Almost everyone has something about their smile that they are unhappy with, and most of the time, it’s due to misalignment. There are several types of misalignment, and the severity can range from very mild to severe.
Dental Arts of Florida in Jacksonville offers a few options for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign clear aligners. In this article, we’ll explain more about what Invisalign is, how it works, and so much more.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces for treating a variety of mild to moderate malocclusions. In some cases, this treatment can be used for more severe malocclusions in conjunction with attachments, which are little resin buttons that are placed on the teeth to secure the aligners in place.
The treatment consists of a series of clear, custom-fitted aligners designed to put gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them into their appropriate position within the mouth. Most patients see full results in 12 to 18 months.
Invisalign aligners are custom-made from the 3D images that the dentist takes of your mouth in the office. The images and treatment plan are sent to the lab for the fabrication of your aligners. Each aligner should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, for 1 to 3 weeks, based on your treatment plan. Each one shifts teeth approximately .25 mm. The type and severity of your malocclusion determine how many aligners you will need and how long treatment will take.
Invisalign treatment is not recommended for everyone.
We primarily recommend it for older teens and adults. Since compliance and responsibility are necessary, we do not recommend using this treatment with younger patients.
While Invisalign can be used by patients with more severe orthodontic issues, these often require the use of attachments.
Invisalign has been proven effective for mild to moderate crossbites, overbites, and underbites.
The Invisalign treatment process is a fairly easy one- especially once you have the aligners.
The first step to any type of orthodontic treatment is a consultation appointment. The dentist will perform a comprehensive exam and take images. Your expectations for treatment will also be discussed.
The information collected during the consultation will be used to create your personalized treatment plan. Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for 1 to 3 weeks each, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
Your treatment plan and images will be sent to the dental lab for the creation of your custom-fitted aligners. When the aligners are sent back to the office you will schedule an appointment to ensure that they fit and be sent home with the remainder of the aligners.
While you do not need to visit the office for adjustments, you will need to check in several times throughout your treatment to have your progress monitored. If your treatment is not going as expected, we may make some adjustments to your plan.
Once you have completed your treatment, you will be given a retainer to wear. You will need to follow the same rules that you did for your aligners at first. However, over time the amount of time required for the retainer will be reduced until you are only wearing it at night. This will prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position.
The cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to traditional orthodontic methods. Our office staff will be happy to address any questions or concerns you have about paying for your treatment.
Invisalign treatment starts at $1,500 for a few aligners to treat a very mild malocclusion and goes up to $8,000 for unlimited aligners to treat more severe cases of malocclusion.
Dental Arts of Florida accepts a variety of standard payment options including cash, checks, money orders, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover. We accept financing through CareCredit and will make financial arrangements for patients who need extensive work.
While Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment, there are many dental insurance providers that classify it as a cosmetic treatment because of its aesthetic value. However, there are some that will cover a portion of the treatment. Our office staff will work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
If you have mild to moderate malocclusion and want to know more about Invisalign and other orthodontic treatment options, schedule your consultation with the team at Dental Arts of Florida in Jacksonville today. Invisalign aligners are discreet, comfortable, and convenient, and offer a shorter treatment time than traditional braces.
The Dental Arts of Florida team understands that orthodontic treatment can be confusing. Therefore, we are happy to work with you and address any questions or concerns you may have. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from our patients.
On average, Invisalign takes 12 to 18 months. However, this varies depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion. Patients with a very mild malocclusion often see full results within 6 months, whereas patients with a more severe malocclusion may take up to 24 months.
Yes, research has proven that Invisalign is effective for resolving a variety of mild to moderate malocclusions.
Cleaning Invisalign aligners is easy. Simply remove them from your mouth and rinse under cool running water. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently scrub aligners to remove any bacteria and plaque buildup. This will ensure that your treatment goes as expected.
Yes, Invisalign is effective for mild to moderate dental overbites. If your overbite is due to a skeletal malformation, it may not be as effective.
While you may have some mild to moderate discomfort due to the shifting of your teeth, you should not have any pain during treatment.
The cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional braces and Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional braces, making this treatment well worth the investment.
Eating while wearing your aligners could cause them to become damaged or stained, so they should be removed and placed in a safe spot until you have finished your meal.
Dr. Fred Tepedino comes from a long line of dentists spanning four generations. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and graduated with Honors in Periodontology. Always furthering his education and abilities, Dr. Tepedino continued his surgical training to achieve a Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association and training in Advanced Alveolar Reconstruction. Taking the time to listen to his patients and hear their perspective on their oral health and dental needs, Dr. Tepedino establishes trust and rapport with them. Ever a perfectionist, Dr. Tepedino provides a high level of care and skill that truly set his practice apart.
