No matter what your age is, it’s never too late to straighten your teeth and address orthodontic issues like bite misalignment. By undergoing Invisalign at Arrowhead Dentistry, you can improve your oral and overall wellbeing by eliminating nooks and crannies that plaque and food debris like to hide in. To learn whether you’re a good candidate for this discreet treatment, feel free to schedule a consultation at our dental office so we can discuss Invisalign in Glendale, AZ!
Unlike traditional metal braces which uses brackets and arch wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into their correct positions. Each set of trays will be used for about two weeks before switching to your next group. Since every collection of aligners will continue your progress, you won’t need to visit as frequently for adjustments like with traditional braces. Instead, you’ll simply visit your dentist every six weeks to pick up your next set of trays and to ensure your treatment runs smoothly.
If you are experiencing mild to moderate orthodontic issues, then you can most likely benefit from Invisalign treatment. By wearing your series of clear aligners, you can expect to correct a wide range of complications, from crooked teeth to an open bite. Of course, you’ll need to undergo an initial consultation with Dr. Upton so that he can evaluate your smile and determine if this treatment is the best solution for you. Until then, here are several orthodontic issues Invisalign can effectively fix.
Invisalign can help you if it feels like it is too crowded in your mouth. This can also make it difficult to properly brush and floss your teeth, as some areas can be harder to reach than others. Clear aligners are designed to apply pressure to specific parts of your smile, eventually shifting them into a straighter position.
Not only can spaces between your teeth feel unappealing, but they can also put you at risk of cavities and gum infections. Foods and debris can become trapped in the gaps easily, allowing decay to occur as well as bad breath. Invisalign can help gradually move your pearly whites closer together while improving their alignment, making it easier to avoid minor oral health issues.
Otherwise known as an overjet, an overbite is when the upper teeth jut out further from the lower ones when closing your mouth. This can raise the risk of certain complications, including speech difficulties, uneven wear and tear on your enamel, and jaw discomfort. In some cases, Invisalign aligners can help correct this issue by shifting the lower jaw so that it sits in proper alignment with the upper arch.
If your bottom teeth rest in front of your top teeth, then you likely have an underbite. This can increase your chances of developing several kinds of problems, such as chronic mouth breathing, trouble chewing and speaking, obstructive sleep apnea, and TMJ disorder. By wearing Invisalign along with elastic bands, we may be able to correct the position of the lower jaw.
A crossbite happens whenever some of your bottom pearly whites sit in front of your upper ones, creating an uneven bite. If left unaddressed, you might have an increased chance of developing issues like gum disease, dental decay, teeth breakage, and more. With Invisalign, you can gradually shift your upper and lower teeth into proper alignment, making your smile more uniform and easier to brush and floss.
An open bite is when your front teeth still have an open space between the lower and upper arches even when biting down. Without treatment, this can end up resulting in problems like excessive wear and tear on your molars as well as trouble speaking. Our team can use Invisalign and other attachments to help correct your bite so that the top and bottom teeth can properly meet when you close your mouth.
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a clear alternative to traditional braces because it offers many unique advantages. Instead of relying on bulky brackets and wires to straighten your smile, Dr. Upton at Arrowhead Dentistry can provide transparent plastic aligners that fit snuggly over your teeth to shift them instead.
Continue reading to learn about the many benefits of undergoing treatment utilizing these transparent trays, and feel free to contact us for more information.
You might think of your crooked smile as a largely aesthetic frustration, but the truth is that overcrowded and gapped teeth can hurt your dental health. They’re more likely to trap food and attract disease-inducing bacteria. Plus, it’s harder to brush and floss all surfaces if they overlap, increasing your vulnerability to tooth decay and gum disease.
Traditional orthodontics are notoriously tricky to clean and often require specially designed brushes to reach around the metal material. However, Invisalign is removable, so it’s easier to maintain your at-home dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice daily.
Standard orthodontics are notoriously uncomfortable because the sharp corners and wire ends can poke the tender tissues inside your mouth to cause cuts or sores. Fortunately, the smooth plastic material of your Invisalign won’t cause the same damage.
Although any treatment that exerts enough pressure over your teeth to move them has the potential to cause aches, the clear trays are considered less painful than braces.
Another reason many patients choose this method is because the trays are removable. Unlike braces, which are bonded to your enamel throughout your treatment, this option is meant to be worn 20 to 22 hours daily. You can remove your orthodontics for cleanings and meals, meaning there are no dietary restrictions.
Invisalign doesn’t impact your lifestyle and routines like standard braces, so it’s considered less invasive.
One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and awkward wires and brackets tend to draw the wrong kind of attention. If you’re worried about being judged or bullied for changes to your appearance, Invisalign might be the ideal solution to reposition your teeth.
The aligners are completely transparent so your natural teeth can shine through, allowing you to show off your grin as it’s upgraded. It will be noticeably straighter within a few short weeks!
Some patients hesitate to proceed with elected treatments that improve their looks, but realigning your smile can increase your quality of life in several ways. For example, did you know those with dental problems are less likely to be employed?
Your dental condition communicates a lot about you. When you look and feel like the best version of yourself, others will likely notice your boosted confidence. This can lead to better professional opportunities, deeper relationships, and more fulfilling social activities.
Another advantage of choosing Invisalign is that the follow-up appointments are much less intensive. Instead of using the time to reattach loose brackets or adjust wire tension, Dr. Upton will check to ensure your teeth are shifting as intended. If everything looks good, he’ll provide the next set of trays in your series you’ll be required to wear. These visits will occur roughly every four to eight weeks and can often be as quick as 15 to 30 minutes.
Since there isn’t a flat fee for Invisalign, the cost of your treatment will mostly be determined after we’ve examined your teeth at your initial consultation. Some factors that will influence your expenses include the severity of your orthodontic issues, your age, and your oral health. However, you’ll always get an estimated price of the treatment before you decide to begin. Read on or give our team a call if you’d like to learn more today about the cost of Invisalign in Glendale!
Every smile is different, so the overall price of Invisalign should vary considerably depending on a few important factors. Some of these aspects include:
Other clear aligner treatments like SmileDirectClub™ are becoming more popular in recent years. Those who are on a budget may be tempted to get these alternative methods due to their convenience. While SmileDirectClub™ generally costs about $2,000, Invisalign can range anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000.
Although DIY aligner companies may offer more affordable treatment, they also have little to no oversight from dental professionals. This means plenty can go wrong during the process, which can lead to problems that will require professional help anyway. With Invisalign, you can expect personalized support from our team as you straighten your smile. Your process will also be smoother and more comfortable overall, which many patients find to be worth every penny.
Some dental insurance companies offer coverage for orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. If you have a plan with an insurance provider, then be sure to double-check the details in your benefits. They can help you determine if reducing your out-of-pocket expenses is possible, making your treatment more affordable. Our team can also help you in this process so you can understand your coverage and how to make the most of your benefits.
If you don’t have dental insurance, then we can offer alternative payment plans to help make your expenses easier to manage. These options include:
The length of your orthodontic treatment can depend on a wide variety of factors, and many patients who are adults don’t want to have to wear their aligners for any longer than necessary. Propel is a special device that helps break down the bone that’s holding your teeth in their crooked position by making small, pinhole-like spots around your teeth. These can increase how quickly your teeth move during Invisalign, and in some cases, patients can reduce their treatment time by up to 50 percent!
If you’re interested in getting Invisalign, feel free to schedule a consultation with us today! We will be happy to discuss your dental goals and treatment plan.
It depends. On average, it takes 12-18 months to finish treatment. However, every patient has unique smile circumstances, and several factors affect the amount of time it takes to achieve your desired results, such as the severity of your misalignment and your commitment to the treatment plan. People with mild orthodontic issues can expect to finish up in as soon as six months! If you have a more severe case of dental misalignment, you can expedite the process by visiting your cosmetic dentist in Glendale regularly and diligently following treatment instructions.
The best part about Invisalign is that there are no dietary restrictions while you undergo treatment. Since the clear aligners are removable, all you must do is take them out before you eat. Otherwise, you risk damaging the aligners, causing cracks and stains. It also places unnecessary pressure on your teeth. That said, you should always take out your plastic trays and store them in a safe place before eating or drinking anything that’s not water.
Once you’ve completed the last aligners in the series, you’ll visit your dentist to verify the results. They will ensure your teeth are in the desired, straight position before briefing you on what maintenance for your newly aligned smile will look like. Post-treatment will begin with wearing a retainer. These are designed to be much more comfortable to wear than those in the past, and you’ll usually get to choose between wire retainers and clear plastic ones that look similar to Invisalign. Based on your specific needs, your dentist will recommend how often you’ll need to wear your retainer. Usually, you’ll start wearing it full time before gradually decreasing to only wearing it at night.
Designed with transparent plastic, Invisalign clear aligners are visible when outside of the mouth, but incredibly hard to detect once worn. With proper maintenance, patients can keep their aligners clean, clear, and discreet. Unlike traditional braces that require brackets and wires, Invisalign’s predictable clear aligners allow patients to achieve straight teeth without compromising their appearance. In some cases, patients may require attachments, buttons, or elastics that help during the alignment process. These items are not made of clear plastic and sometimes are more visible than the rest of the aligners.