Invisalign Clear Aligners – Ludlow, MA
The Clear Alternative to Metal Braces
The metal brackets and wires of traditional braces can be inconvenient, to say the least. Brushing and flossing around them often proves difficult, you have to cut several foods out of your diet, and of course, they’re not exactly cosmetically pleasing. However, if your teeth are only slightly misaligned, you may be able to enjoy more freedom and a seamless appearance during your treatment with Invisalign clear aligners. Get in touch with our Ludlow Orthodontics team today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sam Alkhoury to discuss smile alignment with Invisalign clear aligners in Ludlow, MA!
Why Choose Ludlow Orthodontics for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
- 100% Digital Dental Impressions
- Treating Ludlow Smiles for Decades
- Experienced, Gentle Orthodontist
How Invisalign Works
Treatment with Invisalign involves a series of transparent plastic trays called aligners, which are worn for at least 22 hours a day. Each set of aligners shifts a small section of your smile at a time until all of your teeth are perfectly positioned, and you’ll wear a set for a few weeks before switching to the next pair in the series. After your treatment is complete, you’ll have to wear a retainer to keep your teeth from reverting to their old positions and undoing the work of the aligners.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
While severe cases of malocclusion may necessitate traditional braces, Invisalign is capable of addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues. So, if you think that metal brackets and wires are your only option, think again! At your consultation, our talented Ludlow orthodontist will complete a comprehensive oral exam to determine if you’re a candidate. Until then, you can read on to learn more about the orthodontic problems clear aligners can correct.
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding is a common concern that can negatively impact the appearance of your smile as well as your oral health. Luckily, Invisalign is often a solution for patients with mild to moderate cases. If we determine that you’re a good candidate, then we will gently guide your teeth into their properly aligned positions with a series of clear, custom-made aligners. Oftentimes, patients achieve the results they desire in just 12 to 18 months!
Gaps Between Teeth
As patients grow up, they often grow less fond of the gap between their two front teeth. If you’re currently in this position, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us so we can determine if Invisalign is an option! If it is, then we can gradually close the gaps between your teeth, benefiting your oral health, bite, and confidence in the process!
Overbite
Do your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones considerably? If so, you might have an overbite. Like the other orthodontic problems listed here, the look, health, and function of your smile can be negatively impacted, even in mild cases, which is why we don’t recommend waiting to explore your treatment options. If we determine that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, then your braces will be clear, comfortable, and incredibly convenient!
Underbite
Underbites often take a serious toll on a patient’s self-esteem, but that’s not the only reason we recommend seeking treatment. In fact, this bite problem can lead to everything from TMJ dysfunction and chronic jaw pain to trouble chewing properly. That’s why we encourage our patients to explore their orthodontic treatment options, like Invisalign, sooner rather than later.
Crossbite
If some of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones, you may have a crossbite. If it isn’t addressed, it can result in premature wear, chronic teeth grinding, and other complications. Don’t worry though – Invisalign has proven to be effective at correcting mild to moderate cases. So, even if you were told traditional braces were your only option in the past, that may no longer be the case!
Open Bite
Some childhood habits, like thumb-sucking, can negatively impact the alignment of your bite. There is good news: Invisalign has helped more than 17 million people with orthodontic problems, including open bites. So, if there is a space between your upper and lower teeth that’s preventing you from biting down all the way, schedule an Invisalign consultation with us!
The Benefits of Invisalign
Over the last 20+ years, Invisalign has helped more than 12 million patients achieve their smile goals. It continues to be a sought-after teeth-straightening solution for a few important reasons, including:
- Shorter average timelines
- Discreet appearance
- Hassle-free oral hygiene
- No dietary restrictions
- Fewer check-in appointments
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Since Invisalign isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price. Don’t worry – that doesn’t mean that understanding the price is difficult. At your consultation, our Ludlow orthodontist will review your dental history, examine your teeth, gums, and jaw, and learn about your smile goals. From there, we can create a custom treatment plan, provide you with a cost estimate, and review your financial solutions. Want to learn more about the cost of Invisalign before your appointment? Then simply read on!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Each Invisalign treatment is tailored specifically to the patient’s dental needs and smile goals. Therefore, we need to take a few X-rays and conduct an oral exam to determine:
- How severe your misalignment is
- If you need to straighten one or both arches of your teeth
- How many trays are needed to straighten your teeth
- If rubber bands and other orthodontic accessories are needed
These are just a few of the factors that will play a role in the initial cost. Once you begin your treatment, then something else needs to be considered: your compliance with the treatment guidelines. Bad habits like not wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day can result in you falling off-track with your treatment plan, which may require an additional investment. Fortunately, following all of our recommendations can help prevent that from happening to you!
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
You’ve likely heard the saying that “cheaper isn’t always better,” and that’s certainly the case when it comes to mail-order clear aligners. These Invisalign alternatives boast about a lower upfront cost without mentioning that they skip crucial steps of the treatment process and require you to do DIY impressions. Furthermore, there is no mention of the outstanding lawsuits from previous patients who experienced worsened misalignment or the fact that professional organizations, like the American Dental Association, have voiced their distaste. Simply put, even with a cheaper price, mail-order clear aligners aren’t worth your money!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
There are some cases where the answer is “yes.” So, don’t automatically assume the answer is no – check the fine print on your dental plan or reach out to your provider directly! Of course, you can also talk to our team. We’re in-network with many leading PPO dental plans, and we have years of experience maximizing our patients’ benefits.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
With us, “personalized, high-quality treatment” doesn’t mean “expensive.” In fact, we offer our patients several ways to save. In addition to welcoming dental insurance, we’re proud to work with CareCredit, which allows you to break up the cost of your care into low monthly payments. We also offer periodic specials. Although they change, they always are created with one goal in mind: to help lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Invisalign FAQs
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Invisalign Aligners Per Day?
The general guideline is 20-22 hours a day. As you can see, there isn’t much time for eating, drinking coffee, enjoying snacks, and completing your oral hygiene regimen, which is why it’s important to be strategic. Designate a certain amount of time to each and use the stopwatch on your phone for the first few days to make sure you’re meeting the mark. It may take some time to create a schedule that works, but it will be well worth it. After all, the last thing you want is to experience delays, adding weeks or months onto the backend of your treatment in the process.
What Happens at Invisalign Checkups?
Invisalign check-in visits are usually every six or eight weeks, and each and every one is important. In addition to taking updated scans of your teeth to make sure they are moving as anticipated, we will make sure no oral health problems have surfaced, answer any questions you have, and provide you with your next batch of aligners in the series.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
When you put on your first set of aligners, you can expect to experience some soreness. As your teeth adjust, however, the sensation will dissipate before going away entirely. There are also several steps you can take to make any discomfort you experience subside even sooner, like sipping on cool water and avoiding crunchy foods. It’s also helpful to remember that the pressure you feel is a sign that your trays are working!
Who is Not Eligible for Invisalign?
Although Invisalign is incredibly versatile, it’s not for everyone. For example, if your teeth are severely rotated out of position, then you likely need traditional braces instead of clear aligners. The best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with our Ludlow orthodontist, Dr. Alkhoury. That way, he can take a look at the position of your teeth, assess the severity of your case, and determine what your treatment options are.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions with Invisalign?
There aren’t any foods that you need to completely eliminate from your diet, no. There are, however, some that we recommend keeping to a minimum or exercising caution with, like taffy, hard pretzels, and peanut brittle. To keep your oral health in pristine condition and your attachments in place, it’s best to instead fill your meals with nutrient-dense foods that are a bit softer in consistency, like plain yogurt, oatmeal, cooked carrots, and white fish.
How Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Start by rinsing your aligners with clean, cool water each time you take them out to remove saliva and the like. Before you put your trays back on, brush and floss your teeth, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild dishwashing liquid, and water to clean them. Lastly, use the cleaning crystals (or another dentist-approved aligner cleaner) as needed to give them a deeper clean.
