Invisalign® Clear Braces – Northborough, MA

Discreet Trays

Many image-conscious individuals choose Invisalign because they dislike the idea of having a lot of brackets and wires in their mouth. Invisalign is more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces; the aligner trays are made of clear plastic that is almost unnoticeable when it is placed on the teeth. You should be able to smile with confidence throughout your entire treatment period!

Improved Comfort

Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth patented plastic material that rests comfortably against the mouth’s soft oral tissues. You will not have to worry about brackets and wires poking you or causing sores. Plus, because you may change your aligners every 1 – 2 weeks, your teeth will move more gradually than with traditional braces, which can contribute to a reduction in soreness as your teeth are repositioned.

Easier Dental Hygiene

Invisalign aligner trays are removable, which means you simply have to take them out of your mouth when you perform oral hygiene tasks like brushing and flossing. There is no need to navigate around brackets and wires. Simply brush and floss as normal, clean or rinse your aligners, and place them back on your teeth.

The Ability to Eat All Your Favorite Foods

One common complaint about traditional braces is that they come with a long list of dietary restrictions. Invisalign aligners are different. You can remove them at mealtimes and eat whatever you might be craving, even if you wish to eat foods that are not recommended with regular metal braces. Whether you want to eat pizza, popcorn, or your favorite fruits and veggies, you can feel free to dig in!

Quick and Easy Follow-Ups

Invisalign check-in appointments usually occur every 6 – 8 weeks, and they tend to be very brief. In most cases, you will spend no more than 15 – 30 minutes in our office. We will simply check on your progress, address any questions or concerns you have, and provide you with the next set of aligners in your series.

Adaptable Treatment

Invisalign is meant to adapt to your lifestyle. Although you might need to make a few minor adjustments to your daily habits, you will likely find that living with Invisalign is easy! You can even occasionally remove your aligners for special events when you want to go treatment-free for a few hours.

Crowded Teeth

Overlapping and crowded teeth can easily accumulate food particles between them, which increases your risk of bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Invisalign, along with possible extractions, can shift the teeth in a way that relieves overcrowding and allows your smile to function optimally and be easy to clean.

Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps between the teeth may cause a certain degree of self-consciousness about the way you look. Even more concerning is the fact that they can interfere with your bite and leave your gums open to harm and irritation. Invisalign aligners are often able to move the teeth in a way that closes unsightly extra space.

Overbite

It is normal for the top teeth to rest slightly in front of the bottom teeth. However, if they are too far forward, you have what is known as an overbite. This can cause issues like speech difficulties, uneven wear and tear on your enamel, and difficulty opening and closing your mouth. Invisalign and specialized accessories are usually able to correct mild overbites.

Underbite

If your bottom teeth rest in front of your top teeth, you have a type of malocclusion (bad bite) known as an underbite. Whether this condition is due to genetics, thumb-sucking, or an injury, it can cause a range of issues, such as disordered breathing, speech difficulties, and more. In some cases, Invisalign is able to move the teeth and lower jaw in a way that successfully corrects an underbite.

Crossbite

If some of your bottom teeth rest in front of your top teeth, you have a crossbite, which may be the result of genetics, poor habits, or the early loss of baby teeth. Speech problems, dental damage, and other issues may come about due to a crossbite. Fortunately, Invisalign aligners are often able to correct this condition.

Open Bite

You have an open bite if there is a vertical gap between your top and bottom front teeth, even when your back teeth are touching each other. An open bite is often due to habits in childhood, such as prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use. Invisalign can often move the teeth in a way that closes an open bite.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign®

The number of aligners needed is the biggest factor that influences the cost of Invisalign®. Some variables that affect how many aligners you will need include:

• How complex/severe your dental misalignment is
• Whether you are straightening one dental arch or both
• Your estimated overall treatment time
• Your compliance with treatment (for example, if you lose an aligner, you may have to pay for a replacement)

During your consultation, we will provide you with a candid cost estimate for your treatment. If you have any questions about the numbers we present to you, feel free to ask.

Invisalign® vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Which Is the Better Value?

In recent years, mail-order clear aligner treatments have skyrocketed in popularity. Many of them cost around $2,000 for start to finish treatment. That price may seem appealing, especially considering the fact that Invisalign® often costs significantly more.

It is important to keep in mind, however, that price is not the only factor you should consider when you are deciding how to straighten your teeth. Mail-order aligners are often constructed out of basic plastics, whereas Invisalign® is made out of a patented material that is designed for comfort and precise tooth movements. Plus, Invisalign® comes with the in-person support of a local, trustworthy dental team — with mail-order aligners, any support you receive may be quite limited. Mail-order aligners might even require you to take your own dental impressions, and even a small error while doing so could lead to disappointing treatment results.

Most patients would agree that Invisalign® is a better value than any type of DIY aligner system.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign®?

Some dental insurance policies have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® may or may not be covered under it. Our team can help you learn the details of your insurance policy, file forms for preauthorization, and understand how your benefits will affect your out-of-pocket costs. If your insurance does cover Invisalign®, it may save you $1,000 or more. If no coverage is available, you might try another provision, such as your FSA, to mitigate the cost of Invisalign®.

Options for Making Invisalign® Affordable

As your Invisalign® dentist in Northborough, we want you to be able to afford your treatment. To that end, we offer a few valuable provisions:

• Most patients are eligible for financing through CareCredit, a third-party lender that provides low- and no-interest payment plans.
• Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan is designed for patients without insurance. It offers a 15% discount on most services provided in our practice.

Would you like to learn more about Invisalign® and its cost? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is looking forward to helping you achieve a healthier, straighter smile.

How Long Does Invisalign® Take?

The average treatment time with Invisalign® is 12 months. However, some patients with mild misalignment have to wear their aligners for as few as 6 months. If your case is somewhat complex, your treatment could last for 18 months or longer. During your consultation, we will be able to estimate how long it will take for Invisalign® to achieve your ideal results. Although 18 months may seem like a long time, keep in mind that in most cases, Invisalign® is at least a few months faster than traditional braces.

Does Invisalign® Hurt?

Invisalign® aligners are constructed out of a smooth, patented form of plastic. The edges are designed to rest comfortably against the gums, and there are no metal parts to irritate your tongue or cheeks.

However, keep in mind that orthodontic treatment works because it applies pressure to the teeth. Naturally, that pressure can cause some discomfort, particularly when you first start wearing a new aligner. You can keep any soreness to a minimum by sipping on cold water, switching to a new aligner before bedtime, and taking pain relievers as necessary.

If you ever experience any severe pain or discomfort with Invisalign®, call your cosmetic dentist in Northborough right away. There may be something wrong with one of your aligners.

What Happens After Invisalign®?

After you work your way through all of your aligners, we will verify that your results are what we hoped for. If everything looks good, we will provide you with a retainer. A retainer is a small oral appliance that is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting back out of place. Without it, all of your hard work with Invisalign® could quickly be undone!

At first, you should wear your retainer full-time (20 – 22 hours a day). After a few months, however, we might give you the go-ahead to wear it only at night.

What if My Invisalign® Broke?

If the damage is fairly minimal, you might be able to continue using your aligner. However, you will need to be extra cautious when you are taking it in and out of your mouth. If the damage is more extensive, do not attempt any DIY repairs with superglue or other substances. Instead, call our office. We might advise you to go back to wearing a previous aligner while we order a replacement for the one that is no longer usable. Or, we might tell you to go ahead and move onto your next aligner a few days early.