Invisalign® Clear Braces – Sweeny, TX

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

When you meet with Dr. Funk at your consultation, he’ll learn a bit more about your dental history and what you’d like to change about your smile. Then, he will take detailed X-rays and conduct an oral exam to determine:

• How complex your case is
• If we need to straighten both arches of your teeth
• If additional accessories, like rubber bands, need to be added to your treatment plan

Of course, these are just a few of the many factors we need to consider when making your treatment plan. Once you officially start your clear aligner treatment, you’ll also need to follow all of the guidelines to stay on-track. If you fall off-track, then there may be additional costs.

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

Invisalign almost always costs more than mail-order alternatives, like Smile Direct Club™. However, you should consider more than the upfront price when making your decision. After all, mail-order clear aligner companies rely on DIY impressions, don’t conduct a thorough exam, and have been sued several times by patients who have experienced worsened misalignment. Furthermore, professional organizations, like the American Dental Association, do not support these orthodontic alternatives. In short, even if they are cheaper, they aren’t worth your valuable time and money.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Sometimes, dental insurance does cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign. So, if you are currently insured, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the fine print on your plan! If that turns out to be a bit difficult because of the seemingly endless paperwork or the unfamiliar jargon, don’t worry – our Sweeny dental team can also help. We’re proud to work with several of the nation’s leading providers, including Aetna, MetLife, and BlueCross BlueShield.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Currently uninsured? That’s okay – there are other financial solutions available, including CareCredit. With this trusted third-party financier, you don’t have to stress about paying for the entire cost of Invisalign at once. Instead, you can review their payment plans and choose the one that best suits your monthly budget. In other words, you can space-out the payments into smaller chunks over the course of several months instead of paying for the entire thing at once!

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign shouldn’t hurt your mouth. Its aligners use smooth plastic, making it a rather comfy way to straighten teeth.

 

All that said, Invisalign does have a brief adjustment period. Having your teeth shift into proper alignment will be a new experience. You may feel slight soreness or discomfort at this time. Still, these effects will quickly fade as you undergo treatment.

 

To help with your adjustment, feel free to use home remedies for any aches. Store-bought pain medication is a good example of one. Similarly, you could use a cold compress to numb affected areas.

 

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The average Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months to finish. This period is needed for the aligners to move one’s teeth into the right positions. However, the exact timing varies by patient.

 

You see, many factors can affect Invisalign’s timespan. One of these is the severity of your alignment issue, as a highly crooked smile takes more time to fix. Another is whether you stick to the daily Invisalign wear time of 22 hours daily. Your attendance at follow-up visits during the alignment process is also relevant. If you don’t see the treating dentist regularly, you won’t switch to new aligners as quickly.

 

What if My Invisalign Broke?

Invisalign aligners are made of a fairly durable plastic. Even so, they can break, crack, and get scratched over time. You’ll need to respond accordingly if that happens.

If the trays only have hairline cracks, don’t worry too much. Your aligners can still be used in that case. Of course, be careful when taking them out and putting them back in your mouth. You should also apply even pressure when placing the aligners on your smile.

 

For more serious breaks, contact your dentist for help. Trying to repair the trays yourself won’t work out. In contrast, the dentist will have the expertise to handle things. They may suggest reverting to a previous aligner until they can provide a replacement.

 

What Happens After Invisalign?

Once you’ve finished your Invisalign journey, you won’t just return to business as usual. You must perform certain steps to ensure your results.

 

Firstly, visit your dentist to verify that the treatment worked. They’ll assess whether your teeth are in the correct, straight positions. Afterward, they’ll brief you on how to maintain your newly-aligned smile.

 

Next, you’ll start wearing a retainer. This device will keep your teeth from shifting back to their earlier positions. Based on your needs, you may begin using it full-time before moving towards nightly use.