Invisalign® – Needham, MA
Convenient and Discreet Orthodontics
Many adults would like to achieve straighter teeth, but they balk at the idea of getting traditional braces. If that is true of you, we invite you to talk to us about an alternative orthodontic treatment: Invisalign® in Needham. This convenient and discreet option can address most types of dental alignment — without the need for unsightly, uncomfortable brackets and wires. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about Invisalign® or schedule your consultation. We look forward to serving you!
Why Choose Gillis Dental for Invisalign®?
- Experienced and caring team
- Convenient appointment times
- Straighter teeth without the hassles of traditional braces
How Invisalign® Works
If we determine that you are a good candidate for Invisalign®, we will use advanced technology to capture a digital impression of your teeth. Invisalign® will use that impression to manufacture your custom-made clear aligners. You will wear each aligner for 20 – 22 hours each day for about two weeks before you graduate to the next. Each one will apply gentle pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them closer to their ideal positions. After you work your way through all of your aligners, we will provide you with a retainer to prevent your teeth from drifting back out of place.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign can correct most types of mild to moderate dental misalignment, including problems like overcrowding, large gaps, and various types of malocclusions (bad bites). During your consultation, we will examine your teeth and give you our expert thoughts on whether this treatment would be suitable for your unique case. As long as your orthodontic issues are not too severe, there is a good chance that Invisalign will work well for you!
Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are too close together (or you have extra teeth), you are at an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, broken teeth, and other oral health issues. Invisalign, along with possible extractions, can allow each of your teeth to have the space it needs to stay healthy and functional.
Gaps Between Teeth
Large gaps between the teeth may be the result of poor habits during childhood or other factors. Often, this issue is regarded as unsightly, and it may make it easier for the gums to suffer irritation. Invisalign can gradually move the teeth closer together, resulting in a healthier, more attractive smile.
Overbite
A small overbite is normal and healthy, but when the top teeth protrude too far in front of the bottom teeth, problems can result. For example, you might experience uneven dental wear, jaw pain, speech issues, and more. Invisalign can correct many cases of overbite with the help of specialized accessories.
Underbite
Genetics, oral injuries, tumors, and other factors can all contribute to the development of an underbite, an issue wherein the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. Without treatment, an underbite can increase the risk of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and difficulties with chewing and speaking. Invisalign is able to correct many instances of underbite.
Crossbite
If some of the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth, an issue known as a crossbite is present. Without treatment, this problem can contribute to gum disease, jaw pain, headaches, and a range of other issues. Fortunately, Invisalign can often correct crossbites.
Open Bite
When the back top and bottom teeth are touching but there is still a gap between the front teeth, an open bite is present. This issue can affect facial aesthetics and interfere with proper oral function. For example, it can have an impact on speaking and eating. In many cases, Invisalign can be used to address an open bite.
The Benefits of Invisalign®
Some of the most outstanding benefits of Invisalign® include:
- The aligners are barely noticeable
- Because the aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you like and enjoy easy oral hygiene
- There are no metal parts to irritate the soft tissues in your mouth
- Invisalign® checkups with your dentist in Needham usually take just a few minutes
- On average, Invisalign® is faster than traditional braces
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Once you get your Invisalign aligners (sometimes called Invisalign trays), you will need to make a few adjustments to your routine. While some of the necessary changes might seem inconvenient at first, it should not be long before they become almost automatic for you. These good habits will support the success of your treatment, help you avoid unnecessary delays, and reduce the risk of oral health problems. Here are some specific guidelines that you should adhere to throughout your time with Invisalign:
Wearing Your Trays
You should be committed to wearing your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day. Failure to do so can slow down your treatment — remember, Invisalign only works when you are using it! As a general rule of thumb, your aligners should only be out of your mouth when you are eating, drinking anything other than plain water, or attending to your oral hygiene needs.
Each set of aligners should be worn for 1 – 2 weeks before you graduate to the next trays in your series.
Cleaning Your Aligners
In addition to rinsing your aligners after meals before replacing them in your mouth, you should thoroughly clean them at least once a day. Use lukewarm water (not hot!) and clear, mild soap. A soft toothbrush can help you clean your aligners’ nooks and crannies. Invisalign even sells specialty cleaning products that you can use to keep your aligners in good shape. While your aligners are out of your mouth, you should thoroughly brush and floss your teeth.
Eating & Drinking
While your aligners are in your mouth, the only thing you should consume is plain water. However, Invisalign does not come with any dietary restrictions. As long as your aligners are out of your mouth at mealtimes, you should feel free to eat anything you want. Just be sure to store your aligners securely while you eat and thoroughly clean your mouth before placing them back on your teeth. You do not want to accidentally trap bacteria or food particles against your enamel!
Losing or Damaging a Tray
If you lose a tray or one of them becomes so damaged that it is no longer usable, call our office. We might advise you to return to wearing a previous aligner while we order a new one to replace the one that can no longer be used. In other instances, we might tell you to move onto your next aligner a bit early.
Routine Check-Ins
We usually recommend Invisalign checkups every 4 – 8 weeks (depending on the details of your unique treatment plan). These visits usually last just 15 minutes or so. We will check on your progress, answer any questions that you may have, and provide the next set of aligners in your series. From time to time, we have to make minor adjustments to a patient’s treatment, which could mean that we will have to take new impressions and order new aligners.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign®
The cost of Invisalign® in Needham depends on the severity of your dental misalignment, how many aligners you will need, and a few other factors. We will provide you with a price estimate during your initial consultation. In some cases, insurance covers part of the cost of Invisalign®, and most patients qualify for low-interest financing. Although Invisalign® presents a significant investment, the benefits to your oral health and appearance make it a wise use of money!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign®
Some of the primary factors that influence the price of Invisalign® include:
- How many aligners you will need. Logically, more complex dental misalignment will require more time and take more aligners to correct.
- Whether you are straightening one dental arch or both. Usually, straightening both the upper and lower teeth costs more than just correcting one or the other.
- How well you comply with treatment. If you accidentally lose or damage an aligner, you might have to pay for a replacement. If you neglect to wear your aligners as much as recommended, it can extend your treatment timeline and increase your overall costs.
Invisalign® vs. Mail-Order Clear Aligners: Which Costs More?
Mail-order and DIY clear aligners are more popular than ever. They typically cost around $2,000 for start to finish treatment, which in many cases makes them at least $1,000 less expensive than Invisalign®.
Do not let an attractive price tag stop you from considering what you are getting for your money. With DIY aligners, you do not get to enjoy the personal support of a professional dental team. With some systems, you might even have to take your own dental impressions, and even a small error while doing so could lead to unsatisfactory treatment results.
With Invisalign®, on the other hand, you get to take advantage of a tried-and-true clear aligner treatment. You will have the support of a local dental team during every stage of your orthodontic journey. Plus, the aligners are made out of a patented material that is designed both for comfort and precise tooth movements (as opposed to the basic plastic used in most DIY treatments).
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign®?
Some dental insurance policies include a lifetime orthodontic maximum, which may or may not be applicable to Invisalign® in Needham. Our team will verify your benefits and let you know if you can use them to lower your out-of-pocket costs for your treatment. We will also be happy to file claims on your behalf. If your insurance does not cover Invisalign®, you might choose to use your FSA or HSA to pay for part or all of it.
Options for Making Invisalign® Affordable
As your Invisalign® dentist in Needham, we offer a few provisions that may make it easier for you to manage the cost of your treatment:
- CareCredit is a third-party lender that offers low-interest and no-interest payment plans for dental services. Most patients who apply get approved for credit.
- Money-saving offers. We offer a FREE initial Invisalign® consultation. If you decide to move forward with treatment, you can get started for as little as $999.
The team at Gillis Dental is ready to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate the financial aspect of your care.
Invisalign® FAQs
Invisalign® in Needham is one of the most convenient ways to straighten teeth. If you are ready to take advantage of this treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. However, if you want more information before you visit us, we understand. Below, you will find succinct answers to some frequently asked questions about Invisalign®. If you would like further explanation on anything you see here, give us a call. Our team looks forward to speaking with you.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
On average, it takes about 12 months for Invisalign® to complete its work. However, your case could require significantly more or less time — it depends on your specific circumstances. Some patients, particularly those with very mild misalignment, need to wear Invisalign® for just 6 months. Other individuals require treatment that spans for 18 months or longer. Although 18 months may seem like a long time, it is still shorter than the length of time you might have to spend with traditional metal braces, which can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?
Invisalign® aligners are constructed out of a high-quality, patented plastic material. It is smooth, thin, and designed for precise tooth movements. It has no metal parts to irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, and the edges of aligners are smoothed out to rest easily against the gums. Therefore, you can expect Invisalign® to be as comfortable as possible.
However, keep in mind that orthodontic treatment uses pressure to move the teeth. Naturally, this can cause some soreness, particularly when you switch to a new aligner. You can minimize discomfort by taking pain relievers, sipping on cool water, and transitioning to a new aligner at night (so you can sleep through the initial part of the adjustment period).
What Happens After Invisalign®?
Once you complete your series of aligners, we will verify your results. Then, your cosmetic dentist in Needham will provide you with a retainer, a small oral appliance that is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting back out of place. At first, you should wear the retainer full-time (20 – 22 hours each day). Later, you might be able to progress to using it only at night.
It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of using your retainer. Without it, your teeth can quickly shift out of place, undoing your hard work with Invisalign®.
What if My Invisalign® Broke?
If the damage is minor (for example, if you notice some hairline cracks), you might be able to continue wearing your aligner. You will just have to take extra care when you are taking it in and out of your mouth. If the damage is more severe, do not attempt DIY repairs. Instead, give our office a call. We might advise you to wear a previous aligner until we can order a replacement for the one that is no longer functional. It is also possible that we will give you the go ahead to move on to your next aligner a few days early.