Invisalign® – San Antonio, TX
Enjoy the Right Choice for a Straight Smile
Many people dream about correcting crooked or gapped teeth to finally achieve that perfect look. For image-conscious teenagers and adults, it can often seem like they have missed the boat. Noticeable metal braces are fine while in middle school but balancing them with an older, more polished appearance is a no-go. Thankfully, Dr. Troy Jones and Dr. George Knight are happy to offer an alternative at their two practice locations. Invisalign in San Antonio can straighten your smile in a more seamless fashion, allowing patients to maintain their self-confidence throughout their treatment.
Invisalign vs. Metal Braces
Metal braces have been the go-to solution to correct alignment concerns for decades because they can resolve even the most complex concerns. Brackets and wires are attached to the teeth to pull them into position. Invisalign is different because it uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth to gradually move them. This gives you a discreet and sophisticated option to achieve the results you want.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your dentist in San Antonio takes impressions of your mouth to create a series of aligners in the Invisalign lab. Each one represents a different stage of your smile throughout the treatment. You wear each aligner for about one week before switching to the next. You will need a brief checkup every few weeks to monitor the movement of your teeth. On average, it takes about 12 months to finish your series.
Benefits of Invisalign
Have you ever wondered why so many patients have chosen Invisalign? It’s because this orthodontic treatment is effective and reliable while also offering a wide variety of benefits (especially compared to more traditional orthodontic solutions). Here are a few examples:
Removable Aligners
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed. As a result, there aren’t any dietary restrictions; you can still eat and drink what you like! Of course, there are a few guidelines on the topic that you need to keep in mind. The first is that you can only have water while wearing them. The second is that you need to exercise caution with extremely crunchy foods. The third is that you should keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum.
Improved Comfort
While traditional braces move your teeth into their properly aligned positions with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign doesn’t. Instead, the aligners are crafted from smooth plastic and custom-designed for your unique smile. This makes them comfortable, so you will never need to worry about any irritation to the inside of your lips or cheeks.
Tip: If you feel any soreness or pressure surface from the movement of your teeth, sip on cool water! You can also take OTC pain medication, if needed.
Fewer Check-In Visits
One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is that they don’t require unpleasant, painful tightening appointments. Instead, you’ll be given several sets of trays at a time so you can progress through portions of your treatment plan at home. Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come to our office so we can monitor your progress, answer any questions you have, and provide you with your next set of aligners. All in all, these visits are fast, convenient, and comfortable.
Faster Results (On Average)
Oftentimes, traditional braces require multiple years of treatment to be fully effective. Invisalign, on the other hand, has an average treatment timeline of only 12 to 18 months. Of course, staying on-track with your treatment plan does require some work, like making an intentional effort to wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day. However, even that is easy once you find a schedule you like.
Hassle-Free Oral Care
We mentioned above that Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes eating a well-balanced, varied, and satiating diet easy. This also makes brushing and flossing a breeze! Plus, there’s more good news: you only need a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean, cool water, and a clear antibacterial soap to clean your aligners.
Practically Invisible Aligners
Last, but certainly not least, the aligners are made from transparent plastic. As a result, they are practically invisible. In fact, even the people in your life who see you every day, like your coworkers, will have a hard time telling when you’re wearing them! So, you can see why image-conscious teens and professionals alike love Invisalign.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Reading through the previous sections will give you insight into the Invisalign process and the benefits of clear aligner treatment, but how much does it cost? Simply put, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. After all, several factors need to be taken into account – from the severity of your misalignment to how well you follow your treatment guidelines. The good news is that we are here to make understanding the cost of Invisalign as straightforward and easy as possible!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
In short, each Invisalign treatment plan is tailored completely to the patient’s dental needs and smile goals. That’s why scheduling a consultation is so important! At your appointment, we will conduct an exam to learn more about the position of your teeth and bite. In the process, we will determine:
- Whether you need to address one or both arches of teeth
- How severe your misalignment is
- How many aligners are needed
- If you need additional accessories, like rubber bands
As previously mentioned, another factor will come into play once you begin treatment: your compliance with the guidelines, such as wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. “Rules” like this are in place to prevent you from falling off-track with your treatment timeline, which could result in more time and money spent on your teeth-straightening journey.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Mail-order aligner companies like Smile Direct Club™ lead with the lower price tag, which is usually around the $2,000 mark. However, price isn’t the only thing you should consider. While Invisalign requires a higher investment upfront, it’s reliably helped more than 12 million patients. Plus, they have more than two decades of experience, have support from professional organizations like the American Dental Association, and are overseen by a licensed dental professional. Simply put, when it comes to something as important as your smile, cheaper isn’t better.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Do you have dental insurance ? Naturally, you may be wondering if your benefits cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign. Good news: it’s possible! While some plans don’t cover orthodontic treatment, others include a once-in-a-lifetime benefit for braces. If that’s the case for you, then our team will help you utilize your benefits to the fullest. We happily accept most PPO dental plans, and our knowledgeable team will do our best to explain your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses every step of the way.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? In that case, ask our team about your other financial options, like low-interest financing. This solution allows you to space out your payments instead of paying for the entire treatment upfront.
Invisalign FAQs
If you want to achieve a healthier, more attractive smile, then Invisalign in San Antonio is the solution for you. However, we understand you may have questions regarding treatment, caring for your aligners, as well as aftercare. If you want to learn more about Invisalign, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign can be used to correct several bite and alignment concerns; however, you require a consultation to ensure it is right for you. Contact our office today to start your journey to a straight smile.