Invisalign – Raleigh, NC
The Clear Path to a Gorgeous Smile
If you had braces as a kid (or you haven’t looked into orthodontic treatment for a decade or more), then metal brackets and wires may have been the only teeth-straightening service available. Not anymore! With Invisalign, we can address overcrowding, open bites, and more – all with clear, comfortable aligners. If you are interested in learning more about this discreet orthodontic treatment, then read on. Or, you can take the first step toward your dream smile by scheduling a consultation with us here.
Why Choose Dalton Hunt Dentistry for Invisalign?
- Top-Rated Dental Team in the Area
- See Result Possibilities with Digital Smile Design
- Multiple Financial Solutions Available
How Invisalign Works
Since there aren’t any brackets and wires, patients are often a bit confused about the teeth-straightening process. In short, you’ll meet with one of our dedicated dentists, who will confirm that you’re a candidate and create a custom treatment plan. A series of custom-made aligners will be made to move your teeth from their current positions to their ideal ones. To stay on-track with your treatment plan, you need to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and switch to each new set on the correct days (usually every week or two weeks).
Indications for Invisalign
The good news is that patients with gapped, crowded, and otherwise misaligned teeth may be candidates for Invisalign. You may even be a candidate if you have a bite problem, like a crossbite! Here’s a little more information on each:
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowded teeth are quite common. If you have this orthodontic problem, then you know that it can take a toll on your self-confidence as well as your oral health. Fortunately, clear aligners can move your teeth into their properly aligned positions, improving the look and health of your smile.
Gaps Between Teeth
Spaced-out teeth also have the potential to negatively impact your bite, confidence, and speech. So, it’s worth finding out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, even if the gaps between your teeth are minor. If you are, we can straighten your teeth without the metal brackets and wires!
Bite Alignment
If your top and bottom teeth don’t come together evenly, your lower teeth jut out, or your top teeth protrude significantly, then you could experience jaw pain, premature wear and tear, and other complications. Fortunately, Invisalign can align your bite before that happens!
The Benefits of Invisalign
There are several reasons Invisalign has more than 12 million patients around the world and continues to be popular year after year:
- The average treatment timeline is 12-18 months
- You don’t need to adjust your diet or oral hygiene regimen
- There are fewer check-in visits
- The aligners are clear, custom-made, and comfortable
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
There isn’t a flat fee for Invisalign. After all, no two smiles are the same! In order to pinpoint the price of yours, we need to conduct a thorough exam. Of course, we will also review all of the financial solutions available to you at your consultation. That way, you can determine the best way to fit that number into your budget.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Here are a few key factors we need to consider when creating your treatment plan and, in turn, determining the cost:
- If any preliminary treatments are necessary
- How complex your case is
- How many aligners you need
- If accessories, like rubber bands, are needed
- The type of retainer
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
In the years following Invisalign’s debut, several mail-in aligner companies popped up. Although they are almost always cheaper, they aren’t worth your money. Not only do they completely skip the initial exam (which can lead to several serious consequences), but they rely on DIY impressions that are often inaccurate. Furthermore, the treatments are rarely (if ever) supervised by a licensed dental professional, and there’s nowhere to turn if something goes wrong, like your tooth feels like it’s on the brink of falling out. Simply put, it’s worth investing in a tried-and-true, professional, and reliable orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
In some cases, dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost. In other words, it’s worth taking a look at your plan to see if it includes a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit, which may include Invisalign. Although we aren’t in-network, we can still help you understand your coverage, including any red tape like waiting periods and annual maximums. We can also file the claims on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about handling any paperwork.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Since roughly 50% of Americans don’t have dental insurance, it was important to us that we offer other financial solutions, including:
- In-House Dental Wellness Plan: After paying the low, annual fee, you’ll enjoy sizeable discounts on many of the treatments completed at our office. Plus, there isn’t any red tape to worry about, like yearly deductibles.
- Flexible Financing: Don’t want to pay for the entire cost of Invisalign at once? You don’t have to thanks to CareCredit! They have multiple payment plans so you can space out the price instead.
We hope this brief overview of the price of Invisalign was helpful. If you still have questions about the cost or you’d like a specific estimate, then get in touch with us to schedule your consultation!
Invisalign FAQs
Why Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day?
Initially, wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day may not seem too difficult… until you factor in the time needed to eat three meals, enjoy some snacks and drinks in between, and complete your oral hygiene regimen. It’s important to remember, however, that the wear time is there for a reason: it helps prevent you from falling off-track with your treatment plan! In other words, if you want to see the results as quickly as possible, it’s important that you do your best to meet this goal each and every day.
Tip: If you’re not sure if you’re wearing your aligners for the suggested amount of time each day, then use the stopwatch on your phone!
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Invisalign?
Since there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign, the answer is technically “no.” However, there are certain foods we recommend indulging in sparingly or exercising caution with. That includes gummy candies, hard pretzels, and taffy, which each have the potential to damage your teeth and break any attachments you have. Simply put, it’s a good idea to stick to smile-friendly foods as much as possible, like hard-boiled eggs, plain yogurt, and oatmeal.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
You’ll be happy to hear that cleaning your aligners only takes a minute or two, and you really need just two things to do so: a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean, cool water. After rinsing your aligners thoroughly in the water to remove saliva, plaque, and other debris, use your toothbrush to gently scrub each surface and rinse them off again. Some patients find it helpful to use a mild, clear dishwashing liquid or toothpaste as well. That said, it’s always a good idea to check-in with us before using something else to clean your aligners. After all, using something like bleach can be very harmful!
What Should I Do If I Lose One of My Invisalign Aligners?
If you can’t seem to find one of your aligners, it’s a good idea to retrace your steps. Starting from the last place you remember having them, carefully think through your day. Remember, there’s a good chance that your trays ended up somewhere “random,” so don’t look in just the obvious places. Instead, look in the center console of your car, the trash can, the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier, the space between your nightstand and your bed, and the like. If you still can’t find them, call us.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, you can! The only rule when it comes to coffee and Invisalign is that you have to take your aligners out first. If you don’t, then your trays will quickly discolor, causing both them and your teeth to attract the wrong kind of attention.
It’s also worth mentioning here that drinking hot coffee with your aligners in can cause them to warp, which can also ruin the look of your aligners as well as their function.