Invisalign Clear Aligners – Worcester, MA

Metal-Free Aligners

Naturally, one of the biggest perks of metal-free aligners is that they are discreet, which is a huge advantage for image-conscious teens and adults. Another benefit of not having brackets and wires is that the teeth-straightening process is considerably more comfortable. In fact, outside of slight pressure from time to time from the movement of your teeth, you probably won’t notice your braces at all!

No Dietary Restrictions

Traditional braces come with a long list of dietary restrictions. Invisalign does not. That’s because the aligners are removable, so you don’t have to worry about snapping a wire or breaking a bracket. If you have attachments, then we do recommend exercising caution with crunchier foods, like hard pretzels. We also encourage patients to keep sugary and starchy snacks to a minimum.

Hassle-Free Dental Care

Maneuvering around metal brackets and wires can be a bit time-consuming. So much so that many patients end up buying special oral hygiene products, like interproximal toothbrushes. Don’t worry – that’s not the case with Invisalign. Since the aligners are removable, you don’t need to change your dental care regimen at all (outside of brushing your teeth after each meal and snack).

Improved Confidence

Oftentimes, patients feel the need to hide their smile both before and during their orthodontic treatment. Not with Invisalign! Since the aligners are see-through and low-profile, they won’t draw any unwanted attention to your smile. Plus, if you are about to take your senior photos, give an important presentation at work, or go on a first date, you can take them out for an hour or two.

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

Since traditional braces are typically used to treat more complex cases of malocclusion, it can take two years or more to achieve the desired results. Conversely, Invisalign has an average treatment timeline of only 12-18 months! So, if you’re a candidate for clear aligners, there’s a good chance that you’ll get the results you want faster.

Fewer Check-In Visits

Lastly, there are fewer check-in visits with Invisalign. That means less time in the treatment chair for you! Plus, the progress appointments (which are usually every six or eight weeks instead of every four) are typically 20 minutes or less. The only exception is if your teeth are not moving as anticipated, requiring changes to be made to your treatment plan.

Wearing Your Trays

Invisalign trays are removable, but that doesn’t mean you can keep them off for too long. In fact, you’ll need to wear the trays for a specific period of time every day in order for them to exert enough gentle pressure to your teeth (usually between 20 and 22 hours a day). If you’re unsure if you’re meeting that goal, try using the stopwatch on your phone!

Cleaning Your Aligners

Patients are often surprised to hear that they only need two things to keep their aligners stain-free: clean, cool water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. The best thing to do is rinse your aligners regularly, store them in a safe place when you aren’t wearing them, and remove food particles, bacteria, and other debris from the surface before putting them back in.

Eating & Drinking

Eating and drinking with Invisalign is simple because there is really only one rule: you have to take your aligners out first (with the exception of water). Of course, we still recommend sticking to a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet since this will help prevent cavities, gingivitis, and other serious oral health problems from delaying your treatment.

Damaging a Tray

If you damage one of your trays, don’t panic. Instead, assess how severe the damage is and call our Worcester dental team. If there is a hairline crack, we may instruct you to keep wearing it, using the utmost care. Of course, if it is in several pieces, then we’ll need to find a different solution, like having a replacement aligner made.

Tip: The best way to prevent your aligners from breaking is by putting them in their designated case any time you aren’t wearing them. You may also find it helpful to clean them over a sink filled with water. That way, there is something to break the fall.

Routine Check-Ins

With Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about adjustment appointments every four weeks. Instead, you’ll come in every six to eight weeks so we can take new scans of your teeth. This is crucial because these scans let us know if your teeth are tracking properly or not. If they aren’t, then we can quickly find a solution to get you back on track with your treatment plan.

Crowded Teeth

Do your teeth overlap? Are they tilted out of alignment? If so, then you know first-hand that crowded teeth can have a negative impact on the look, health, and function of your smile. Don’t get discouraged though; traditional braces aren’t the only way to achieve the straight smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign can also address mild to moderate cases – without the metal too!

Gaps Between Teeth

Gapped teeth are also quite common. Since they can take a toll on your self-esteem and increase your risk of oral health problems, like tooth decay, it’s worth scheduling a consultation with us to explore your orthodontic treatment options. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then we will take scans of your teeth and create a custom series of clear aligners to guide your teeth together. Usually, the entire process only takes 12-18 months!

Overbite

There are several problems associated with overbites, including chronic jaw pain, trouble enunciating clearly, and low self-esteem. If you are struggling with this orthodontic problem, then come in for a consultation so we can determine if it can be addressed with Invisalign. Oftentimes, this is possible with the help of other orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands and buttons.

Underbite

An underbite is one of the more noticeable bite issues, but that’s not the only reason it’s important to have it fixed. Since it puts the jaw in an unnatural position, it’s only a matter of time until persistent jaw pain becomes a concern too. Fortunately, Invisalign has proven to be a tried-and-true orthodontic treatment that can correct more mild cases of underbites too.

Crossbite

If you seem to have a mix of an underbite and overbite, then you likely have a crossbite. In this case, we need to gently guide your teeth and your bite into proper alignment. If we can do so with Invisalign, then the entire process will be metal-free, which means no unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile and you won’t have to worry about dietary restrictions!

Open Bite

The main concern with open bites is that pressure isn’t evenly distributed among your teeth, resulting in premature wear and tear on certain ones. We want to intervene before that happens. If we determine that you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then we can use a custom series of clear aligners to gently apply pressure to your teeth, improving the look, health, and function of your smile in the process.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Invisalign isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. So, naturally, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to price! To provide you with an estimate, our Worcester orthodontist will determine:

• The severity of your misalignment
• If you need to straighten one arch of teeth or both
• How many aligners are needed
• If additional tools, like rubber bands, are required

These are all factors that will impact the upfront cost estimate. Of course, there are things that can change the price along the way, like if you lose your aligners or fall off-track with your original treatment plan. That’s why it’s vital that you follow all of your orthodontist’s instructions, from the 22-hour-a-day wear time to placing your trays in their designated storage case each time you remove them.

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

When comparing the upfront costs, Smile Direct Club™ and other DIY orthodontic brands are certainly cheaper. Before committing, however, it’s important to ask yourself why that is. Although Invisalign requires a higher investment, your treatment will also be overseen by a licensed dental professional. Plus, Invisalign has safely helped more than 12 million people achieve their smile goals and has support from professional organizations. The same cannot be said for DIY orthodontic brands. So, don’t gamble your smile on mail-order clear aligners; trust your smile with Invisalign, the reliable, personalized, safe option.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

It’s possible! While the answer depends on your specific dental plan, many providers offer a once-in-a-lifetime benefit that can be used towards Invisalign treatment. If you aren’t familiar with your coverage, don’t worry – we can help with that too. Get in touch with our team so we can help you utilize your available benefits to the fullest.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry! Our team offers two other options for making the cost of Invisalign in Worcester more affordable:

• Periodic Special Offers – With specials like $550 off Invisalign, we can help you lower your out-of-pocket expenses significantly. To learn about our latest offers, get in touch with our team!
• CareCredit – With this trusted third-party financier, you can space out your payments over the course of several months. For qualified patients, there is little-to-no interest attached as well!

If you’d like to get a price estimate or have a question about the cost of Invisalign in Worcester, then we encourage you to reach out to our team. We look forward to helping you take the next step toward your dream smile!

I’m Interested in Invisalign. Where Do I Start?

Your first step on your journey towards a straighter, healthier smile is to come visit us for a consultation. During this first appointment, we’ll chat with you about your goals for your smile and take a look at your teeth, gums, and jaws. From there, we’ll be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, how long treatment may take, and an estimate of the cost.

Am I Too Old to Get Invisalign?

While some patients may be too young to get Invisalign yet, there is no upper age limit! In fact, millions of adults choose to begin Invisalign every year. These clear, removable aligners are ideal for blending into a busy, professional lifestyle. You won’t need to worry about a mouthful of metal as you go to business lunches, apply for jobs, chat with other parents, or go on a first date.

Does Wearing Invisalign Hurt?

Traditional metal braces are notorious for painfully rasping against the soft tissues in the mouth. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem with Invisalign! Smooth, plastic aligners are specifically designed to glide past the inside of your cheeks and lips without causing irritation. You can expect a much more comfortable straightening experience with Invisalign!

However, all orthodontic treatment comes with some degree of discomfort as the teeth are repositioned. Our patients are happy to report that any soreness that they experience with Invisalign is mild and fades within a few days. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers or apply an ice pack to the outside of your mouth. Many patients recommend switching to a new set of aligners right before bed in order to sleep through most of the initial soreness.

What Foods Do I Have to Avoid During Invisalign Treatment?

You won’t have to modify your diet at all during your Invisalign treatment! While there are plenty of foods you need to avoid while wearing traditional metal braces, you can keep enjoying all your favorite foods and drinks with Invisalign. Simply take your aligners out, enjoy your meal or snack, then give your teeth a quick brush before putting them back into place. However, just be sure that you always brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Also, make sure your aligners never come in contact with any foods or beverages other than water.

Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After My Invisalign Treatment?

The straighter smile that Invisalign can help you achieve can last a lifetime! However, that’s only if you take the right steps to protect your results. A retainer is essential after any orthodontic treatment, whether that’s traditional braces or Invisalign. Retainers ensure that your teeth stay in place as your jawbone continues to heal after your treatment and as your mouth continues to naturally change shape for the rest of your life. As long as you follow our instructions for how often you need to wear your retainer, you can easily expect to enjoy your beautifully straightened smile for life!