Invisalign – Mission Viejo, CA

Crowded Teeth

Teeth that are crowded, too close together, or overlapping can lead to serious oral health issues in the long run. Not only do they put you at a higher risk of problems like tooth decay and gum disease, but the excess wear can weaken your enamel and lead to chipped teeth.

Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps between your teeth, especially between your front two teeth, can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. What’s more, these spaces can collect food debris and plaque, which can lead to decay and infections if allowed to accumulate.

Bite Alignment

Bite problems like overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite can be addressed with a custom Invisalign treatment plan. Not only can these issues distract from your appearance, but left untreated they can cause serious jaw problems like bruxism, TMJ disorder, and lockjaw.

Virtually Invisible Appearance

Naturally, one of the biggest reasons patients choose Invisalign is because the aligners are virtually invisible, especially compared to metal brackets and wires. In fact, if you take good care of them, there’s a good chance even the people closest to you won’t be able to tell when you are and aren’t wearing them (unless they know what to look for, of course).

No Food Restrictions

Did you know that traditional braces come with dietary restrictions? It’s true! In addition to avoiding sticky foods, like caramel-filled candies, patients also need to steer clear of crunchy snacks, like potato chips and whole apples. Invisalign, on the other hand, doesn’t require you to change your diet. Just do your best to eat filling, well-balanced, and healthy meals!

Removable for Easy Cleaning

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is overlooked: you don’t need to change your oral hygiene regimen! In other words, you don’t need to adopt a cumbersome routine or buy special products. Simply remove your aligners, rinse and store them properly, and then brush, floss, and rinse like normal. In other words, you can save time and money while also keeping your smile happy and healthy!

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline Than Metal Braces

The average treatment timeline with metal braces is 2-3 years. Conversely, Invisalign usually delivers results in just 12-18 months. So, if you have a wedding, a family reunion, or another important event on the horizon, it’s worth considering Invisalign! Even if your orthodontic treatment takes a little longer than expected, no one will notice your braces, and you can remove the aligners, if necessary.

No Sharp Metal Wires and Brackets

There are certainly aesthetic benefits that come with metal-free braces. However, that’s not the only perk! Since there aren’t any brackets and wires, you won’t have to worry about soft-tissue irritation or carrying dental wax with you. Your teeth-straightening journey will be considerably more comfortable and, if discomfort does arise, you can easily alleviate it with OTC pain medication.

Quick Follow-Up Visits

Monthly appointments that take an hour or more aren’t convenient for everyone. In fact, they aren’t convenient for most people! The good news is that Invisalign progress visits are often 20 minutes or less. Plus, they are usually every six or eight weeks instead of every four weeks. So, you’ll spend less time in the treatment chair than if you had traditional braces.

Wearing Your Trays

To stay on-track with your treatment plan, you need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Since there is a limited amount of aligner-free time each day, it’s important to only take them off when absolutely necessary and to put them back on as soon as you can. If you aren’t quite sure how close or far you are from the mark, then use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide!

Cleaning Your Aligners

Naturally, you don’t want your clear aligners to turn yellow. The good news is that keeping them clean and clear is easy. First, rinse them with clean, cool water when you take them out to remove saliva and other debris. Second, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and some clear, mild dishwashing liquid to clean them twice a year. Make sure you clean the entire surface and, if you can, soak them daily in a dentist-recommended cleaner as well.

Eating & Drinking

One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that there aren’t any dietary restrictions. In other words, you don’t need to completely change what you eat during the teeth-straightening process. Simply remove your aligners (unless you’re drinking water), rinse them off, and place them in their designated case so they are protected while you aren’t wearing them. Outside of that, all we ask as your dental team is that you keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum to lower your risk of tooth decay.

Damaging a Tray

Patients who find themselves in this situation often assume that moving onto the next set of trays in the series is the best thing to do. However, if you still had a week or two left of wearing the now broken aligner, that could lead to significant treatment plan delays. That’s why we recommend calling our Mission Viejo dental team instead. Over the phone, we can learn how significant the damage is, where you are in the teeth-straightening process, and the best way to proceed.

Routine Check-Ins

Invisalign is unique because there aren’t any adjustment appointments. Instead, you’ll be given several sets of aligners at a time so you can progress through portions of your treatment plan at home. Every six weeks or so, you’ll meet with Dr. Palmer so she can review your updated scans and make sure your teeth are moving as anticipated. If they aren’t, she can pinpoint why that is as well as the best way to get you back on-track.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

At your consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive oral exam, review your dental history, and ask you a few questions about your smile goals. With that information, we can determine important factors like your age, current oral health, and the severity of your orthodontic problems. Then, we can define the details of your treatment plan and determine how much your Invisalign treatment will cost at our Mission Viejo dental office.

Important note: It is possible for additional fees to come up if you fall off-track with your treatment plan. That’s why we recommend abiding by the treatment guidelines, including wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day, every day.

Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More

Over the years, mail-in aligner companies have popped up, marketing themselves as reliable, safe, and convenient alternatives. Unfortunately, however, many patients who have gone this route have experienced problems, like worsened misalignment and loose teeth. This is largely because they rely on DIY impressions and the treatment plans often aren’t overseen by licensed dental professionals. In short, you shouldn’t just consider the upfront cost; cheaper isn’t always better, especially when it comes to something as important as your smile.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

There are some cases where dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost of smile-enhancing services, like Invisalign. So, read through the fine print on your plan to see if you have any orthodontic benefits. Although we are a fee-for-service office, we can help you maximize your coverage. We can even handle the paperwork so you don’t have to! Simply let us know at your consultation that you’re interested in using your benefits. We’ll take it from there.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, you may be interested in flexible financing with CareCredit. This third-party financier allows you to pay for the cost of Invisalign in smaller, more manageable monthly chunks. That way, you don’t have to pay for the entire thing in one lump sum, straining your wallet in the process. If you would like more details, let us know – we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the financial side of your teeth-straightening journey.