Not everyone naturally developed the perfectly aligned smile that they hoped for. While braces are an option, many teens and adults aren’t ready to commit to a year or two with traditional metal braces that the whole world can see. Fortunately, there is another option! At Kingwood Family Dentistry, Dr. Scott Mosby and Dr. Caldwell offers Invisalign so you can straighten your smile without a mouthful of metal. To learn more about Invisalign in Kingwood, give us a call to get started with an initial consultation.
Instead of using metal brackets and wires to move your teeth like traditional braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth to their new places. You wear each set for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next one. Over time, your teeth will move gradually to their aligned locations. Unlike traditional braces, you won’t need to have anything tightened throughout your treatment, but you still need to come to the office from time to time to ensure that the treatment is going as planned.
Are you interested in Invisalign? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that the clear aligners can discreetly and comfortably correct several common orthodontic problems, including:
Patients often assume that overcrowding is solely an aesthetic issue. In reality, this orthodontic problem also results in an increased risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health issues. Fortunately, Invisalign is usually an option for patients with mild to moderate cases. If we determine that you’re a good candidate, then we will use a series of custom-made aligners to apply gentle pressure to fit different parts of the teeth to shift them to a more aligned position.
When there is too much space in a patient’s mouth, gaps can become apparent. Unfortunately, they also lead to a much higher risk for oral health issues because food debris and plaque can easily become trapped and more difficult to remove. There is good news, though: Invisalign clear aligners can gradually close the gaps with clear, custom-made aligners. That means that you won’t have to deal with bulky brackets or noticeable wires on your journey to a healthier, happier smile!
“Does Invisalign fix overbites, too?” If you’ve been wondering this because your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones more than they should, you’ll be happy to hear that the answer is “yes!” At your consultation, we will get an in-depth understanding of your dental history, needs, and goals to determine if this is the best orthodontic treatment for you. If it is, then we will take the necessary impressions and get to work creating your custom treatment plan.
Do your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones? If so, it’s important that you schedule a consultation with us sooner rather than later. After all, when your bite isn’t aligned as it should be, you can develop issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching). With a custom series of aligners, we can guide your teeth and bite into their ideal positions, giving you a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile in the process.
As you may have guessed, crossbites are an orthodontic problem that can take a toll on your self-esteem, your oral health, and even your overall quality of life. To prevent that from happening (or prevent that from continuing to happen), schedule a consultation with us so we can assess the complexity of your case. If it isn’t too severe, then there’s a good chance that we will be able to align your bite with a custom series of clear aligners.
Due to prolonged thumb sucking or genetics, some patients aren’t able to bite down all the way. This orthodontic problem is known as an open bite and, like the others on this list, it can lead to everything from trouble chewing properly to premature wear and tear. If we determine that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign at your consultation, then we can use a custom series of clear aligners to correct it.
If it is determined that you made a good candidate for Invisalign, here are some of the exciting benefits that you can expect to experience during your treatment:
Numerous factors contribute to the cost of Invisalign, like the complexity of your orthodontic corrections, how old you are, and how often you wear your aligners. To determine how much your treatment will cost for sure, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Mosby or Dr. Caldwell. This way, you can get an accurate price estimate and discuss all of your financial options. Our team is happy to file insurance claims on your behalf, and we offer CareCredit as a way to make your treatments more affordable. Read on to learn more about the cost of Invisalign in Kingwood!
Every person’s smile is unique. For this reason, several essential factors can impact the overall price of your Invisalign treatment, such as:
While Invisalign is a well-known teeth-straightening solution, you may be tempted to order something more convenient, such as mail-in aligners from Smile Direct Club™. Although these products claim to provide a quicker treatment process, they can actually easily cost you more time and money from certain complications.
For example, mail-in aligners usually have little to no supervision from a professional, meaning there’s plenty of room for error. Whether the aligners aren’t well-fitted, the impressions aren’t correct, or any underlying oral health issues haven’t been addressed (like cavities or gum disease), you can end up needing to be treated by a dentist anyway! However, by getting Invisalign with our team, we can ensure your oral health is in good condition while being there every step of the way for your treatment process. You’ll also avoid any complications, saving you money in the long run.
Although every dental insurance company is different, the majority of them don’t always offer coverage for Invisalign. However, it’s still a good idea to double-check the details of your policy with your provider just in case you can take advantage of your benefits for orthodontic treatment. You can also consult our knowledgeable team and we’ll be glad to help you navigate your plan and make the most of any coverage to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Even if you don’t currently have a dental insurance plan, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to empty your wallet to receive the treatment you deserve. Our team understands the importance of being able to afford dental services that improve your oral health and overall quality of life. For this reason, we’re proud to offer alternative financing through CareCredit. This third-party financier has plans that can break up the price of your treatment into small, monthly installments, which can significantly cut down your out-of-pocket expenses. This means you can achieve the straighter smile you’ve always wanted without having to break the bank!
Don’t worry – having braces in the past doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting Invisalign. In fact, many patients who have experienced orthodontic relapse are interested in clear aligner treatment since it’s significantly more discreet. Of course, your candidacy will be determined by our Kingwood cosmetic dentist after they’ve reviewed your dental needs in-depth.
Invisalign isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. So, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment timeline. Factors like the severity of your misalignment, how many trays you need, and your compliance with your dentist’s instructions need to be considered. The good news is that the average length of time it takes for patients to work through their trays is between 12 and 18 months, which is significantly shorter than traditional braces.
Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, we will provide you with a retainer. This small orthodontic appliance is the key to keeping your teeth in their perfectly aligned positions. As such, it’s important that you wear it consistently and as long as your dentist recommends. While the exact wear time will depend on your specific dental needs, patients are typically expected to make wearing it at night a lifelong best practice.
Are you worried that Invisalign in Kingwood will give you a lisp? Don’t worry – Invisalign wouldn’t be one of the most sought-after treatment options if it permanently affected your speech. While you may experience a slight adjustment period at first, any changes to your speaking patterns will be short-lived. Plus, you can help speed up with process with plenty of practice! Reading out loud or counting from 60-90 several times should do the trick.
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that there aren’t any dietary restrictions, you can eat whatever you’d like! The only “rule” is that you must remove your trays first. Otherwise, they will warp or crack from the pressure of chewing. It’s also worth mentioning that you should keep your consumption of foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum since this can increase your chances of developing a cavity. Note: if your teeth feel a bit sore after transitioning to a new tray, then stick to soft foods, like yogurt, applesauce, and oatmeal.
Of course, clear aligner treatment isn’t for everyone. If you are under the age of 13, are struggling with severe misalignment, smoke, or are unwilling to commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen, then you may not be a candidate. If you are unsure if Invisalign is right for you, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our Kingwood cosmetic dentist.