Invisalign Clear Aligners – Oklahoma City, OK
Comfortable, Cosmetically Pleasing Orthodontics
Are you unhappy with your crooked or crowded teeth but hoping to avoid conventional orthodontic treatments? For people who want to benefit from straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile without wearing metal braces for a year or more, Invisalign clear aligners from our Oklahoma City, OK cosmetic dentist offer a wonderful alternative.
Why Mitchell Smile Design of Oklahoma City for Invisalign Clear Aligners?
- Digital Scanning Technology for Mess-Free Impressions
- CareCredit & Our In-House Plan Make Saving Easy
- Friendly Dentist with Advanced Invisalign Training
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually shift misaligned teeth into the proper position. These aligners are customized to fit tightly around the teeth at each stage of the treatment. You will be instructed to wear each set for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss your teeth. You will advance to the next set of aligners in the series after one to two weeks, depending on our recommendation. We will schedule a check-in appointment approximately every six weeks. The average treatment time for Invisalign ranges between one and two years, depending on the complexity of the case and how well the patient complies with the instructions.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign can be an excellent option for individuals who want to straighten their smiles but have reservations about wearing braces. There are several advantages to choosing clear aligners over brackets and wires for your orthodontic treatment. Below is a closer look at some of the key benefits of Invisalign that make it such an attractive choice for so many people.
Discreet Appearance
Since Invisalign clear aligners are made out of see-through plastic, they’re practically invisible when placed on the teeth. As such, someone meeting you for the first time likely won’t even realize that you’re wearing clear aligners unless they see you take them out. Thanks to the discreet nature of Invisalign, you can confidently show off your smile without having to worry about eyes being drawn to your orthodontic appliance.
An Easier Oral Hygiene Routine
With braces, you have to work around your brackets and wires while brushing and flossing your teeth. This can make your oral hygiene routine more difficult and time-consuming. With Invisalign, taking care of your smile is much easier. Once you take your aligners out of your mouth, you can brush and floss like you normally would.
A More Varied Diet
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t require you to avoid certain foods during the treatment process. Since you can simply take your aligners out of your mouth whenever it’s time to eat, you don’t have to worry about your orthodontic appliance being damaged during mealtime. Not only does this allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods, but it also makes it easier to maintain a nutritious diet.
Comfortable Aligners
Many patients find Invisalign clear aligners to be more comfortable than traditional braces. This is because the aligners are made out of smooth plastic, so they’re less likely to irritate your soft oral tissues. You may experience some discomfort when you first start wearing a new aligner, but the feeling should fade once your mouth has had a chance to adjust.
Fewer Appointments
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign typically doesn’t require as many progress appointments. You’ll only need to come into our office once every six or eight weeks so that we can provide you with new aligners and make sure that your teeth are moving as intended. Because it calls for less frequent visits to the dentist’s office, Invisalign can be a good option for those with busy schedules.
Shorter Average Treatment Times
With traditional braces, it can take two or even three years to achieve the desired results. Meanwhile, the average treatment time for Invisalign is in the range of 12 to 18 months; in some cases, the treatment process may be even shorter than that depending on the severity of your alignment issues.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is typically a good option for patients with mild to moderate cases of misalignment. That said, the only way to find out for sure whether or not you can benefit from this clear aligner system is to schedule an appointment with our dental office. When you do, Dr. Bradley Mitchell will evaluate the alignment of your bite, discuss your smile goals, and determine which method of treatment is best for you. If it’s Invisalign, you can look forward to getting started right away.
Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are crooked, you might struggle to smile confidently. Even if that’s not the case, we recommend exploring your treatment options. After all, even mild cases of overcrowding can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems. The good news is that Invisalign is often a solution and, if that’s the case for you, we can move your teeth into proper alignment with clear, barely noticeable aligners.
Gaps Between Teeth
Are there small gaps between your teeth? Maybe there is one large gap between your two front teeth. Either way, you’re not alone, and traditional braces aren’t the only treatment option. With a custom series of Invisalign aligners, we can gradually close the gaps, giving you a healthier and even more beautiful smile in the process. Oftentimes, patients get the results they want in just 12-18 months too!
Overbite
Have you been wondering if Invisalign can fix an overbite? If so, the answer is “yes!” In fact, the clear aligners have proven to be effective at correcting mild to moderate cases without any metal components at all. So, if your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones more than they should, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. Once that appointment is on the calendar, you’ll be a big step closer to your healthiest, happiest smile!
Underbite
If you are dealing with the opposite problem (your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones), you may have been told in the past that traditional braces were your only option. That may no longer be the case! With clear aligners, buttons, and rubber bands, we can gradually bring your teeth and bite into proper alignment.
Crossbite
Unfortunately, crossbites aren’t just an aesthetic issue; they can lead to chronic jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, trouble chewing properly, and premature wear and tear on certain teeth. For all of these reasons, we strongly recommend scheduling an Invisalign consultation with us sooner rather than later. If we determine that you’re a candidate, then we will get to work creating your custom aligners!
Open Bite
When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should come together evenly. If there is a space between them that’s preventing that from happening – even if it’s relatively minor – you should schedule an appointment with us. Oftentimes, Invisalign is an option, which allows us to improve the alignment of your bite without any metal at all.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Now that you know all about the process and benefits of Invisalign in Oklahoma City, it’s time to discuss the cost. After all, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions from prospective patients! Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are, however, some factors that will help you determine the answer. To learn what they are, read on!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Although Invisalign can help patients correct a wide range of orthodontic issues – from mild spacing to moderate crowding – the clear aligners aren’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. As a result, there isn’t a flat fee you can expect to pay. The cost of Invisalign in Oklahoma City will depend on factors like:
- How many trays are needed to straighten your teeth
- If you are straightening both arches or just one
- Your compliance with treatment
- The need for any additional accessories, like elastics
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
In recent years, DIY orthodontics, like Smile Direct Club™ have risen in popularity. With a $2,000 price tag and marketing that promises successful treatment, it’s not hard to see why! However, it’s important to weigh both the cost and the value, especially when it comes to something as important as your smile. While Invisalign can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000, the innovative, effective, and safe patented material can be relied on time and time again. Plus, they use professional impressions and consistent monitoring from a licensed professional, which cannot be said about DIY orthodontics. In short, while the price of Invisalign may be higher, the investment is well worth it.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
It’s certainly possible! While some dental plans don’t include any coverage, others have a once-in-a-lifetime provision for braces. Typically, this benefit is one that doesn’t renew and typically involves coverage of around 50% of your treatment. However, the details depend entirely on your insurance provider. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with them to find out. Otherwise, our knowledgeable team can help you better understand your benefits and how to use them!
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you’re currently uninsured or your plan doesn’t include orthodontic coverage, don’t fret. Our knowledgeable team has years of experience helping nearby patients get the top-notch dentistry they deserve at a price they can afford, and we’d be more than happy to do the same for you! We welcome cash, check, and all major credit cards. Plus, we can help with third-party financing as well. So, if you’re interested in Invisalign, but aren’t sure of the best financial option for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in Invisalign in Oklahoma City, Dr. Mitchell and our team are ready to help you get started on your journey. In the meantime, though, you may want to learn more about the road ahead. Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about this treatment. If you do not see the specific information that you are most curious about, give us a call — we look forward to speaking with you!
What Does Invisalign Look Like?
Invisalign aligners are constructed out of a patented form of plastic, which is designed to be as thin and clear as possible. Although it is not completely invisible when it is in the mouth, it is very subtle — it is unlikely to be the first thing that onlookers notice about your smile. If you maintain excellent oral hygiene and do not consume anything except plain water while your aligners are in your mouth, you can expect them to maintain their clear, discreet appearance.
It is also important to keep in mind that some patients require buttons or other attachments as part of their treatment. These accessories are more visible than the aligners themselves.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Invisalign aligners are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Their smooth plastic is easier on the oral tissues than the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. However, there is always at least some discomfort when the teeth are being moved. After all, the aligners will be applying constant pressure to your smile in order to shift your teeth into their proper positions. When you first switch to a new aligner, some soreness and tenderness are to be expected. You can minimize your discomfort by switching to a new aligner at night, sipping on cool water, and if necessary, taking pain medication. If you ever experience any severe pain with Invisalign, call our dental office right away.
What Happens After Invisalign?
After you finish using all of your aligners, you will need to start wearing a retainer. There are a few different types of retainers. If you have a removable one, you should wear it full time at first (20 – 22 hours a day, just like your Invisalign aligners). Eventually, you may be able to graduate to wearing it only at night. Retainers are incredibly important; if you fail to use yours properly, your teeth may quickly drift out of place, effectively undoing all of your hard work and patience with Invisalign.
What If My Invisalign Broke?
Occasionally, accidents happen that can damage aligners. If that ever happens to you, call us as your cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City right away, and we’ll advise you on your next steps. We might encourage you to switch to your next aligner if you were only a few days from making the transition. It is also possible that you should wear an old aligner while we order a replacement for the one that broke. In some cases, such as if an aligner has a hairline fracture, you might be able to continue using it. You will just need to be extra careful so you do not worsen the damage.
