Invisalign® – New Haven, CT

Crowded Teeth

Overlapping and crowded teeth can be unattractive, but even worse, they can threaten your oral health. They can trap food particles and bacteria between them, drastically increasing your risk of issues like cavities and gum disease. Invisalign, perhaps along with one or more extractions, may be able to shift your teeth so each one has the space it needs to function optimally.

Gaps Between Teeth

Large gaps between the teeth can leave your gums vulnerable to irritation and harm. Plus, many people believe that extra space between the teeth is unattractive. If you are concerned about gaps, Invisalign® may be able to erase those pesky spaces and provide you with a healthier, more attractive smile.

Overbite

An overbite is a type of malocclusion (bad bite) wherein the top teeth rest too far in front of the bottom teeth. This problem is often associated with complications like jaw pain, speech difficulties, uneven dental wear and tear, and more. Invisalign, often with the help of accessories, is frequently able to correct mild to moderate overbites.

Underbite

If your bottom teeth rest in front of your top teeth, you have a malocclusion known as an underbite. This can affect your facial profile, increase your risk of disordered breathing, contribute to jaw pain, and cause other problems. Invisalign clear aligners are able to correct many cases of underbite, leading to improved oral health and facial aesthetics.

Crossbite

If some of your bottom teeth rest in front of your top teeth, you have a crossbite. This problem can increase your risk of dental breakage, premature wear and tear on your enamel, speech difficulties, and more. Invisalign, often with the help of elastics and other accessories, is an effective way to treat most crossbites.

Open Bite

If there is a gap between your top and bottom front teeth, even when your back teeth are touching, you have an open bite. This issue may be caused by poor bone development, prolonged pacifier use as a child, or other factors. Without treatment, it can contribute to speech issues, biting problems, and more. Invisalign clear aligners are often able to correct open bites.

Wearing Your Trays

It is important to keep your aligners in your mouth for 20 – 22 hours each day. Failing to do so can slow down the movements of your teeth, which may make it uncomfortable or even impossible to use successive aligners in your series. As a general rule of thumb, you should only take your aligners out when you are eating, drinking anything other than plain water, or attending to your oral hygiene.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Keeping your aligner trays clean can prevent them from collecting odors, stains, and bacteria. You should:

• Frequently rinse your aligners with water (cool or lukewarm water is best — hot temperatures could warp the aligners).
• Thoroughly brush your aligners at least once a day with a soft toothbrush and clear, mild soap.
• Soak your aligners daily. Many patients choose to use Invisalign cleaning crystals for this.
• Brush and floss your teeth after each meal, before you place your aligners back in your mouth.

Eating & Drinking

There are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign, so you can feel free to eat all of your favorite snacks, meals, and treats. However, there are some key points that you should keep in mind:

• Unless you are sipping plain water, you should always remove your Invisalign aligners before you eat or drink.
• Try not to overdo it on sugary or acidic foods; these can contribute to dental damage.
• You should clean your teeth and your aligners before placing Invisalign back in your mouth. Otherwise, your trays might trap harmful bacteria and food particles against your teeth.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Accidents can happen to anyone, so there might come a time when you lose or damage one of your aligner trays. If that occurs, give us a call so we can advise you on what to do. You might need to wear a previous aligner while we order a replacement for the one that is no longer usable. Or, we may tell you that it is okay to move on to your next aligner a few days earlier than originally planned.

Routine Check-Ins

Every 4 – 8 weeks or so, you should visit us for a routine check-in. During these visits, we will check on your progress with Invisalign and answer any questions that might have popped up since the last time you saw us. We may also provide you with the next set of aligners in your series. If our exam reveals that your teeth are not moving in the way we anticipated, we may have to make adjustments to your treatment plan.

Nearly Invisible Trays

If you dislike the appearance of the metal brackets and wires that come with traditional braces, Invisalign may be right for you. It uses clear aligner trays that are almost invisible when they are placed on the teeth. You can expect to be able to smile with confidence throughout your entire treatment period.

Comfortable Treatment

Invisalign aligner trays are made out of a smooth, patented plastic material that rests comfortably against the soft tissues in the mouth. There are no brackets and wires to poke you or cause sores. Plus, since you have to switch aligners every 1 – 2 weeks, your teeth will have to endure less pressure than with traditional braces, which may be adjusted every 6 – 8 weeks.

Easier Dental Hygiene

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can and should take them out of your mouth when attending to your oral hygiene. You can brush and floss your teeth without using any special techniques or instruments. The aligners themselves are also easy to clean; you can use a soft brush to remove debris, and you can soak them once a day in a cleansing solution to keep them fresh.

The Ability to Eat All Your Favorite Foods

People with traditional braces sometimes complain that their treatment comes with a long list of dietary restrictions. Invisalign is different. While you should not eat anything while the aligners are in your mouth, you can feel free to indulge in all your favorite treats when you remove your trays.

Easy Checkups

Our team will likely schedule you for Invisalign checkup appointments every 6 – 8 weeks. These visits tend to be very brief, often taking just 15 – 30 minutes or so. We will take note of your progress, answer any questions that may have popped up since your last appointment, and provide you with the next set of aligners in your series.

Adaptable Treatment

Invisalign is designed to adapt to your lifestyle. Even though you might have to make a few minor adjustments to your routine, you will probably find that living with Invisalign is easy! You can even completely remove your aligners on special occasions when you want to go treatment-free.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Some factors that can affect the cost of Invisalign in New Haven include:

• The extent of the dental misalignment. More severe misalignment requires more time, more aligners, and possibly more accessories to correct than milder cases. Logically, this can lead to higher costs.
• Whether you are straightening one arch or both. In most cases, straightening both the upper and lower teeth costs more than straightening just one or the other.
• Compliance with treatment. If you accidentally lose an aligner or fail to wear your aligners as much as recommended, it could extend your treatment timeline and lead to higher fees.

Invisalign vs. Mail-Order Clear Aligners: Cost vs. Value

In recent years, mail-order clear aligners have become increasingly popular. That is understandable; such systems may cost around $2,000 for start-to-finish treatment, while Invisalign in New Haven usually costs significantly more than that.

Of course, it is important to consider what you are getting for your money. With Invisalign, you get in-person support from a local team that is highly interested in your treatment’s success. Mail-order systems are less personal and may not offer the type of service you expect. Also, some mail-order systems use older technology and more basic materials than what is optimal. Invisalign is a high-tech solution, and its aligners are made with a patented form of plastic.

Many people who have used mail-order aligners have been dissatisfied with their results, and they have spent a lot of money on retreatment. It is generally better to invest in in-person care from the start.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some premium dental insurance policies cover orthodontia for adults. In most cases, Invisalign is included. Typically, coverage is 50% of the treatment’s total cost, up to the amount of a policy’s lifetime orthodontic maximum. You will have to check your specific plan to see whether you can use it to pay for your aligners. If your plan does not cover Invisalign, you might choose to use your healthcare savings account or flexible spending account to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

As your Invisalign dentist in New Haven, we want you to be able to afford your treatment! To that end, we offer some useful provisions:

• Most patients qualify for third-party financing from a company like CareCredit. Many available payment plans are low-interest.
• We periodically offer special deals on Invisalign treatment and consultations. Get in touch with us to learn if we have any current promotions that you may be able to use.
• Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan offers reduced fees on most of the treatments we offer.

Are you ready to straighten your teeth with Invisalign? Contact us today to learn more about this treatment and its cost.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The average treatment time with Invisalign is 12 months. However, the length of time that your case will require could be significantly more or less than that; it depends on the extent of your dental misalignment and other factors. Your cosmetic dentist in New Haven will be able to estimate your treatment timeline during your consultation. Typically, the longest cases take around 18 months. That may seem like a long time, but it still makes Invisalign faster than traditional braces. It is common for braces to take at least 18 months to complete their work.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign’s aligners are made out of a smooth plastic material. They are designed to be as comfortable as possible in the mouth. However, like all orthodontic treatments, they work by applying pressure to the teeth, which can cause a degree of soreness and tenderness in the mouth. The worst of the discomfort is likely to come when you first start wearing a new aligner.

You can cope with any soreness by sipping on cool water and taking pain relievers as necessary. It may also be helpful to switch to a new aligner at night so you can sleep through the initial part of the adjustment period.

What Happens After Invisalign?

After you work your way through all of your aligners, our team will verify that the results are what we hoped for. Then, we will provide you with a retainer. The retainer’s job is to keep your teeth in place and prevent them from drifting back into their former positions. At first, you should wear your retainer as close to 24/7 as possible, taking it out only when you eat and clean your teeth. Eventually, you may be able to transition to wearing it only at night.

What if My Invisalign Broke?

If the damage is pretty minor, you may be able to continue using a broken Invisalign aligner. However, if there are jagged edges or significant damage, do not wear the aligner. You should also not attempt to repair it on your own; you could end up worsening the damage or harming your oral health.

Give our office a call, and we will guide you on your next steps. We may advise you to wear a previous aligner until we can order a replacement for the one that is no longer usable. Alternatively, we might tell you to switch to a new aligner a few days early.