Invisalign® – Springfield, MO
Achieve a Straight Smile Without Metal Brackets & Wires
If your teeth are crooked or crowded, you should know that getting them straightened doesn’t always mean you have to get metal brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you’ll be able to easily and comfortably improve the alignment of your smile and fix other orthodontic issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite. To learn whether Invisalign treatment can benefit you, schedule your consultation today with Dr. Eric Tolliver by contacting our dental office!
Why Choose Galleria Dental of Springfield For Invisalign Clear Braces?
- Removable Aligners
- Metal-Free Orthodontic Treatment
- Experienced Invisalign Provider
How Does Invisalign Work?
During your Invisalign consultation, our team will be able to develop a digital model to show you exactly how the alignment of your teeth will change over the course of your treatment. Each set of aligners is specially made to fit your mouth to place a strategically calculated amount of pressure on crowded and misaligned areas of your mouth. You’ll need to wear them for 22 hours each day in order to keep up with your treatment plan, only taking them out to brush, floss, eat, and drink anything besides water.
Every two weeks, you’ll advance to the next pair of aligners in your treatment in order to continue making progress. You’ll visit our dental office for a quick progress check and to pick up your next sets of trays every six to eight weeks. This way, we can make sure that you’re remaining on track and keep you up-to-date with the progress you’re making. Towards the end of your timeline, we’ll discuss retainer options with you. Some patients only need to wear them while they sleep, while others may be good candidates for permanent retainers.
Candidates For Invisalign
Patients who suffer from a variety of mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as misalignment, bite problems, and crowding, can benefit from Invisalign treatment. If you have severe misalignment issues, we may suggest other orthodontic treatments that will allow you to correct them more easily.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Tolliver will examine your mouth and oral structure so he can provide you with a professional recommendation. At Galleria Dental of Springfield, we offer complimentary Invisalign consultations so you can get evaluated risk-free!
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign is such a popular orthodontic treatment because it offers countless benefits for patients. Here are just a few advantages that you’ll be able to enjoy when you commit to straightening your smile using clear braces:
- Discreet appearance as a result of the aligners being crafted from clear plastic instead of metal brackets and wires.
- Improved comfort compared to braces because each set of trays is customized to fit your mouth while also achieving results. Metal brackets and wires can irritate your gums and oral tissues, but with smooth aligners you won’t have to worry about that.
- Easier to keep your mouth healthy during your treatment because you can simply remove the aligners to gain complete access to brush and floss your teeth.
- Faster average treatment allows you to save time.
- Eat your favorite foods, just be sure to take your aligners out beforehand!
During your initial consultation, our dental team will be more than happy to discuss any other benefits or limitations of the treatment that may be specific to your unique case.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Because each patient’s unique Invisalign treatment can vary based on the severity of their orthodontic problems, there’s no “set” price. Various factors can influence the final cost of Invisalign. Dr. Tolliver will outline each of the factors during your initial consultation, so you know what to expect when it comes to paying for your Invisalign treatment. Our team at Galleria Dental of Springfield will be happy to assist in identifying ways to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits as well as consider alternative ways to pay for your care.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Seeing a trusted Invisalign dentist is essential if you want to learn how much you can expect your out-of-pocket expenses will be while undergoing treatment with clear aligners. During your free Invisalign consultation, Dr. Tolliver will look at the following factors:
- Do you need clear aligners for both arches or just one (i.e., upper or lower)?
- How severe is your orthodontic problem (i.e., overcrowding, spacial issues, bite misalignment)?
- How long will it take to correct this particular problem? For example, bringing together two teeth with a small gap will not take as long as realigning a person’s severe overbite.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
You’ve probably seen commercials for Smile Direct Club and other similar do-it-yourself (DIY) clear aligner systems. Although they may seem appealing because of the minimal oversight, ability to move through treatment on your own, and cheaper cost ($2,000 versus $3,000-$8,000), the reality is you could experience some serious problems along the way, such as:
- You will not have an orthodontist to ensure your teeth are in the right position to begin treatment, nor will they be able to help should a problem develop throughout treatment.
- You will be expected to take your impressions on your own using the instruments they provide. You will need to do this correctly, otherwise, your aligners will not fit and could potentially cause more harm than good.
- The aligners used with Smile Direct Club or other DIY systems are often created using a cheaper material, which can hinder the success of your treatment.
Although you can expect to pay more for Invisalign, you will experience a more thorough and successful way to realign your teeth and enjoy longer-lasting results. Clear aligners provided by a trusted orthodontist will help your teeth to move in the right direction, and with the proper guidance and oversight, you do not have to worry about a problem going undetected.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Depending on the type of dental insurance you have, you may be eligible for orthodontic coverage. While some may stipulate the type of treatment you can receive, many include Invisalign in their policies. It is possible to save thousands on out-of-pocket expenses, but you’ll need to contact your insurance company yourself or have a member of our team work on your behalf. These answers are essential to determining how you plan to straighten your smile. We’ll help you maximize these benefits, but if you are not covered for Invisalign and have an FSA or HSA, we can help you use those funds toward the cost of your treatment.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
For patients who are uninsured or who need assistance in reducing out-of-pocket expenses, we are also pleased to provide a free Invisalign consultation as well as flexible financing through CareCredit. By breaking up the cost of your treatment into monthly payments, you can enroll in a low or zero interest payment plan that makes it easier for you to stay within your budget.
Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions
At Galleria Dental of Springfield, we often recommend Invisalign when our patients want a comfortable, invisible way to straighten their teeth. However, since it’s a big decision to make, we’ve answered several FAQs below to help you have all the information you need. But feel free to contact us anytime with additional questions about Invisalign. We’re always here to help!
When Will I Start To See Results From Invisalign?
Although it depends on the severity of your alignment issues, many people begin seeing changes after the first few months of treatment. Some may even see small changes within a few weeks.
Can I Be Sure That Invisalign Will Work?
Yes! Invisalign has an excellent track record of success. In fact, more than 8 million people have used Invisalign over the last 20 years, and it has a 96% satisfaction rating. And with our complimentary Invisalign consultation, it couldn’t be easier to find out if it’s right for you.
How Do I Maintain My Aligner Trays?
Although you’ll be switching to new trays about every two weeks, caring for them properly will keep them looking and feeling great. Gently brush them twice a day with clear liquid soap or a product from us that’s specifically designed for Invisalign.
Also, be sure to rinse your trays and brush your teeth after each meal or snack. This prevents any residual particles of food from causing stains or odor.
What Happens If I Lose My Invisalign Trays?
If you lose your aligner trays, call us right away. Then start wearing your last set of trays immediately (this is why we always recommend keeping them).
We’ll get in touch with the Invisalign lab so they can make duplicate aligners, which typically takes several weeks. Your final results will be delayed a bit, but since your most recent trays will hold your teeth in place, you’ll at least prevent them from moving back to their initial positions.
How Long Will My Invisalign Treatment Take?
As an Invisalign-certified dentist, we’ve found that treatment time varies from person to person. However, the average is 12 to 18 months. Minor alignment issues can often be corrected in less time, while more involved corrections may take longer. Another factor that’s important for getting your results on time is wearing your trays at least 20-22 hours per day.
Do I Have To Wear Retainers After Invisalign?
Since your teeth naturally “want” to return to where they were, retainers are necessary after any type of orthodontic treatment. But one advantage of Invisalign is that your retainers are essentially the same as the clear trays you used during treatment. In the beginning, you’ll need to wear your retainers for 20-22 hours per day. As time goes on, you’ll only have to wear them at night.