Invisalign – San Antonio, TX
Clear Solutions for
Lasting Results
Invisalign clear aligners are unlike the braces of 20 or 30 years ago. While traditional metal bracket-and-wire systems once dominated the orthodontic world, clear solutions are now capturing the attention of individuals who want to do something about their crooked, gapped, and misaligned teeth. At Orbis Dental Group, our team of experts possess the training, education, and experience to deliver fast and lasting results with the help of more subtle solutions. Let us know if you are interested in learning more about Invisalign in San Antonio.
Why Choose Orbis Dental Group for Invisalign?
- Digital Impression System Used for More Comfortable Aligners
- Flexible Financing & In-Office Membership Program Available
- Highly Skilled Dental Team That Cares About Continuing Education
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation. Our team will examine your teeth and evaluate their suitability for Invisalign. If they are deemed suitable, we will take digital impressions, photographs, and X-rays of your teeth.
Using these digital records, we’ll create a 3D virtual representation of your teeth, mapping out the desired tooth movements and treatment plan. This virtual plan serves as the blueprint for creating custom-made aligners. You’ll get a “sneak peek” at what your teeth will look like during each phase of treatment, all the way to the final dazzling result!
You will be provided with a set of several aligners. You’ll wear each aligner tray for approximately one to two weeks, gradually moving the teeth closer to their desired positions. We recommend wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing (and the occasional special event).
We will see you periodically during the treatment to ensure the teeth are progressing as planned. At each appointment, you will get a new set of aligners, typically covering the next six to eight. The total duration of Invisalign varies depending on the individual case, but it typically ranges from several months to a couple of years. Patients will observe the gradual transformation of their smiles throughout the treatment as their teeth move into their desired positions.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is a great choice for many people who have mild to moderate dental misalignment. During your consultation, we will evaluate the positioning of your teeth and jaws to determine if this is a suitable treatment for you. We will also answer your questions about treatment and help you have realistic expectations for the road ahead.
Here are some examples of orthodontic issues that Invisalign is often able to correct:
Crowded Teeth
Crowded, overlapping teeth can easily trap food between them. In turn, this leads to a heightened risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Fortunately, Invisalign is often able to shift the teeth in a way that makes them easier to clean and less likely to trap harmful particles between them. In some cases, one or more extractions are a necessary part of this process.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between your teeth can leave your gums vulnerable to irritation. Plus, you may not like the aesthetic consequences that come with that extra space. Invisalign may be able to move the teeth closer together to get rid of those pesky gaps and improve both the function and the appearance of your smile.
Overbite
Can Invisalign fix an overbite? If your upper teeth rest too far in front of your lower teeth, clear aligners may be able to help. Usually along with accessories like rubber bands, Invisalign can shift your teeth and retrain your jaws in a way that eliminates mild to moderate cases of overbite.
Underbite
If your lower teeth rest in front of your upper ones, you have what is known as an underbite. Not only can this affect your facial aesthetics, but it can also impact chewing and speech. In many cases, Invisalign and its accessories can correct an underbite.
Crossbite
A crossbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when some of the lower teeth rest in front of the upper teeth. This issue can have consequences for your facial aesthetics, your speech, and other aspects of your wellness. Invisalign aligners may be able to shift your teeth in a way that corrects a crossbite and allows your upper and lower teeth to work harmoniously together.
Open Bite
If there is a vertical gap between your front upper and lower teeth even when your back teeth are touching one another, you have an open bite. This issue, often caused by thumb-sucking or other circumstances, can interfere with proper biting and have other unwanted consequences. In some cases, Invisalign can shift the teeth in a way that closes an open bite.
The Benefits of Invisalign
The benefits of Invisalign are unlike any that you will find with traditional braces. While there are other clear aligner solutions available on the market, this unique system has been around for decades delivering proven results.
Aesthetics
No one wants to wear bulky metal braces that cover the teeth and are the first thing people see when they smile. Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. They can be worn unobtrusively while working or socializing without interfering with your smile.
Comfort
The flexible SmartTrack® plastic fits snugly over the teeth and has smooth edges, unlike the sharp edges of metal brackets and wires. Patients wearing Invisalign will not suffer from the cuts and irritation common with traditional braces. The aligners slowly shift the teeth into the proper position as the patient progresses through a series of slightly different aligners, eliminating the need to tighten wires or brackets in our office.
Convenience
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients do not have to limit what they eat or worry about a wire or bracket that breaks or dislodges. You remove the aligner before meals so that you can enjoy the foods you love. You can even eat popcorn, taffy, and chewy foods with ease.
Patients who participate in contact sports, particularly teens, appreciate the convenience and safety of being able to remove their aligners to prevent damage to the teeth or gums from a blow to the mouth or other injuries. It is also easier to wear a sports mouthguard without braces getting in the way.
If a big event is coming up, such as a wedding, conference, or family photograph, you can remove your aligner for a few hours without worrying and hiding your smile.
Better Oral Hygiene
Traditional metal braces are notoriously hard to keep clean. Brushing and flossing around the brackets and wires is difficult. Some people end up with multiple cavities after their metal braces are removed. With Invisalign®, they remove their aligners to brush and floss their teeth, then pop the aligner back in place.
Teens and Adults Can Wear Invisalign® Clear Aligners!
We do not recommend Invisalign for younger children whose teeth and jaw have not fully developed, but we often recommend them for mature teens. Before choosing Invisalign for your child or teen, consider their maturity level and the likelihood they will wear the aligners daily for the prescribed 22 hours.
Adults overwhelmingly prefer Invisalign because the aligners do not draw attention to their teeth. They avoid the potential embarrassment of wearing braces, often seen as a teen rite of passage, while working and socializing.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
The cost of Invisalign depends on a few factors, though it often amounts to at least a few thousand dollars. Our team will be happy to provide a straightforward estimate during your consultation. We can also explain payment options, such as insurance, financing, and our in-house membership plan.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
The biggest factor that affects the cost of Invisalign is the severity and nature of your dental misalignment. The more complex and severe your case is, the more aligners you will require. You may also need extra appointments, special accessories, or certain types of preliminary care. Logically, all such things can increase your total financial obligation.
Another factor that can affect cost is your compliance with treatment guidelines. If you do not use your aligners or accessories as directed, this can delay your progress and lead to additional fees.
Invisalign Vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Which Costs More?
In an effort to save money, some people turn to mail-order clear aligner systems. Often, these cost around $2,000. Invisalign is usually more expensive than that, so that price can seem tempting!
However, we do not advise you to use any mail-order clear aligner products. There is too much potential for something to go wrong! For example, you might have to take your own impressions; even a small mistake while doing so could affect your treatments outcome. Some people have even accidentally worsened their dental misalignment while using mail-order aligners. Plus, such aligners are often made of cheaper materials.
It is much safer to get your teeth straightened with the personal help of a dental team who is invested in your success. We will guide you every step of the way and closely monitor your progress so you can head confidently toward a straighter, healthier smile.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Here are a few important notes about dental insurance and Invisalign coverage:
- Coverage for minors is more common than coverage for adults (though some premium plans do include adult orthodontic benefits).
- Your plan might cover up to 50% of the cost of Invisalign, up to its lifetime orthodontic maximum.
- You will still likely have to pay a substantial amount out of pocket. Our team can assist you with using your benefits and help you understand your financial obligation.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Besides insurance, there are a couple of other provisions that may help you afford Invisalign:
- We work with CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry to provide low-interest financing for Invisalign. Our team can walk you through the application process; most patients are quickly approved for a monthly payment amount that fits their budget.
- Orbis Dental Group VIP plan. In exchange for a reasonable annual fee, this plan covers all routine preventive care and provides a 20% discount on all additional services. Signing up is easy, and you can start to use your benefits immediately.
Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign and its cost? Get in touch with us today to book your consultation. We look forward to seeing you!
Invisalign FAQs
What do Invisalign trays look like when they are being worn?
Invisalign trays are very discreet, but they are not totally invisible. They might make your teeth look a bit bigger than usual, and they may look as if they have a film over them. Still, you can expect your treatment not to call a lot of attention to itself.
The only time the trays might become obvious is if they become stained. This might happen if you neglect oral hygiene or forget to take your trays out before sipping a pigmented beverage.
Some of the accessories that are used with Invisalign, such as attachments and rubber bands, are not transparent. However, they can still blend in nicely with your smile.
What are Invisalign attachments?
When Invisalign was first invented, it was exclusively for correcting mild cases of dental misalignment. Thanks to innovations like attachments, this treatment can now handle a much broader range of orthodontic issues.
Invisalign attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps that our San Antonio team bonds onto certain teeth. Their job is to guide the force of the aligner trays. By applying a bit of extra pressure in specific places, we can facilitate faster and more effective tooth movements.
The process of placing and removing the attachments is very easy and comfortable for most patients. During your consultation, we can let you know if they will be necessary in your unique case.
Who is not eligible for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great choice for many people, but it might not be right for you if:
- Your dental misalignment is complex or severe. Some people need braces in order to address severe orthodontic issues.
- You are too young: Most Invisalign patients are at least 13 years old.
- You do not want to remember to wear the Invisalign trays: Failing to keep Invisalign in your mouth for at least 20 – 22 hours each day can interfere with effective tooth movements. If your schedule or lifestyle does not allow you to meet that daily wear time, a different treatment may be a better option.
- You smoke or chew tobacco: These habits can quickly stain the aligner trays.
Can you eat with Invisalign trays in?
No, you should never eat while wearing your Invisalign trays. Doing so could cause the trays to warp or incur stains. You might also get food particles stuck against your teeth, which could lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
The only thing you can safely consume while wearing Invisalign is plain water that is either cold or room temperature.
What should I do if my Invisalign tray broke?
Call our team right away if you accidentally break one of your Invisalign aligners. Depending on the situation, we might recommend one of the following:
- Keep using the tray: If it only has hairline cracks, it might still be usable. However, you will need to be extra-cautious when you take it in and out of your mouth.
- Wear a previous tray: This can prevent your teeth from shifting too far out of place while we order a replacement for the broken one.
- Move forward to your next tray: In some cases, it is safe to move forward with your treatment slightly earlier than originally planned. (Moving on too early can cause complications, so do not do this unless our team specifically advises it.)
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