Clear Aligners Holden

Crowded Teeth

Do you feel like you have too many teeth in your mouth? If so, you may benefit from clear aligners. In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, Invisalign can help keep your smile healthy by moving your teeth into proper alignment. After all, teeth that overlap are difficult to clean and, therefore, are more likely to develop a cavity. So, if you want a smile that looks great and is healthy, it’s time to take the next step: schedule a consultation with us!

Gaps Between Teeth

Having gaps between your teeth doesn’t just affect your appearance – it has a negative impact on your oral health. That’s because gaps allow food and bacteria to become trapped between the teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease in the process. Our clear aligners can gently bring your teeth closer together in the dental arch and minimize the open space. The best part? No unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile!

Overbite

While the upper teeth should sit in front of the lower ones, it’s not healthy for them to jut out considerably. This is referred to as an overbite, and, unfortunately, it can lead to several serious consequences – from difficulty enunciating clearly to trouble chewing properly and premature wear on your teeth. There is some good news though: clear aligners are usually a solution for patients with mild to moderate cases, which means your orthodontic treatment won’t require any metal at all!

Underbite

In short, a misaligned bite can cause speech issues or tooth damage due to uneven pressure. It is also common for patients with underbites to feel strain on their temporomandibular (jaw) joints, leading to chronic pain. Don’t worry though – clear aligners have proven to be effective at correcting more mild cases. Sometimes, rubber bands and other orthodontic accessories are involved. Even so, your journey to a straighter smile and healthier bite will be considerably more discreet.

Crossbite

Crossbites often aren’t as talked about, but that doesn’t mean they are any less serious. In fact, patients with this bite problem often experience low self-esteem, premature wear, and TMJ dysfunction. In other words, it can become painful to the point that it significantly impacts your quality of life. For this reason, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us ASAP to find out if clear aligner treatment is right for you!

Open Bite

If you have an open bite, don’t take the “wait and see” approach. After all, the more time that passes, the more likely it is that you will experience the consequences, like premature wear that results in noticeable chips and painful cracks. So, the best thing you can do for the look, health, and function of your smile is to schedule a consultation with us sooner rather than later!

Wearing Your Trays

Clear aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth and gently reposition them over a designated period. You must wear the transparent trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent them from reverting to their starting place. Then, Dr. Witt will provide the next pair to switch to at the designated time every week or two.

That typically means you’ll only remove them for meals and cleanings. Many patients find setting a timer during these tasks helpful to ensure they meet their allotted wear time.

Cleaning Your Aligners

You should remove your trays at least twice daily (morning and night) to thoroughly cleanse them to remove leftover food, bacteria, or other debris that can form a layer of residue on their surfaces. Remember to use lukewarm water because overly hot temperatures can warp the plastic so it no longer fits correctly.

Gently scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or clear hand soap. Be sure to also brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your orthodontics to continue your day. You can also soak them in special cleaning solutions for 15 minutes daily to eradicate up to 99% of unwanted germs.

Eating & Drinking

Unlike traditional braces, your clear aligners are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions to meet. However, you might crack, break, or stain the trays if you try to eat or drink anything other than water with them still inserted.

You should take them out of your mouth and store them safely in their carrier case before meals. This ensures they won’t be harmed when you bite or chew and won’t be left underneath your napkin to be accidentally tossed out with the trash when finished!

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Lost or damaged trays aren’t necessarily an emergency, but it’s a good idea to contact our team to let us know right away if you’re missing one or both of your aligners. They’re relatively easy to replace, but we’ll need to let you know whether you should wear the previous trays or the next ones in your series, depending on how long you had worn the ones that went missing.

Routine Check-Ins

Thankfully, the follow-up visits for clear aligners tend to be quick and easy appointments. Every four to eight weeks or so, based on your treatment plan, you’ll need to see Dr. Witt so he can monitor your progress and make sure you’re on track. If everything checks out, he’ll provide the next trays in your series for you to begin wearing at the appropriate time.

This can often be completed from start to finish in as few as 15 minutes!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Clear Aligners

There are multiple factors that can impact the cost of clear aligners. Here are a few that we’ll take into account when creating your estimate during your consultation:

• How many aligners you’ll need. This is often determined by the extent of your malocclusion or dental misalignment.
• Whether you are straightening one or two arches. In most cases, we recommend straightening both arches to prevent misalignment from developing. However, in some cases, it may make the most sense to just treat one row of teeth.
• If your dental insurance covers any portion of your treatment. In some cases, plans may cover a portion of clear aligner treatment, which can reduce your overall cost.

Our Clear Aligners vs. Smile Direct Club™

Mail-in orthodontic aligners systems like Smile Direct Club are more popular than ever, leading to many patients choosing the DIY method over visiting an orthodontist, who is professionally trained to provide these types of treatments. While Smile Direct Club may be cheaper because there’s little to no oversight from professionals, it’s often not the best value for patients.

Mail-in aligners are made from plastic, and you’ll need to take your own impressions at home. There’s a drastically higher risk of this going wrong than when you see an orthodontist, which can result in complications due to your teeth not being straightened properly. Ultimately, choosing Smile Direct Club or other mail-in options could end up being much more expensive than visiting to your clear aligner dentist.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Clear Aligners?

While some plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, benefits typically lean toward traditional metal braces, not clear aligners. However, more and more plans are covering the cost of clear aligners, so it’s worthwhile to call your provider directly to ask. Our team is proud to be an in-network provider with several PPO dental insurances, so you might be surprised at how much you’ll be able to save!

Options for Making Clear Aligners Affordable

We realize that dental insurance often doesn’t cover clear aligners, and in cases where adults need treatment, they often won’t cover any form of orthodontic treatment. That’s why we also offer in-house financing with zero percent interest. Don’t hesitate to ask us about this option during your clear aligner consultation!

What Do Clear Aligners Look Like?

Clear aligners are made from a durable plastic material. Although you can see the aligners when holding them in your hand, they are virtually undetectable when wearing them. You don't have to worry about any unwanted attention brought to your smile. You can ensure your aligners stay transparent by caring for them properly, like cleaning them at least twice daily. Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything except water to prevent stains. While the aligners are clear, if you require any buttons or attachments, they can be a little more noticeable.

Do Clear Aligners Hurt?

No orthodontic system is completely painless. It's normal to have some tenderness after getting your aligners, but that's a sign your treatment is working. Clear aligners work by placing continual pressure on your teeth to move them gradually. The discomfort will improve within a couple of days but may return when switching to a new aligner in your series. As you progress through your treatment, any discomfort will lessen. You can manage any tenderness using an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods until it subsides.

How Long Does Treatment with Clear Aligners Take?

Every mouth and situation differs, but most patients are finished with clear aligner treatment in about 12 to 18 months. Your orthodontist will explain exactly how long you can expect your treatment to take at your consultation. Older patients and those needing complex tooth movements may require more aligners, so treatment can take longer. You can ensure there aren't any delays in the process by wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day and switching to the next set on time. Don't forget to visit your dentist regularly for checkups to keep your treatment plan on track.

Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Clear Aligners?

Many dental insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage. If your policy includes orthodontia, your benefits may cover a portion of the cost. After meeting your deductible, your insurance can pay a specific amount of your treatment, which can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on your coverage. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate benefits. They will explain how your insurance is being used and your payment options for any balance, like financing. Based on your credit approval, you can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. We will help you find the solutions you need to keep a straight, beautiful smile within your budget.