Invisalign® Clear Braces – Lakewood, CO
Straighten Your Smile Without Drawing Attention to It
For whatever reason, you didn’t wear braces in high school. Now that you’re an adult, you’re self-conscious of your crooked teeth but you don’t want to deal with the awkward appearance of braces. If only there were a way to straighten your smile without drawing attention to it! Fortunately, there is – with Invisalign. Rather than uncomfortable metal brackets and wires, Invisalign in Lakewood uses clear, comfortable aligner trays to help you attain a beautifully straight smile. To learn more about this revolutionary treatment and whether it’s right for you, contact Lakewood Complete Dentistry today!
Why Choose Lakewood Complete Dentistry for Invisalign?
- Dentist with Advanced Training in Orthodontics
- Treatment Personalized to Meet Your Unique Needs
- Straighten Your Teeth Without Any Metal
How Invisalign Works
The Invisalign process begins with Dr. Vinnie capturing impressions of your teeth, which are then used to create multiple sets of custom-made plastic aligners. Each set exerts a gentle pressure on a small section of your smile until all of your pearly whites have reached their ideal position. You’ll wear each pair for two or three weeks before switching to the next one. Throughout the course of your treatment, you’ll still need to visit us every six weeks or so. However, these appointments should be much shorter than they would be with braces; all we’ll do is evaluate your progress and give you your next few pairs of aligners.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Whether you’re struggling with minor gaps between your teeth or extreme overcrowding, you should schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Lakewood. That way, they can examine the position of your teeth and the alignment of your bite to definitively tell you whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few orthodontic problems Invisalign can often correct.
Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are overcrowded, crooked, or overlapping, then food particles, bacteria, and plaque can easily get trapped between them. Since the bristles of your toothbrush and your floss also have a harder time cleaning the unique crevices, you’re at an increased risk of developing cavities and gum infections too. Fortunately, Invisalign gradually spaces your teeth out more evenly, improving both the health and the aesthetics of your smile.
Gaps Between Teeth
As we touched on in the previous section, misaligned teeth can result in bits of food getting trapped between your teeth. This can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and several other issues. Before you get discouraged, Invisalign can close the spaces, improving the alignment of your bite in the process. One of the biggest perks is that the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months, and you can watch the entire process thanks to the see-through aligners!
Overbite
An overbite is when your upper teeth protrude beyond your bottom teeth. While a mild case is normal, more severe cases can result in numerous problems – from jaw pain and improper chewing patterns to slurred speech and premature wear on your teeth. The good news is that we can add orthodontic accessories to your clear aligner treatment, like buttons and rubber bands, to improve both the alignment of your teeth and the alignment of your bite.
Underbite
An underbite is when the opposite is present: the bottom teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. In addition to having aesthetic drawbacks, there are drawbacks to the health and function of your smile. That’s why it’s important to pursue orthodontic treatment. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then we will use the clear aligners to gently guide your teeth and your bite into their proper positions.
Crossbite
A crossbite is when your top and bottom teeth don’t come together properly. This bite problem can place pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Plus, it increases your likelihood of jaw clenching and teeth grinding, which can wear down or even fracture your teeth. Luckily, Invisalign can correct mild bite alignment issues, including crossbites.
Open Bite
Another common orthodontic problem is an open bite. This is when your upper teeth and lower teeth don’t meet. Although this may not seem like much of an issue, the uneven pressure distribution can result in premature wear. Furthermore, there’s a chance that your bite patterns aren’t ideal. So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to see if your open bite can be addressed with Invisalign!
Benefits of Invisalign
Wondering why millions and millions of patients around the world have chosen Invisalign over other orthodontic treatments? Well, there isn’t just one reason; there are several! Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy when you straighten your teeth with Invisalign instead of traditional braces:
Smooth, Custom-Made Aligners
Patients often focus on how noticeable traditional braces are. However, they can also be quite uncomfortable! Fortunately, Invisalign doesn’t use metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. To address overcrowding, noticeable gaps, and bite problems, a series of custom aligners are made from smooth plastic, making this discreet orthodontic treatment considerably more comfortable.
Discreet Trays
Since your aligners are see-through, they won’t draw unwanted attention to your smile. In fact, unless someone knows exactly what they’re looking for, they shouldn’t be able to notice the aligners when you’re wearing them! The key to keeping them stain-free is taking good care of them and your teeth. So, make sure you’re brushing consistently and cleaning your trays after each meal.
Better Dental Hygiene
Speaking of brushing your teeth, you won’t have to worry about buying special oral hygiene products or adopting a cumbersome dental care regimen. You can brush and floss like you normally would with Invisalign since the trays are removable! Of course, you will need to start doing so after each meal to prevent tooth decay or stubborn stains from developing, so consider keeping an on-the-go dental care kit with you.
Fewer Follow-Ups
With traditional braces, you need to plan for adjustment appointments every four weeks or so. With Invisalign, we give you several sets of aligners at a time, allowing you to progress through your treatment plan on your own. Every six weeks or so, you’ll come in so we can make sure your teeth are tracking. If they are, we will send you on your way with your next batch of aligners. If they aren’t, then we will need to adjust your treatment plan slightly to prevent considerable delays.
No Dietary Restrictions
To avoid broken brackets, loose wires, and other orthodontic emergencies, patients with traditional braces are asked to steer clear of crunchy foods, including whole apples, popcorn, and tortilla chips. Because the aligners are removable, those restrictions don’t apply to patients with Invisalign.
Quicker Average Treatment Timeline
Arguably one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that most patients finish their treatment in 12-18 months. By contrast, conventional braces often take 24-36 months. The best way to stay on track with your treatment plan is by making an active effort to wear your trays for 20+ hours a day, switching to each new set in the series at the correct time, and prioritizing your check-in appointments at our office.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Realigning your teeth may be something you’ve wanted to do for a long time, but we understand that questions about the price tag may be holding you back. At Lakewood Complete Dentistry, we want you to know all the facts about the cost of treatment before you make a decision for your smile.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Every patient has a unique smile, and treatment is customized according to their needs. As a result, the cost varies depending on the following:
- The severity of your teeth’s misalignment. Obviously, the more severe your case is, the longer your treatment will be to correct it, and the more it’ll cost.
- Whether both arches are being treated. Usually, both upper and lower teeth have aligners throughout treatment, but that is not always the case.
- Your compliance with treatment instructions. If you do not follow Dr. Artino’s directions or come for your check-in appointments, your timeline and your potential cost could increase.
Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
If your main priority in straightening your teeth is the price, Smile Direct Club™ may save you money overall. However, it is a system that you manage on your own. Although your treatment is initially planned by a licensed dental professional, you perform the impression, and the process has very little or even no oversight. With Invisalign at Lakewood Complete Dentistry, Dr. Artino supervises every step, meaning that your impressions will be accurate and that you can stay on track.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
In some cases, yes. Many insurance plans have orthodontic coverage, but while not all of these plans include Invisalign treatment, some do! Because insurance can be confusing to decipher on your own, our knowledgeable team can happily look through your plan and explain your benefits. We will do our best to help you maximize your benefits to keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.
Options for Making Invisalign More Affordable
We believe that a confident, healthy smile should fit in anyone’s budget. That’s why we make it much easier to afford treatment, whether you have dental insurance or not. To manage your out-of-pocket costs, we are happy to finance treatment with CareCredit to break up the total into easier monthly payments.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Before you sign on the dotted line, do you want to learn more about life with Invisalign? If so, this next section is for you! Below, we’re covering everything from why it’s important to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day to what to do if you accidentally misplace them.
Wearing Your Trays
Since the aligners aren’t bonded to your teeth, it’s up to you to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. The easiest way to meet this goal is to only take them out when absolutely necessary, like before you eat. It’s also a good idea to track your wear time with the Invisalign app or the timer on your phone. That way, you have the highest chance of staying on-track with your treatment plan.
Cleaning Your Aligners
You really only need two things to clean your aligners: a soft-bristled toothbrush and some clean, lukewarm water. With that said, your trays may discolor, especially if you have to wear them longer than expected. If that happens, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit! All you need to do is dissolve them in a clean container filled with water, and then allow your trays to soak in the mixture.
Eating & Drinking
Since you’ll be removing your trays before eating, you really don’t need to eliminate anything from your diet. Of course, you should still exercise caution with extremely hard and crunchy foods since they can cause an attachment to come loose or a tooth to chip. We also encourage patients to keep their intake of sugary and starchy foods to a minimum since they are the leading causes of tooth decay.
Losing Or Damaging A Tray
Losing or damaging a tray can be stressful. To avoid treatment plan delays, it’s best to call us right away if one or both of your aligners break. If you are having trouble finding your trays, then quickly retrace your steps first. Many patients end up finding theirs in “odd” places, like the center console of their car, so make sure to look in random nooks and crannies too. If you still can’t find them, give us a call.
Routine Check-Ins
It’s important that you come into our office every six to eight weeks so we can take updated scans. This allows us to monitor the movement of your teeth and, if they aren’t tracking properly, make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. If everything looks good, then we will simply give you your next set of aligners – the entire process should take only 15 minutes or so!
Invisalign FAQs
If you’re looking for the easiest, most convenient way to straighten your smile without drawing attention to it, look no further than Invisalign in Lakewood! This unique orthodontic treatment takes a completely different approach to correcting crooked teeth and bite problems than traditional metal braces. For your convenience, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about Invisalign so you can learn more about it. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!
Does Wearing Invisalign Aligners Hurt?
Since Invisalign aligners don’t have any metal wires and brackets, you can expect a much more comfortable straightening experience when compared to traditional braces. However, any orthodontic issue is bound to cause some discomfort as it shifts your teeth into position, and that includes Invisalign. It’s normal to experience some soreness when first starting a new set of aligners, but it should be minimal and easy to manage. Generally, it will fade away on its own within a few days, but you can help it along by taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed or applying an ice pack.
What Foods Do I Need to Avoid During My Invisalign Treatment?
Unlike metal braces that require you to adhere to a restricted diet, you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods or drinks during your Invisalign treatment! Just take your aligners out, enjoy your meal, snack, or beverage, and then give your teeth a quick brush before popping your aligners back into place. Remember, whenever you’re not wearing your aligners, they should be stored in their case so you don’t accidentally leave them behind or throw them away!
How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for Every Day?
It might seem obvious, but your aligners only work if you wear them. They’re specifically designed to place different amounts of pressure in just the right places of your mouth. The constant gentle pressure is what helps move them into place and stay there. If you don’t wear your aligners enough, your teeth may begin to shift out of position, which could increase the length and cost of your treatment! So be sure you’re wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours every single day.
How Are Invisalign Aligners Cleaned?
Thanks to their removable nature, Invisalign aligners make it easy to keep your smile clean throughout your treatment. Instead of awkwardly trying to brush and floss around metal wires and brackets, you can simply take out your Invisalign aligners and clean your teeth just as easily as you always have. It’s important to keep your aligners clean as well so they don’t become discolored. Make sure to rinse them off every morning and night and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. There are also plenty of Invisalign cleaning systems and solutions that can help keep your smile fresh and sparkling.
Can I Get Invisalign If I’ve Had Metal Braces Before?
Just because you had metal braces earlier in life doesn’t automatically mean that your teeth are still straight now, especially if you neglected to wear your retainer. Thankfully, Invisalign is a great choice for anyone facing mild to moderate orthodontic issues. There’s a good chance that it can help you regain your beautifully straight smile! However, you’ll need to come in for a consultation to ensure that Invisalign is the most effective way to help you get the results you’re looking for.
It’s never been easier to get a straighter smile! Give us a call today to schedule your consultation and discover if Invisalign is right for you.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can! However, there is a “but;” you need to remove your aligners first. If you don’t, then your trays will quickly discolor. You may even be vulnerable to enamel erosion since any lingering residue will be trapped against your teeth for hours on end (or until the next time you brush your teeth). Simply put, the idea that you can simply use a straw is a myth. In reality, the only beverage you can drink with your aligners in is plain water.
How Can I Ease New Aligner Discomfort?
Sometimes, just knowing that the discomfort is actually a good thing is helpful enough. After all, it means that your teeth are moving in the right direction! If you’re struggling with more significant soreness, however, you may be looking for something a bit more powerful. First, we recommend switching to each new set of trays at night. That way, you sleep through the time when your teeth are moving the most. It’s also helpful to sip on cool water, place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, avoid crunchy foods, and take an OTC pain reliever.
What Should I Do If I Lose an Aligner?
First, do your best to retrace your steps. Remember, your aligners may have fallen into a random crevice, like the space between your couch cushions, so be very careful in this process. Similarly, you may have left them in a spot you might not think to look, like the refrigerator, the pockets of the pants you wore earlier, or the center console in your car.
If you’ve done your best to find your aligners but aren’t having any luck, then call our Lakewood dental office. From there, we can determine how to proceed in a way that creates little-to-no delay to your treatment plan.
What Happens After My Invisalign Treatment?
At the end of your Invisalign treatment, we’ll remove any attachments you have, take the “after” photos, and give you your retainer. Of course, we will also give you detailed instructions on how often to wear it and how to take care of it so it lasts as long as possible.
Remember, roughly 50% of patients experience orthodontic relapse, and wearing your retainer will significantly reduce the chances of that happening to you. So, make sure to wear it consistently!
Who Isn’t a Candidate for Invisalign?
Naturally, clear aligner treatment isn’t for everyone. One example is if your case of malocclusion is especially complex or severe. Similarly, any existing oral health issues – from a small cavity to advanced gum disease – need to be treated before getting braces. At your initial consultation, we will assess your oral health and existing orthodontic concerns to determine if you’re a good candidate.