Invisalign® Clear Braces – Cumming, GA

Crowded Teeth

Do your teeth overlap? Even if it’s relatively minor, it’s worth scheduling a consultation with us to see if we can use a custom series of clear aligners to guide your teeth into proper alignment. This will result in considerable improvements to your self-esteem as well as your oral health since the crevices between your teeth are difficult to clean if they are crowded together.

Gaps Between Teeth

Spaced out teeth also pose a risk to your oral health since food particles and other debris can get trapped inside. There are other concerns with this orthodontic problem as well, including premature wear and tear on certain teeth. For that reason, we recommend finding out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, we’ll use a custom series of clear aligners to gently (and discreetly) guide your teeth into proper alignment.

Overbite

A slight overbite is completely normal. A significant overbite, however, isn’t. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’re struggling with this orthodontic problem, even if it seems minor. At your consultation, we can determine if Invisalign can effectively guide your bite into proper alignment and, if it can, we’ll create a custom treatment plan to do so.

Underbite

As you may already know, an underbite is when your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth. Even minor cases of this orthodontic issue can result in considerable consequences, including TMJ dysfunction and chronic jaw pain. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to see if Invisalign is the answer you’ve been looking for. If it is, then we will use the clear aligners and other orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, to improve the look, health, and function of your smile.

Crossbite

Essentially, a crossbite is a mixture of an overbite and underbite: when some of your top teeth sit in front of your bottom teeth and vice versa. Like the other orthodontic problems on this list, this can negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile. There is some good news though: Invisalign has helped patients with crossbites in the past. So, take the next step toward a healthier, happier smile today by scheduling a consultation!

Open Bite

Open bites are often the result of genetics or a childhood habit, like thumb-sucking. Don’t worry – braces can bring your teeth and your bite into proper alignment, improving your confidence and overall quality of life in the process. If you’re interested in finding out if you’re a candidate for clear aligners, then reach out to our orthodontic team today to schedule an appointment!

Improved Comfort

Invisalign trays are custom-made from smooth, flexible plastic, ensuring a comfortable fit for your teeth and gums. Unlike metal braces, they won’t irritate or indent the inside of your mouth. You’ll also have the option of removing your aligners when eating, brushing, or flossing, making Invisalign a more comfortable orthodontic system overall.

Discreet Trays

One of the most appealing benefits of Invisalign is its virtually invisible design. The clear trays are barely noticeable, making them ideal for adults and teens who want to avoid unwanted attention while straightening their teeth. With Invisalign, you can smile confidently throughout your treatment without worrying about brackets and wires giving you a “metal mouth.”

Better Dental Hygiene

Traditional braces can be difficult to clean without special tools. However, with Invisalign, keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is easy! Simply remove your aligners to brush and floss normally, ensuring that food particles and plaque don’t stick around. This reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease, keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment!

Quick Follow-Ups

Another fantastic benefit of Invisalign is how it respects your time. On average, clear aligners require fewer and shorter dental visits compared to traditional braces. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled every four to six weeks to check your progress and receive your new aligners. These quick check-ins allow you to stay on track without digging into your busy schedule.

Boosted Self-Confidence

It’s no secret that a straighter smile can boost your self-confidence, and Invisalign allows you to achieve that transformation unbeknownst to anyone! In fact, many patients say they feel more comfortable smiling during their treatment, knowing that their aligners won’t be noticed. Our team loves hearing firsthand how Invisalign can positively impact our patients’ self-esteem.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Invisalign doesn’t require any special tools, shaping, metal wires, or brackets. The treatment process is simple and comfortable, making it a great option for patients who want to avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional braces. With Invisalign, the treatment conforms to your lifestyle, not the other way around.

If you’re ready to experience the positive power of Invisalign, don’t wait. Call our team at Serenity Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation!

Wearing Your Trays

To stay on-track with your Invisalign treatment plan, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. Although two hours might seem like plenty of “free time,” it’s less than you think when you tally up the time needed to eat and complete your oral hygiene regimen. That’s why we encourage our patients to use the Invisalign app; it has a built-in timer that makes tracking your wear time easy!

Cleaning Your Aligners

Cleaning your aligners consistently is key. If you don’t, then your once-clear aligners will start to look yellow! We recommend keeping it simple. First, rinse your trays with clean, lukewarm water each time you remove them. Then, use some water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface after you’re done eating. You can also use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit!

Eating & Drinking

As we touched on above, you need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. When you do, store them safely in their case instead of placing them on the table or wrapping them in a napkin. We also should mention here the importance of eating a well-balanced diet that’s filled with nutrient-dense foods – you need to keep your teeth and gums decay and infection-free!

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Good habits, like placing your trays in their case when you aren’t using them, can prevent you from losing or damaging them. Of course, accidents sometimes happen. If you find yourself with a damaged aligner, or you can’t seem to find yours at all, don’t panic. Instead, call our orthodontist as soon as you can. From there, we’ll determine what the next step is.

Routine Check-Ins

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll come in every six weeks or so to meet with one of our dedicated orthodontists. These routine check-ins are crucial because they allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth. If we need to make any changes to your treatment plan, we can. Or, we can answer any questions you have, give you your next round of aligners, and send you on your way! Either way, these appointments should be relatively quick, so they can easily fit into even the most hectic schedules.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign can vary from person to person based on a few different factors, such as:

• How many aligners you need. If your teeth are severely misaligned, you will likely need more time – and more aligners – to achieve a straight smile.
• Whether you’re straightening one arch or both. Straightening both the upper and lower teeth, which is what most people do, usually costs more than straightening just one or the other.
• Your compliance with treatment. If you take your aligners out often, this will delay your results.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Many patients ask us if Smile Direct Club is a good alternative to Invisalign clear braces. The truth is, if you’re just looking for a “quick fix” for your smile at the lowest cost possible, then Smile Direct Club wins. While Invisalign typically costs anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000, Smile Direct Club costs closer to $2,000.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Smile Direct Club is a “do it yourself” clear aligner kit. If you go the DIY route, you will have little to NO oversight from a dental professional. It will likely be up to you and you alone to make accurate impressions and correctly follow the treatment process. Plenty could go wrong, which could lead to serious issues for your smile that need to be corrected by a professional anyway.

With Invisalign in Cumming, you have the trusted oversight of Dr. Podray and Dr. Lewis every step of the way, professionally made, highly accurate impressions, and a smoother, more successful treatment process overall. If you want the peace of mind of a quality cosmetic service, the cost is worth it.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans do not include coverage for traditional metal braces or Invisalign treatment. However, there are exceptions! If you are interested in straightening your teeth with Invisalign, check with your insurance company to confirm your coverage. If you would like help understanding your dental insurance benefits, our knowledgeable team will be happy to assist you! In addition, if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can likely use it to help cover the cost of Invisalign.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Even if your insurance does not cover Invisalign, there are plenty of ways to afford clear braces. For example, qualified patients can sign up for CareCredit, a trusted dental financing organization. CareCredit allows patients to break down the cost of Invisalign treatment into manageable monthly payments. Their plans often come with low or no interest and can be customized to fit within your budget.

We also offer in-house financing right here at Serenity Orthodontics, including interest-free financial payments plans. If you want to learn more about financing options, flexible spending accounts bank drafts, and credit card payments, just let us know! Our Invisalign dentists in Cumming will gladly go over treatment costs with you and explain all your payment options.

Does Wearing Invisalign Aligners Hurt?

Unlike traditional braces that utilize metal brackets and wires, Invisalign’s clear aligners are custom-made from a single piece of smooth, biocompatible plastic. So, while it’s normal to experience some soreness (especially when starting a new set of trays), most patients find straightening their teeth with Invisalign to be significantly more comfortable. Plus, any discomfort stemming from your aligners can be easily addressed with a cold compress or OTC pain relievers!

How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for Every Day?

Remember, although Invisalign aligners are removable, you still need to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. The more you wear them, the more likely you are to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Therefore, you should only remove them to eat, brush, floss, and drink anything other than water. That way, your teeth won’t begin to revert back into their previous positions, requiring backtracking. Since this results in more time and money spent on braces, it’s best to commit to wearing your aligners for at least 20 hours each day.

What Foods Can I Eat During My Invisalign Treatment?

Since Invisalign’s clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to abide by a long list of dietary restrictions! As a result, you can indulge in all of your favorite meals throughout your treatment. It is important to note, however, that dental problems (like tooth decay) can set you back on your treatment timeline. So, it’s best to implement good dental hygiene best practices, like brushing after each meal and limiting your sugar consumption. You should also avoid drinking anything other than water with your trays in since this can warp their shape and leave behind yellow stains.

Will Wearing Invisalign Aligners Change How I Talk?

When you first get your trays, you may experience a slight lisp. However, the adjustment period is typically short-lived, lasting no longer than a few days. Plus, you can expedite the process by reading aloud and repeating the more difficult words, like “sixty” and “Mississippi.” This will allow your tongue to quickly adjust to the presence of your aligners. In short, the possibility of a minor learning curve isn’t a reason to miss out on the straight, healthy, beautiful smile of your dreams.

Can I Get Invisalign If I’ve Had Metal Braces Before?

Possibly! If you had braces in the past, but have experienced orthodontic relapse, you may be a candidate for Invisalign in Cumming. The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with our orthodontists. From there, they can conduct a dental exam to learn more about your unique needs and smile goals. Once they confirm your candidacy, they’ll put a custom treatment plan in place to move your teeth into their properly aligned positions!

What Does Invisalign Look Like?

You know that Invisalign is “clear,” but what do the trays look like exactly? The best way to describe them is as see-through, plastic molds of your teeth. Naturally, there are variations in how they look since each one is completely customized to the patient. However, some also have little bumps, which is where your attachments are.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

In addition to providing you with an estimate of the cost, we will provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline at your initial consultation. If you’re interested in learning more general numbers, however, the average treatment is between 12 and 18 months. Of course, your time with clear aligners could be significantly longer or shorter depending on factors like how complex your case is and how well you follow all of your treatment guidelines.

Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

Good news: you don’t have to give up this caffeinated beverage during your orthodontic treatment! There is one rule, however. Before enjoying your morning or afternoon cup of coffee, you must remove your aligners, rinse them off, and store them away properly. If you really want to go the extra mile, you should drink your coffee with a meal. That way, you cut down on the amount of time they are out of your mouth.

How Do I Clean My Aligners?

It’s common for patients to overcomplicate the process of cleaning their aligners. However, you can keep it simple by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and some lukewarm water. After rinsing your trays in the water, dampen the bristles of your toothbrush and use them to carefully scrub each surface. Once you’re done, rinse the aligners with water again and place them back in your mouth.

Note: if your aligners are beginning to look yellow even though you are cleaning them after each meal, you can use the Invisalign cleaning crystals.

What Should I Do If I Break an Aligner?

Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. First, do not use super glue to try and put them back together. Second, do not move onto the next set of aligners without telling your orthodontist. Remember, each tray has a specific purpose, and moving forward too soon can negatively impact your treatment even further. Simply put, the best course of action is to notify your orthodontic team right away. From there, they can provide a specific recommendation on how to move forward.

What Happens After My Invisalign Treatment?

At your “final” appointment, we will remove any attachments you have, take impressions of your teeth (as well as a few pictures), and get to work on having your retainer made! Although some patients are disappointed that they need to wear one, it serves an important purpose: preserving your results. If you don’t wear it consistently, then there’s a good chance that your teeth will begin to drift out of position, negatively impacting the look, health, and function of your smile in the process.

What Should I Do If I Lose an Aligner?

Having see-through aligners is a major perk… until you can’t find them. If you find yourself in this situation, then we recommend trying the age-old advice: retracing your steps. Starting from the last place you remember having them, look everywhere you might have placed them, from the center console of your car to the pockets of the pants you were wearing earlier. If you don’t have any luck finding them, then call our orthodontist in Cumming right away to explain what happened. After taking a look at your treatment plan, they can determine if you can move onto your next set of aligners a bit early or if you need to wear your previous set until a replacement arrives.

How Do I Use the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals?

Fortunately, using the cleaning crystals that came in your Invisalign welcome kit is pretty simple. First, fill a small, clean container with some lukewarm water. Then, pour the cleaning crystals into the water and gently shake the container so they begin to dissolve. Lastly, place your trays gently in the mixture and let them soak for 15 minutes or so.

Tip: Allow your aligners to soak while you’re eating dinner! This will help you meet the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time.

Is There a Way to Speed Up My Invisalign Treatment?

At Serenity Orthodontics, we do utilize cutting-edge technology like AcceleDent, which can speed up the teeth-straightening process by 30% or more. Outside of that, however, there isn’t a way to achieve the results you desire faster. In fact, trying to take matters into your own hands by moving onto each new set of aligners a bit early can actually have the opposite effect! That’s why we encourage our patients to do their best to abide by all of the treatment guidelines, like wearing their trays for 20+ hours each and every day.

How Do I Floss with Invisalign?

Since patients with traditional braces sometimes need special oral hygiene products, like pre-threaded floss, you might be wondering if the same applies to those with Invisalign. It doesn’t! That’s because you can take your trays off when it comes time to complete your dental care regimen. In other words, you won’t have to adjust your brushing and flossing routine because your braces won’t get in your way.

Am I “Too Old” for Invisalign?

Remember, orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens. Whether you’re 35 or 65, you shouldn’t let your age stop you from scheduling a consultation. After learning more about your dental history, the condition of your oral health, and the complexity of your case, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.