Invisalign – Schenectady, NY

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign will vary depending on your individual circumstances, but a few main factors that often influence the total cost include:

• How many aligners you need to straighten your teeth – This is often related to the extent and type of your misalignment.
• Whether you are straightening one arch or both – It’s more expensive to straighten both the upper and lower teeth than straightening just one or the other.
• Your compliance with treatment – Lost or damaged aligners will inevitably need to be replaced, and these added costs can quickly add up. Additionally, not adhering to the 22-hour rule will lengthen your overall treatment process.
• Whether you require extra accessories – If you need elastics (small rubber bands) or other accessories, these can also factor into the final cost.

Invisalign VS Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Many patients like to weigh their options when it comes to orthodontic treatments, and DIY clear aligner treatments like Smile Direct Club™ have also become popular alongside Invisalign. These DIY alternatives usually cost around $2,000 whereas Invisalign may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. As attractive as the DIY system might be, it’s important to note a few differences between this option and Invisalign:

• DIY aligners are often made out of cheap plastic, while Invisalign uses a patented material that is designed for comfort and efficiency.
• There have been accounts where DIY aligners have been ineffective, and in some cases, they’ve even been known to worsen dental alignment!
• With Invisalign, you’re guaranteed the personalized support of our dental team!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Some dental insurance policies include a once-in-a-lifetime provision for orthodontic treatment and Invisalign is often included, though you will need to verify with your provider beforehand. We’re able to work with your insurance plan and fully maximize your benefits so that your Invisalign treatment isn’t a financial burden on you. If your insurance doesn’t cover Invisalign, you might be able to use your FSA or HSA to pay for your treatment instead.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Our team is happy to work with you to find a way to make your Invisalign treatment more affordable! If you don’t have dental insurance or orthodontic coverage, we offer alternative payment options with low-interest financing including CareCredit . If you’re ready to straighten your smile with Invisalign, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to figure out the specifics—including the financial details.

Crowded Teeth

We tend to think of our teeth as immovable structures in our mouths, but the truth is that they continue shifting over the years due to ongoing pressure from chewing and speaking. They can become overcrowded which causes problems like:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Jaw aches or discomfort
• Difficulty biting or eating

This happens because when your pearly whites are pressed too closely together, it’s hard to reach all the surfaces to thoroughly clean them. Harmful bacteria are attracted to leftover bits of food and contribute to plaque and tartar buildup.

Fortunately, Invisalign gently repositions your teeth to their ideal placements so that you can brush and floss more effectively. As a bonus, having a more even smile can boost your confidence in your appearance.

Gaps Between Teeth

If you have gaps in your teeth, food is more likely to become stuck between them and draw unwanted germs. There are many reasons why you may have wider spaces, such as:

• Oral anatomy. Some people simply have teeth that are naturally inclined to be further apart.
• Small teeth. If they’re not large enough then they won’t line up next to each other appropriately.
• Having a large jawbone. Your teeth may spread apart to try to fill your mouth or become pushed out of place because there’s more area to spread out into.

Whatever the cause behind it, pulling your grin together can reduce the risk of decay, disease, or inflammation due to unprotected gum tissue between your teeth. If you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign, these issues can also be addressed with dental bonding.

Overbite

People with an overbite, also called an overjet, have top teeth that extend out too far over the lower arch. This can lead to jaw pain, speech issues, uneven dental wear and tear, and a stiff or locked jaw. It also leaves their upper arch more exposed which can increase the chances of damage due to injury, breaking, or cracking.

Underbite

If you have an underbite, your lower teeth don’t sit under your top set the way they should. Instead, they’re exactly aligned, or your bottom arch extends beyond the upper. You’re more prone to sleep apnea as a result because your airway can become restricted in the upper nasal passages. You may also have a harder time breathing through your nose, eating normally, or enunciating words correctly.

Invisalign can often treat this with the inclusion of rubber bands or other attachments to gradually make the necessary adjustments.

Crossbite

Crossbites occur when parts of your bottom teeth are slightly in front of the upper arch and are often due to genetics, poor oral hygiene habits, or the premature loss of baby teeth. Although Invisalign can address it, Dr. Oshins may need to include elastics or other accessories to help shift your jaw into proper alignment.

Open Bite

Are your top and bottom teeth unable to overlap or touch when you close your mouth all the way? If so, you may have what’s referred to as an open bite. This is typically a result of poor bone development or lack of proper nutrition as a child. It can leave you unable to form certain sounds or words and causes excessive wear and tear of your back teeth which leaves them more prone to injury. Invisalign can improve your bite pattern to allow your smile to come together the way it should.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Invisalign has an average treatment timeline of 12-18 months, which is considerably shorter than traditional braces. However, the exact length of your treatment will depend on several important factors, including the severity of your misalignment. Something else that will come into play once you begin the series of clear aligners is your compliance with the treatment guidelines. “Rules” like wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day might seem inconvenient at first, but they are in place to keep you on-track with your treatment plan. With all that said, we can absolutely give you an estimate of your treatment timeline during your initial consultation.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

It’s not uncommon for patients who are interested in Invisalign to be concerned about the pain. Fortunately, Invisalign near Schenectady is considerably more comfortable than alternatives like traditional braces. In addition to being custom-made to fit your teeth exactly, the smooth plastic trays are designed not to irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. So, while you will likely experience some soreness immediately following the transition to a new aligner, your overall experience will be significantly more pleasant.

What Happens After Invisalign?

Remember, Invisalign is just the first step in achieving your smile goals. After you’ve worked through your entire series of aligners, we will give you a retainer. It’s important that you wear it consistently since it will play a crucial role in preventing orthodontic relapse (the phenomenon in which your teeth begin to drift back to their previous, misaligned positions). Don’t worry – retainers today are more discreet as well, allowing you to wear it without worrying about drawing unwanted attention to your smile.

What if My Invisalign Broke?

Although Invisalign aligners are quite durable, they aren’t completely indestructible. If yours breaks, do your best not to panic. And, of course, do not use superglue or any other household items to attempt to repair them. Instead, give our team a call as soon as you can. From there, we can take a look at your treatment plan and determine the next best steps, like moving onto your next set of aligners or wearing the previous ones until a replacement arrives.