Invisalign – Virginia Beach, VA
Choose the Clear Choice for a Straight Smile
Modern orthodontics have changed significantly since their ancient origins. Although brackets and wires have been used for generations, there’s an alternative to metal braces. Invisalign in Virginia Beach is the preferred solution for a straight smile. Clear aligners move your teeth gradually using a nearly invisible method. Dr. Morgan can fix several bite and alignment problems to create the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. If you’re looking for a treatment that won’t compromise your appearance, you might be a candidate for Invisalign.
How Invisalign Works
Dr. Morgan uses advanced technology to create a series of clear aligners that are worn over your teeth. Each aligner provides continual pressure to move your teeth into position. You must commit to wearing them for at least 22 hours per day. You’ll switch to a new aligner every week. Although every treatment plan differs, most patients are finished with their series in 12-18 months.
Indications for Invisalign
Invisalign is a suitable solution for multiple alignment and bite problems; however, you’ll still require a consultation with your dentist in Virginia Beach. Dr. Morgan will examine your mouth to create a personalized plan to correct:
Crowded Teeth
Overlapped or rotated teeth are difficult to keep clean, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Moving your teeth into alignment makes your brushing and flossing routine more effective to keep common oral health issues at bay, like cavities.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between your teeth are more than just embarrassing. Large spaces can trap food particles and plaque, increasing your risk of bad breath, gum disease, and dental emergencies. Closing the gaps will prevent objects from getting stuck in your teeth to keep you out of the dental chair.
Bite Alignment
If there isn’t harmony between the upper and lower teeth when closing your mouth, it can make it difficult to bite and chew. Not to mention, it can cause dental damage, facial pain, and headaches. Fixing your bite will improve your oral health and functions to invest in your quality of life.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Since you won’t need any brackets or wires, you’ll enjoy several benefits that aren’t possible with metal braces, including:
- No irritation to the inside of your lips and cheeks.
- Translucent aligners for discreet treatment.
- Removable for easy oral hygiene.
- Comfortable and custom-made.
- No dietary restrictions.
- Results in as few as 12 months.
- Covered under many dental insurance plans.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
There’s not a flat fee for Invisalign because every treatment plan differs. Various factors affect the cost of Invisalign, but Dr. Morgan strives to keep it affordable for everyone. After examining your mouth and creating a plan, we’ll provide you with a personalized estimate and explain your payment options, like using your dental insurance or third-party financing. Our office has the solutions you need to improve your smile without draining your wallet.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost because each treatment plan is completely personalized! In order to create yours (and determine the price), we need to consider:
- How severe your case of misalignment is
- If we need to straighten both arches of your teeth
- If rubber bands or any other orthodontic accessories are needed
Of course, these are just the factors that impact the cost upfront. If you misplace your aligners, don’t wear them consistently, or completely fall off-track with your treatment plan, then there may be additional costs down the line.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
The commercials and social media ads for mail-order clear aligners almost always talk about how much cheaper they are than Invisalign. There’s a reason for that. In fact, there are several! In addition to relying on DIY impressions, mail-order clear aligner companies don’t conduct a thorough exam upfront, don’t have support from professional organizations like the American Dental Association, and have been sued by previous patients who have experienced worsened misalignment. In other words, even if they are cheaper, they aren’t better.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign! When reviewing your coverage, look for an orthodontic benefit. Typically, this is a one-time benefit that covers upwards of 50% of the cost of braces. If you’re having trouble finding it or need any help understanding the fine print on your plan, you’re welcome to give our Virginia Beach dental team a call. We’re here to help make every aspect of your teeth-straightening journey positive, including when it comes time to pay.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you have any concerns about the cost of Invisalign, don’t hesitate to let us know! We never want navigating the financial side of your treatment to be stressful. Over the phone or at your consultation, we can review the solutions we offer. For example, we have a new patient special that offers a $50 account credit to any out-of-pocket expenses! As always, if you want to learn more, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can share all of the details.
Invisalign FAQs
Will Invisalign give me a lisp? Do the trays hurt? How long will my treatment be? These are just a few of the many questions we hear from our patients considering clear alignment treatment. Naturally, you might be wondering the same things! That’s why we’ve dedicated this next section to answering FAQs about Invisalign. Of course, you can always give our team a call directly if you have a specific question on your mind or can’t find the answer you’re looking for here.
<Does Invisalign Give You a Lisp?
There is a common misconception that Invisalign will give you a lisp. We can assure you that’s not the case. When you first get your aligners, your tongue may need some time to adjust while speaking. With that said, many patients don’t experience any changes to their speaking patterns at all, and those that do can have peace of mind knowing it’s temporary.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
On average, Invisalign treatments are between 12 and 18 months. Of course, the length of yours will depend entirely on your specific dental needs. For example, if your misalignment is minor, then you may only need to wear clear aligners for six months! Conversely, patients with more severe cases of malocclusion may need more than 18 months to achieve the results they desire. The good news is that Invisalign is relatively hassle-free since there aren’t any dietary restrictions, complicated oral hygiene regimens, or noticeable brackets and wires. So, even longer treatment times won’t require a major adjustment to your day-to-day life.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Another common concern that patients have is that the clear aligners will cause pain. Fortunately, that’s not the case. Since there aren’t any metal brackets or wires, Invisalign is significantly more comfortable. Furthermore, the high-quality plastic it’s crafted from is made to fit your mouth perfectly, preventing irritation to your tongue, gums, and lips.
Note: if any mild discomfort arises from the pressure of your teeth moving, you can sip on cold water, place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, or take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
What Happens After Invisalign?
After you’ve worked through your series of aligners and you’re happy with the result, it will be time to move onto the next phase of your treatment: maintaining your beautiful new smile. We will provide you with a custom retainer that will keep your teeth perfectly in place as they “set” into position. Since orthodontic relapse can occur in the short and long-term, we recommend that our patients make wearing it nightly a life-long habit. It’s one of the best ways to prevent your teeth from drifting out of position!
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Good news: Invisalign doesn’t come with any dietary restrictions! So, you won’t have to cut out whole apples, raw nuts, tortilla chips, pretzels, and other crunchy foods from your diet altogether. Of course, you should exercise caution with foods like these, especially if you have attachments. We also encourage our patients to keep their intake of added sugar to a minimum since this can cause tooth decay to develop. If that happens, we will need to put your treatment on hold until we can administer the necessary restorative care.
Note: always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water!
