Orthodontic issues, such as crooked or crowded teeth or a misaligned bite, not only impact the symmetry and aesthetic appearance of your smile, but they can also harm your health. Orthodontic issues increase your risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease (periodontal disease), bruxism, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). So, while Invisalign will improve the look of your smile, it isn't just a cosmetic dental treatment; it's also orthodontic and preventative.
Sometimes called "Invisalign braces," Invisalign isn't braces at all — at least not in the traditional sense of braces that use systems of metal wires and brackets and rubber bands to straighten the teeth. Instead, Invisalign is a treatment alternative to traditional braces that uses a system of custom-designed, clear aligner trays that fit snugly over the teeth and exert gentle pressure to gradually shift the teeth into the proper placement, alignment, and orientation.
Invisalign offers several benefits and advantages compared to treatment with metal braces.
Invisalign can address a wide array of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate cases of:
Additionally, Invisalign offers several treatment products designed to cater to the specific needs of different groups of patients, including Invisalign for adults, Invisalign for teens, Invisalign for kids, Invisalign retainer, and Invisalign palatal spacers.
Invisalign is a powerful and versatile orthodontic treatment that can effectively address and resolve a wide array of orthodontic issues. That being said, it isn't always the right treatment option for every patient. In some more complex or severe orthodontic cases, alternative treatments with traditional braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces might be recommended.
The treatment process begins with a consultation, examination, diagnostic images, and the creation of a custom-designed treatment plan. We first evaluate your orthodontic concerns and anatomy to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
We then take digital impressions of your teeth and upload them into the Invisalign system to design your treatment plan and show you a model of your final results. We then send your unique treatment specifications and plan to Invisalign, where your treatment system will be created.
When your set of aligner trays is ready, we will schedule you for an appointment where we will show you how to use your treatment system. Each Invisalign system includes graduated sets of clear aligners. You will wear each set of trays in your system for at least 22 hours per day for about two weeks before moving on to the next set of aligners. Each set will move your teeth a little bit closer to their final arrangement.
The treatment process can take anywhere from a couple of months to about a year and a half, depending on the complexity and severity of your orthodontic issues. Throughout this process, we will schedule you for quick checkups that allow our dentist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments throughout.
When you have finished wearing all of your aligner trays, our dentist will assess your teeth and bite alignment to ensure the proper treatment results were achieved. If any final adjustments are needed, we will order you another set of trays to ensure you achieve your desired results.
After treatment, patients typically need to wear a retainer to prevent their teeth from shifting and moving out of place which can occur naturally over time.
On average, treatment with Invisalign costs between $3,000 to $7,000. The cost of treatment can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case, your specific treatment plan, the number of aligners needed, and your insurance policy.
Since Invisalign offers preventative and orthodontic treatment benefits and is generally considered medically necessary, many insurance policies include some coverage. Our office team can help you navigate your insurance policy to better anticipate your out-of-pocket treatment expenses.
Compared to orthodontic treatment with traditional braces, the cost is usually pretty comparable.
At Naples Dental Professionals, our experienced dentist and oral health team have set a high standard. We're committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care while achieving exceptional treatment outcomes. If you experience pain, oral health problems, or have aesthetic concerns related to orthodontic issues, then we encourage you to seek treatment with our cosmetic dentist in Naples.
Dr. Consuegra has extensive experience working with patients of all ages and using Invisalign to resolve a wide array of orthodontic issues. To request a consultation for orthodontic treatment in Naples, we welcome you to contact our office today.