Invisalign Clear Aligners – Encinitas, CA
Custom. Comfortable. Clear.
Has the thought of wearing metal brackets and wires stopped you from getting braces in the past? If so, then you’ll be happy to know that there is an effective, safe, and discreet alternative: Invisalign. With this cutting-edge orthodontic treatment, we can gently and comfortably move your teeth from where they are now into their ideal positions, improving your confidence, oral health, and bite in the process. If you’d like to see if you’re a candidate, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. If you want to learn more about this cosmetic dental treatment before making an appointment, read on!
Why Choose McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas for Invisalign?
- Cutting-Edge Dental Technology
- Additional Financing Available Through CareCredit
- Convenient Appointment Times
How Invisalign Works
To move your teeth from where they are now to their properly aligned positions, our Encinitas dental team will create a series of custom-made clear aligners. Once they arrive at our office, we’ll show you how to take care of them and give you detailed instructions on how often to wear them. The general guideline is 20-22 hours a day, which is important because your aligners only work while you’re wearing them. Every 7-14 days, you’ll move onto the next set in the series until you’re finished!
Who Can Invisalign Help?
If you’re interested in learning if you’re a candidate for Invisalign, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us so we can learn all about your specific dental needs. Until then, here are several common orthodontic problems that clear aligners can correct:
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding is a very common orthodontic issue that can negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile. Don’t get discouraged though! Invisalign can be used to address mild to moderate cases. If we determine that you’re a candidate, then we will take impressions of your teeth, have a custom series of clear aligners made, and instruct you when to progress to each new set. Before long, you’ll have the straight smile you’ve always wanted.
Gaps Between Teeth
Whether you have one noticeable gap or small gaps throughout your smile, you’ll be happy to know that you may be a candidate for Invisalign. With a custom-made series of aligners, we can gently guide your teeth into their proper positions, closing the gaps in the process. Not only will the treatment process be considerably more discreet than if you chose traditional braces, but the average timeline is only 12-18 months. So, you won’t have to wait long to see results!
Overbite
Unfortunately, overbites can impact your chewing habits, your speaking patterns, and even the size and shape of your teeth. That’s why we recommend exploring your treatment options, like Invisalign! Over the last two decades, clear aligners have helped patients improve both the alignment of their teeth and their bite.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper ones. Since orthodontic problems like this rarely fix themselves, it’s important to schedule a consultation with us, even if your case is mild. From there, we can determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign and, if you are, if additional orthodontic accessories are needed to achieve the desired results, like rubber bands!
Crossbite
If some, but not all, of your upper teeth sit behind your lower ones, you likely have a crossbite. Fortunately, like the other bite problems on this list, Invisalign has proven to be an effective solution. So, don’t wait – schedule a consultation at our office so we can conduct a comprehensive oral exam and determine if the alignment of your teeth and bite can be improved with clear, custom aligners.
Open Bite
Is there a space between your upper and lower teeth that’s preventing you from biting down all the way? If you answered “yes,” then you should schedule a consultation with us. That way, we can determine if you have an open bite and, if you do, if Invisalign is a solution. If it is, then we can create your treatment plan as well as a custom series of clear aligners.
Benefits of Invisalign
Curious why more than 17 million patients have chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign? Well, there isn’t just one reason; there are several! Here are a few noteworthy ones:
Metal-Free Braces
When you hear “metal-free braces,” you might initially think of the aesthetic perks. However, that isn’t the only perk of choosing clear aligners. Since they are crafted from smooth plastic, they won’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. Plus, they are custom-made to fit the contours of your mouth, making them even more comfortable. So, the most you will feel is some slight pressure from time to time, but even that is good news – it means your teeth are moving!
Freedom to Eat Your Favorite Foods
Popcorn, tortilla chips, and apples are just a few of the many foods that patients need to avoid with traditional braces in an effort to prevent orthodontic emergencies, like a broken bracket. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, they don’t need to abide by the same restrictions. As your dental team, all that we ask is that you do your best to eat nutrient-dense, well-balanced meals and that you exercise caution with crunchier foods in an effort to prevent a tooth from chipping or an attachment from breaking.
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Another perk? The average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months. So, in addition to your teeth-straightening journey being considerably more discreet, there’s a good chance it will be considerably shorter as well. If you are interested in getting an estimate of your treatment timeline, schedule a consultation with us so we can determine important factors that influence the answer, including how many aligners need to be made.
Fewer Check-In Visits
Do you have a lot coming up this semester? Are you a busy parent? Good news: you don’t need to attend monthly adjustment appointments with Invisalign! Instead, you’ll be given several sets of aligners at a time so you can work through portions of your treatment plan at home. Around every six weeks, you’ll come in for a progress visit, which is when we will ensure that your teeth are moving as anticipated.
Hassle-Free Dental Care
Like many other patients, your oral hygiene regimen may not be your favorite part of your day. If that’s the case, there’s good news: you don’t need to adopt a cumbersome routine or buy any special oral hygiene products. Instead, you can continue your usual regimen: brushing twice a day as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash each night. Just make sure you clean your aligners consistently too!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Just like no two smiles are the same, no two treatment plans are the same! So, if you’re interested in learning the price of Invisalign, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with one of our exceptional Encinitas dentists so we can determine important information pertaining to the cost, including the number of aligners needed to straighten your teeth. In the meantime, read on to learn more on the topic, including if mail-in alternatives are cheaper.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
When you come in for your consultation, we will learn more about your dental history (including if you’ve had braces before) and determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. If you are, then we will need to consider:
- How complex your case of misalignment is
- If single-arch treatment is possible
- The type of retainer you need
- How many aligners are required
- If any orthodontic accessories need to be added to your treatment plan
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the factors that have the potential to impact the cost. Another key one is how well you follow the treatment guidelines. If you consistently don’t, then there’s a good chance that an entirely new treatment plan will need to be made, which will likely come with additional costs.
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
If you’ve seen the commercials and ads on social media for mail-in aligners, then you know that the majority of the messaging focuses on the lower upfront cost. While that’s true (mail-in aligners are cheaper than Invisalign), context is missing. To start, mail-in alternatives completely bypass the initial consultation, rely on DIY impressions, and aren’t supervised by licensed dental professionals. As a result, complications like worsened alignment are quite common. So, even if they are cheaper, they aren’t worth your money.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Patients often assume that their dental insurance provider will only cover essential preventive and restorative care. That’s not necessarily true! In fact, several plans include a once-in-a-lifetime benefit that can be used to cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign. Plus, our team at McElroy Smiles by Design of Encinitas is proud to welcome several popular providers, including MetLife, Aetna, and Delta Dental, which makes the process of utilizing your available benefits much easier.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
In addition to welcoming dental insurance, we offer our patients three other financial solutions:
- Dental Membership Plan – When you join our plan, you get access to significant discounts on a wide range of services. Plus, there aren’t any waiting periods, annual maximums, or other red tape.
- CareCredit Flexible Financing – If you are interested in Invisalign but paying for the entire cost at once would put a strain on your wallet, then ask us about flexible financing. That way, you can break down the price into smaller monthly chunks.
- Special Offers – Periodically, we offer our patients special offers to help them save. You can learn the details of our latest ones by giving us a call!
Invisalign FAQs
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
You might have heard that the average Invisalign treatment timeline is 12-18 months. That’s true! However, it’s important to remember that there are several factors that will impact the length of your teeth-straightening journey – both upfront and during. A few examples include the complexity of your case, how long you wear each set of aligners, and if you meet the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time consistently. The good news is that we can provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline at your consultation so you have a better idea of the time you’ll need to invest in Invisalign.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You won’t have to give up your morning or afternoon cup of coffee with Invisalign. You might, however, need to make a few adjustments to your routine. For example, if you’re used to sipping on this caffeinated beverage through the morning, you will need to start drinking it alongside your breakfast. That’s because – to avoid warping and staining – you have to remove your trays before drinking coffee.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Invisalign?
While no foods are completely off-limits, there are several that we recommend avoiding. Sour gummy candies are a great example because they are loaded with added sugar, and the sticky consistency can easily tug on your attachments. Peanut brittle is another example of a treat that’s packed with sugar and can harm your teeth, which is why we recommend avoiding it or, at the very minimum, exercising caution when eating it. Simply put, you should continue to be mindful of how your diet impacts your oral health during your teeth-straightening journey.
What Should I Do If I Lose an Invisalign Aligner?
If you lose an aligner, the best thing to do is try and figure out the last place you had them. From there, carefully retrace your steps. There’s a good chance that they are somewhere “random,” like in the pocket of the pants you were wearing earlier, so make sure to look in unexpected places. If you truly can’t find them anywhere, then give us a call and share what happened. That way, we can take a look at your treatment plan and determine what the next best steps are.
What Happens After Invisalign?
Once you’ve worked through your entire series of trays and you’re happy with the results, we will take impressions of your teeth so your retainer can be made. When it arrives at our office, you’ll come in for your final appointment, which is when we will make sure it fits, tell you when to wear it, and share how to take care of it so that it lasts. Remember, this orthodontic appliance plays a crucial role in preventing orthodontic relapse (a phenomenon where teeth begin to move back into their previously misaligned positions), so make wearing it a priority!
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Before committing to any dental treatment, patients almost always have the same question, “Will it hurt?” If you’ve been wondering if Invisalign in Encinitas will come with any discomfort, we’ll be honest… it is normal to feel slight (and temporary!) soreness and pressure as your teeth move into proper alignment. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream smile. After all, there are several ways you can alleviate symptoms like these quickly, like sipping on cool water, using a cold compress, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
Why Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day?
Basically, your entire treatment plan is created with this in mind. So, if you don’t wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day, you will quickly fall off-track. This can add weeks or months onto the backend of your treatment, and it can even result in additional fees. That’s why it’s so important to only remove your aligners when it’s necessary.
Tip: If you’re not sure if you’re meeting your daily wear time goal, use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide! You can also use the Invisalign app, which has a timer that tracks your aligner-free time.
How Should I Clean My Aligners?
Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do; don’t use bleach (or any other harsh products) and never use hot water since it can warp the plastic. Instead, use clean, room-temperature water to rinse your aligners each time you take them off. Then, before you put your trays back on, brush your teeth and use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing soap to clean them. Lastly, soak them in a dentist-recommended cleaner for 15 minutes or so to give them an even deeper clean.
One of My Aligners Broke. What Should I Do?
Mild damage, like a hairline crack, usually isn’t considered an orthodontic emergency. Of course, if there is a large chip or your aligner has split down the middle, then you should absolutely call us. The sooner you do, the sooner we can determine the best way to get you back on-track with your treatment plan. Depending on where you are in the teeth-straightening process, that could mean moving onto the next set in the series or wearing the previous pair while we have a replacement made.
Important note: Do NOT use super glue or any other household adhesives to try and repair your aligners. Not only do they contain toxins that are not safe to ingest, but doing so can negatively impact the fit of your trays, making the situation even worse.
Can I Get Cavities with Invisalign?
There’s a common misconception that – since the aligners cover your teeth – you can’t get cavities with Invisalign. That’s not true; your teeth can decay during your orthodontic treatment if you don’t take good care of them. That’s why it’s so important to commit to good habits throughout the entire process, like brushing for two full minutes each morning, rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash each night, and scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.
