Invisalign – Parker, CO
Straighten Your Smile Invisibly
A number of our adult patients could benefit from orthodontic treatment, but most strongly wish to avoid wearing visible metal braces. We are pleased to offer a wonderful alternative -- Invisalign in Parker, CO. This system of clear aligners gradually repositions the teeth over the course of one to two years, and it is practically invisible when worn. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign, including how it works, its benefits, and whether or not it is a good choice for your smile.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are created specifically for your teeth. These aligners are designed to fit your dentition at each stage of the treatment. They are also removable, so you can easily slip them out before you eat, drink, or brush and floss your teeth for maximum convenience.
You will begin the treatment as soon as you receive your series of aligners. Wear each set for 20 to 22 hours each day, and advance to the next in the series after one to two weeks (depending on our recommendation). Complying closely with these instructions will ensure that you make it through the treatment on time, without any delays or added expense.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is one of the most innovative orthodontic treatments. Not only do you avoid the metal brackets and wires, but you also get straight results faster than with traditional braces and can eat whatever foods you want during treatment! Plus, it can effectively address common orthodontic problems, including overcrowding and open bites. To learn more, read on or schedule a consultation with our Parker dental team.
Crowded Teeth
Have you ever been to a concert and felt as if you were in a sardine can? So many people pushed tightly together makes it unenjoyable, right? The same goes for your mouth when too many teeth are present. Overcrowding makes brushing, flossing, and keeping your teeth clean difficult in general, increasing your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, Invisalign can shift your teeth in a way that brings them into proper alignment and creates necessary space.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gapped teeth are one of the most common problems seen by dentists. When teeth erupt and are spaced too far apart, this can pose significant issues when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. Fortunately, Dr. Rodney Allen can offer patients a safe and reliable solution that not only produces faster results but ensures a more comfortable method of treatment – Invisalign! By using these clear, plastic trays, you can feel confident knowing your smile is well on its way to becoming healthier and more aesthetically pleasing.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the top teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth. If you have this bite problem – even if it’s minor – then you should schedule a consultation with us to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. We’ll evaluate your teeth and bite as well as review your treatment options for the best possible results. So, don’t wait – get on the path toward a straighter, healthier smile by contacting our dental office today!
Underbite
Having a properly aligned bite is about much more than aesthetics. When your upper and lower teeth don’t line up, your teeth’s cusps can fit together in ways that are detrimental to your long-term oral health. In fact, a misaligned bite is inefficient for chewing, and it can put excessive pressure on a small number of contact points, wearing down the enamel. For those reasons, we recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options, like Invisalign; we don’t want the look, health, or function of your smile to suffer.
Crossbite
If some, but not all, of your bottom teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, then you likely have a crossbite. Like the other bite problems mentioned here, this can place unnecessary pressure on your jaw joint, and it can wear down your teeth’s enamel, potentially leading to cracks or breaks in the future. Also, crossbites can cause you to clench or grind your teeth, causing headaches or jaw pain. Luckily, Invisalign can address these situations and guide your teeth into their optimal position for a healthy bite.
Open Bite
If there is space between your teeth when you bite down, then you may have an open bite. The good news is that Invisalign is great when it comes to fixing overcrowding, spacing issues, as well as problems with a person’s bite. So, the next step toward a healthy, happy, and beautiful smile is simple: schedule a consultation with us to find out if you’re a candidate for clear aligners!
Benefits of Invisalign
Have you ever wondered why Invisalign is so popular? The short answer is that the clear aligners offer a wealth of benefits for both adults and older teens. Some of the most considerable ones include:
Practically Invisible Aligners
Since getting Invisalign is exciting news, it’s only natural that you’ll want to tell your close friends and loved ones you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. In turn, they’ll be keeping an eye out for the aligners. Casual acquaintances and colleagues, on the other hand, may never notice them – they are that clear. Plus, they aren’t bulky and don’t protrude unnaturally, so they won’t draw a lot of attention.
Freedom to Eat Your Favorite Foods
Another reason Invisalign is far more convenient than fixed metal braces is because there aren’t any dietary restrictions. In fact, as long as you slip them out before you eat, you can continue enjoying all your favorite foods! The only thing we ask is that you keep potato chips, candy, and other sugary, starchy, and crunchy snacks to a minimum in an effort to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
You Can Remove the Trays
Do you have an important job interview coming up? Maybe you have a wedding, family reunion, or vacation coming up that you’re really looking forward to. The good news is, as long as you are wearing the trays for 20 to 22 hours each day, you can also feel free to remove them so you continue feeling your most confident! Just make sure that you rinse them with clean, cool water and store them properly.
No Soft Tissue Irritation
Simply put, Invisalign aligners are far more comfortable than metal brackets and wires. Why? To start, they are crafted from smooth, low-profile plastic. Plus, they are custom-made from impressions of your teeth, so they shouldn’t dig in uncomfortably or irritate the soft tissue in your mouth.
Tip: If you feel some discomfort stemming from your aligners, use dental wax!
The Same Beautiful Results with Fewer Visits
Typically, patients with braces need to plan for monthly orthodontic visits. That’s no longer the case. With Invisalign, the progress appointments are spaced out to every six or eight weeks instead. That means you’ll get the same beautiful results with far fewer visits. Furthermore, if you’re on-track with your treatment plan, you’ll probably be in and out of our chair in 20 minutes or less!
Hassle-Free Oral Hygiene
Finally, you won’t have to buy special products or dedicate 30+ minutes to your dental care regimen. In other words, brushing, flossing, and even cleaning your aligners is easy. That makes your life with braces considerably more convenient, and it also reduces the chances of a serious oral health issue developing, like tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
If you know someone who had Invisalign or you’ve spent a lot of time researching clear aligner treatment, then you might already know quite a bit about the teeth-straightening process. But do you know what day-to-day life will look like? If the answer is “no,” then this next section is for you! Below, you’ll find important information on wearing your trays, cleaning your aligners, navigating mealtimes, and more.
Wearing Your Trays
Wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours a day is one of the best ways to ensure you stay on-track with your treatment plan. If you’re not quite sure how to meet this goal each and every day, start by creating a routine. In the process, use the stopwatch on your phone to keep track of your aligner-free time. You can also use other resources to your advantage, like the Invisalign app, to help you see how close or far you are from the mark.
Cleaning Your Aligners
There are a few habits we recommend implementing into your daily routine to keep your aligners clean and clear. The first is rinsing them with clean, cool water each time you take them off. The second is using a damp, soft-bristled toothbrush to remove saliva, food particles, and other debris before putting them back on. Many patients also find it helpful to soak them in a dentist-recommended cleaner while they are eating breakfast or dinner as well.
Eating & Drinking
There’s one rule when it comes to eating and drinking with Invisalign: you need to remove your aligners beforehand. The only exception is water. With everything else, there’s a chance that your trays will warp or stain, leaving them virtually useless and completely noticeable. So, make sure you get in the habit of taking them off, rinsing them with clean, cool water, and storing them properly before eating any meals or snacks.
Losing a Tray
If your aligners aren’t where you thought they were, it’s important that you find them – fast! Each minute that passes increases the risk of treatment plan delays, which you want to avoid. Start by retracing your steps. In the process, look in the center console of your car, in the trash bin, and other “random” places they may have ended up. If you can’t find them, then give us a call so we can determine if it’s safe to move onto the next set of aligners or if replacement trays need to be made.
Routine Check-Ins
Although there are fewer check-in visits with Invisalign, each and every one is important. So, make sure to prioritize them! At these appointments, we take new scans of your teeth, see how they are responding to the aligners, and, if necessary, make adjustments to your treatment plan. We also answer questions, share advice, and provide you with your next batch of trays in the series.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
No two sets of teeth are created equal, and as such, neither are any two costs of Invisalign treatment. The final cost of your treatment could be influenced be several different factors, such as your age, the degree to which your teeth are misaligned, and your dedication to diligently wearing your aligners. Of course, the best way to discover how much you’ll pay for your new smile is to schedule a consultation with us!
Learn More About Invisalign Today!
As your trusted cosmetic dentist in Parker, Dr. Rodney L. Allen is happy to offer clear Invisalign aligners as a treatment for crooked teeth. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our dental office to learn more about this fantastic option! We invite you to request an appointment today.
Invisalign FAQs
How many aligners will I need?
There isn’t any way to determine how many aligners you’ll need without first having your consultation. Dr. Allen will evaluate your orthodontic concerns and discuss your desired results to create a customized plan. Generally, you can expect to need more aligners if your orthodontic issues are complex while a patient who only needs to make minor adjustments will require fewer. Dr. Allen will explain how many aligners you’ll need after mapping the movement of your teeth, and he’ll discuss how long you can expect your treatment to last if you follow your plan.
Is Invisalign painful?
Many patients say Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces because there aren’t any brackets or wires irritating the inside of the lips or cheeks. The aligners are smooth and custom-fit to minimize any discomfort.
In addition, there aren’t any brackets or wires pulling your teeth into position. Instead, your teeth are gradually moved from the constant pressure of the clear aligners. This might cause some pain when beginning your treatment or switching to a new aligner in the series; however, it will dissipate within a couple of days. You can manage it using an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Can teens use Invisalign?
Many teens are choosing Invisalign over traditional braces because the treatment is virtually undetectable. The clear aligners can correct a variety of bite and alignment issues, but your teen will still require a thorough consultation to ensure Invisalign is the right treatment for their individual needs.
Can I eat what I like?
Clear aligners don’t cause dietary restrictions because they aren’t affixed to your teeth. It’s best to take your aligners out when having anything except water to prevent damaging them. Be sure to keep your aligners in their storage case when they aren’t in your mouth and rinse them before wearing them again.
Can I use my dental insurance?
Nowadays, more and more dental insurance companies offer coverage for Invisalign. Although every policy differs, most plans that include orthodontia can be used to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file the necessary claim forms. We’ll explain how your benefits are being used to pay for your coverage and if you owe any out-of-pocket expense.
If you owe a remaining balance, our office accepts a variety of payment options. Besides traditional methods, we also accept third-party financing to help you achieve a healthy, straight smile without draining your wallet.