Invisalign® – Westborough, MA

Crowded Teeth

A small jaw or extra teeth can cause your teeth to overlap one another and trap food between them. This can increase your risk of decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Invisalign, along with possible extractions, is often able to ensure that each tooth has the space it needs to function optimally.

Gaps Between Teeth

While some individuals love the gaps between their teeth, others are concerned about both the aesthetic and oral health consequences of their condition. For example, extra space between the teeth can leave the gums vulnerable to damage and infections. Invisalign can usually move the teeth closer together and lead to an improved appearance and better oral function.

Overbite

A small overbite is both normal and healthy. However, if your top teeth rest too far in front of your bottom teeth, your overbite may contribute to jaw pain, speech difficulties, uneven wear and tear on your teeth, and other problems. Invisalign, along with special accessories, can correct some cases of overbite.

Underbite

Whether it is caused by genetics, oral trauma, or other factors, an underbite occurs when the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. This can interfere with speech, give the appearance of an overly prominent chin, and contribute to sleep disordered breathing. With the help of accessories, Invisalign can address some instances of underbite.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some of the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. This issue may be the result of genetics, poor habits during childhood, or other factors. A crossbite can interfere with speech, increase the risk of numerous oral health issues, and cause other problems. Fortunately, Invisalign is often able to shift the teeth and slightly realign the jaws in order to address cases of crossbite.

Open Bite

If your front top and bottom teeth do not make contact even when your back teeth are touching, you have what is known as an open bite. This may contribute to eating problems, speech difficulties, and more. Invisalign is frequently a viable option for closing an open bite and supporting long-term oral health.

Wearing Your Trays

For your teeth to move efficiently, you should wear your Invisalign trays for 20 – 22 hours each day. It is best to remove them only when you eat and attend to oral hygiene. You will wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving forward with your treatment. If your new aligners are unusually tight, it might mean you did not wear your previous ones enough. Remember, Invisalign only works when you are using it!

Cleaning Your Aligners

You should rinse your trays just before each time you place them in your mouth. It would also be wise to do a thorough cleaning each night. You can soak your aligners with Invisalign cleaning crystals for 15 – 30 minutes each evening (many patients choose to do this at dinnertime while they are eating). Then, thoroughly rinse them. It is also recommended that you brush them gently with a soft brush and clear, mild soap. Of course, you need to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth as well.

Eating & Drinking

There are no hard-and-fast dietary restrictions with Invisalign. Simply remove your aligners, enjoy your meal or snack, rinse your aligners, clean your teeth, and replace Invisalign. A similar principle applies when you are drinking; the only thing you should consume while wearing your aligners is plain water. Otherwise, your trays might become warped or discolored. They could also trap food particles in them and damage your teeth.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If one of your trays gets lost or suffers damage to the point where it is no longer usable, you should call us right away. We might advise you to go back to wearing a previous aligner until we can get a replacement for the one that got lost/damaged. Alternatively, we might tell you that it is okay to progress to your next aligner a bit earlier than planned. There is also the possibility that we will give you tips to prevent a similar situation from occurring again in the future.

Routine Check-Ins

Invisalign check-ins are usually scheduled every 4 – 8 weeks. At these appointments, we check on your progress, answer your questions, and provide the next aligners in your series. In most cases, these visits are short — usually just 15 minutes or so.

It is also important that you do not neglect regular dental appointments, where your dentist can perform a thorough routine examination and cleaning. These visits should occur once every six months.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign®

Some major factors that can influence the price of Invisalign® in Westborough include:

• Whether you are straightening one arch or both. Straightening both the upper and lower teeth tends to cost more than focusing treatment on one or the other.
• The extent of your dental misalignment. More complex cases require more aligners and accessories, and they tend to take more time to complete. Naturally, these things can contribute to a higher overall cost.
• Compliance with treatment. If you accidentally lose an aligner or fail to wear your aligners as directed, it might take extra money to get your treatment back on track.

Invisalign® vs. DIY Aligners: Cost vs. Value

DIY clear aligner treatments are more popular than ever these days. That is understandable, especially since most of them cost around $2,000, while Invisalign® typically costs significantly more than that.

Do not let an attractive price tag stop you from considering what you are getting for your money. With Invisalign®, you get the personalized support of an Invisalign® dentist in Westborough. Our team will answer your questions, work to keep your treatment on track, and use state-of-the-art technology to facilitate predictable results. Plus, Invisalign® aligners are made out of a patented material that is designed for both comfort and accurate tooth movements.

DIY aligners do not come with extensive in-person support. Plus, they can be made out of basic plastics. You might even have to take your own impressions, and even a small mistake while doing so could lead to unsatisfactory treatment results.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign®?

Some dental insurance policies have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment, which may or may not be applicable to Invisalign®. If your benefits do apply, they may reduce your out-of-pocket costs by $1,000 or more. Our practice welcomes most types of insurance, so we will be pleased to verify your coverage, strive to get pre-authorization for Invisalign®, and file all necessary claims. If your plan does not apply to Invisalign®, you may still be able to use your FSA or HSA to pay for your treatment.

Options for Making Invisalign® Affordable

All Dental in Westborough offers a few provisions that may make it easier for you to fit Invisalign® into your budget.

• Special offers. Get started with a FREE consultation. Then, embark on your treatment for as little as $999.
• We work with CareCredit to provide low-interest payment plans for qualified patients. Most patients who apply for financing are approved.
• Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan provides lower prices on most of the services available in our practice.

Are you ready to learn more about Invisalign® and its cost? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to serving you!

How Long Does Invisalign® Take?

On average, Invisalign® takes 12 months to complete. However, your treatment time may be much shorter or longer. In cases of mild misalignment, some patients must wear their aligners for as little as 6 months. If your case is more complex, you may need to use Invisalign® for 18 months or longer. During your consultation, your cosmetic dentist in Westborough will evaluate the state of your teeth and estimate your treatment timeline. In most cases, Invisalign® is several months faster than braces.

Does Invisalign® Hurt?

Invisalign® aligners are made to be as comfortable as possible. They are constructed out of smooth, thin plastic that is designed to rest comfortably against the gums and other soft tissues. You will never have to worry about brackets and wires irritating your mouth.

However, keep in mind that orthodontic treatment uses pressure to move the teeth. Naturally, this can cause some discomfort, particularly when you switch from one aligner to the next. You can minimize your pain by taking medications, sipping on cold water, and switching to a new aligner right before bed (so you can sleep through part of the adjustment period).

What Happens After Invisalign®?

Once you work your way through all of your aligners, we will verify that your results are what we expected. Then, you will transition into the maintenance phase of your treatment. We will provide you with a custom retainer, which will prevent your teeth from drifting out of their new positions. At first, you should wear the retainer full time (20 – 22 hours each day). However, after several months, your teeth may be more stable, at which point we could give you the go-ahead to wear your retainer only at night.

Please remember that wearing your retainer is absolutely essential. Without it, all of your hard work with Invisalign® could quickly be undone.

What if My Invisalign® Broke?

If your aligner only has small hairline fractures, you might be able to continue using it. Just be extra careful when you are taking it in and out of your mouth so the damage does not worsen.

If the damage is more severe, do not attempt any DIY repairs. Instead, call our office. We might advise you to go back to wearing a previous aligner until we can order a replacement for the one that you can no longer use. It is also possible that we will tell you to move ahead to the next aligner in your series a few days early.