guide your teeth to where they’re supposed to be, ensuring that there’s a sufficient amount of space between them.
Gaps Between Teeth
While you definitely don’t want your teeth to be overcrowded, having them spaced too far apart isn’t much better. Gaps between your teeth can be easy targets for bits of food as well as harmful bacteria; this often leaves your mouth more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. A well-planned Invisalign treatment can close the gaps in your smile by repositioning your teeth.
Overbite
An overbite is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth when your mouth is closed. Having a slight overbite is perfectly normal; however, if the overlap is more than three millimeters, it can have serious consequences. The teeth may wear down unevenly, and you may experience pain in your jaw. Fortunately, Invisalign can often be used to correct an overbite as long as it isn’t too severe.
Underbite
Sometimes the lower row of teeth may overlap the upper row. This can affect your ability to chew your food, and it can also be linked to respiratory issues such as mouth breathing and sleep apnea. If our team finds that you have an underbite, we may be able to correct it with Invisalign. Note that elastic bands or other attachments might be part of the process in order to make the required changes.
Crossbite
If only some of the lower teeth sit in front of the upper ones, you may have what is known as a crossbite. Leaving this issue untreated could result in jaw pain and headaches; on top of that, you may have a hard time speaking clearly. Invisalign can correct the positions of the teeth so that they line up with each other as they should.
Open Bite
An open bite is a relatively less common bite problem where the upper and bottom teeth do not touch each other even when the mouth is closed. This results in uneven chewing pressure that wears down the teeth faster than normal. Fortunately, Invisalign can often be used to correct an open bite and ensure that the upper and lower arches are correctly aligned.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign has a number of advantages:
- Subtle Appearance: The aligner trays themselves are practically invisible when they are on the teeth, meaning that most people won’t even realize that you are wearing one.
- Convenience: The trays can be taken off whenever a person wants to eat or brush their teeth. This makes it much easier to maintain consistent oral hygiene, and it also saves a patient from having to avoid certain foods that would normally damage braces.
- Speed: In some cases, Invisalign can actually work much faster than traditional orthodontics.
- Fewer Visits: Invisalign requires fewer progress visits to the dentist than braces because it doesn’t have to be frequently adjusted. Over the course of your entire treatment, this saves a tremendous amount of time.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Invisalign allows you to invest in a healthy, beautiful smile using a sophisticated solution. Although you are excited to get started, it is natural to be concerned about the cost of the aligners. There is no need to worry about an outrageous bill. We provide you with a customized estimate during your consultation and discuss your payment options to keep your new smile affordable. There are several factors we consider when determining how much you will pay. We take the time to discuss each factor to help you make the right decision for your smile.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
There is no set amount you can expect to pay for Invisalign because the cost is determined by your individual treatment plan. Since no two Invisalign treatment plans are exactly alike, they each incur a unique cost. The amount you pay varies based on several factors, such as the severity of your case and the number of aligners needed. All in all, Invisalign clear aligners cost about the same as traditional braces.
Is Invisalign Worth the Price?
Invisalign is an investment because it improves your oral health. Moving your teeth into their correct positions decreases the potential for certain issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. As a result, it lowers your long-term dental expenses by keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Invisalign also allows you to save money in other areas. Since no brackets or wires are used to move your teeth, this means you do not need to visit your dentist in Metairie as often. You do not need appointments for adjustments, so there are less missed days from work or school.
How to Pay for Invisalign
Now, many dental insurances help cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign clear aligners. We work on your behalf with your insurance company to maximize the value of your policy to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.
To cover any remaining balance, we accept a variety of payment options. Besides traditional forms of payment, we also accept CareCredit. This third-party financing company works by giving you the funds you need based on your credit’s approval. You then repay the balance using a payment plan that accommodates your budget.
We will work with you to find the solution you need to keep your new smile affordable. Do not let the cost of clear aligners prevent you from investing in a healthy, beautiful smile. We provide a customized estimate to achieve the results you want without brackets and wires. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for Invisalign.
Invisalign FAQs
If you have any more questions about these clear aligners or what the process is like, we’ll give you the answers. Dr. Nelson believes in patient education, which is why he wants you to have access to the information that you need without even booking an appointment. Read on to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Invisalign in Metairie.
How Will Invisalign Clear Braces Affect My Day-to-Day Life?
We offer Invisalign at our practice specifically because it barely impacts your day-to-day life compared to traditional braces. Instead of avoiding certain foods and taking extra precautions during your oral healthcare routine, Invisalign aligners are completely removeable, allowing you to go about your day with confidence. Initially, wearing your trays may take some getting used to, but after a few days, they’ll become easy and extremely comfortable to wear.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of your Invisalign treatment is hard to determine without examining your mouth first because of the many variables that can influence price. The severity of your misalignment, the condition of your oral health, and your commitment to the treatment plan are just some of the factors that contribute to the cost of your Invisalign clear braces. Our dentist in Metairie will carefully examine your smile to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes price.
How Should I Take Care of My Invisalign Aligners?
Caring for your aligners is imperative to the success and appearance of your Invisalign. You should always brush your teeth and rinse your mouth out after eating and before putting your trays back in to avoid staining. Additionally, when cleaning your Invisalign, it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, clear mild soap, and room temperature water. You should never use hot water because it could permanently warp the plastic of your aligning trays.
Can I Get Invisalign After Braces or Other Dental Work?
Some patients have severe bite problems or misalignment that can’t be initially corrected with Invisalign, so they receive traditional braces. Once the braces have made their orthodontic issues less severe, they can now switch to Invisalign to finish their treatment, giving them the confidence and comfort to smile. Other dental work may be done before receiving Invisalign, but this will depend on the type of treatment or restoration. For example, Invisalign will be Ineffective if you already have a dental bridge because that area of teeth is permanently connected to each other. Invisalign works by gradually adjusting each tooth, which is why effectiveness may vary based on your dental work.