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Invisalign® Clear Braces – Cumming, GA

Invisible Treatment, Stunning Results

Teen with Invisalign braces

With Invisalign, a patient can fix crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth as well as a misaligned bite all without having to get noticeable metal braces. To everyone else, the patient’s smile will look like it always has, allowing them to feel completely confident throughout their treatment. Invisalign is ideal for adults and teens alike, and when designed and applied by a highly-trained orthodontist like Dr. Podray or Dr. Lewis, gorgeous results and a comfortable experience are both guaranteed. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign clear braces in Cumming, GA and see if it would be right for you or your teen, give us a call today to schedule a FREE consultation.

Why Choose Serenity Orthodontics for Invisalign® Clear Braces?

  • Custom-Designed for Each Patient
  • Often Straightens Teeth Faster Than Traditional Braces
  • iTero Scanner Helps You Preview Your Results

What is Invisalign®?

Woman placing Invisalign tray

Invisalign uses a series of lightweight, clear plastic aligner trays to move the teeth as opposed to traditional metal brackets and wires. When they are placed over the teeth, they practically disappear, meaning a patient doesn’t have to worry about altering their appearance when starting treatment. The trays can be removed whenever a patient wants to eat or brush their teeth, and Invisalign doesn’t require someone to change their daily habits. On average, the treatment time is about 12-18 months, which is much shorter compared to the timeframe for regular braces.

Invisalign® TEEN Clear Braces

Invisalign Teen aligners in carrying case

As you can imagine, there are a lot of image-conscious teens out there who need to straighten their teeth, and the idea of getting Invisalign is much more appealing compared to metal braces. Thankfully, Invisalign TEEN offers all of the advantages of regular Invisalign with small adjustments made for younger patients. First, every tray has a small indicator dot towards the back that fades as it is worn. This helps teens and their parents keep track of their treatment. And, each Invisalign TEEN system comes with up to six replacements in case one is ever damaged or “lost.” This ensures that it will work for even the most clumsy or forgetful teen!

Learn More About Invisalign Teen

iTero® Integrated Invisalign®

iTero scans of smile before Invisalign treatment

In order to ensure that Invisalign perfectly fits each unique smile, Dr. Podray or Dr. Lewis begins the treatment by taking a digital impression using an iTero scanner. This creates a fully 3D model of the teeth and bite they can use to design the treatment. Even better, it also gives them the ability to show a patient what their smile will look like after Invisalign has been completed. This can be tremendously exciting for a patient, giving them something to look forward to while also motivating them to keep their treatment on track throughout the process.

Who Can Invisalign Help?

As you consider Invisalign, you may wonder if it would suit you. That’s only natural – clear aligners can’t fix any and every smile. In fact, Invisalign works best for patients with select tooth and jaw issues. Luckily, though, Serenity Orthodontics is here for you! Listed below are some common orthodontic problems that Invisalign treats. By reading them over, you’ll see if our clear aligners could help you. Otherwise, feel free to call us for details.

Crowded Teeth

When there isn’t enough space in the mouth, teeth become crowded. This crowding causes your chompers to get twisted and crooked. From there, they’ll create hard-to-reach spaces that accumulate bacteria, debris, and plaque. You’d then be at greater risk of oral problems.

Still, Invisalign easily fixes dental crowding. Clear aligners can shift teeth to lay flush beside each other. That way, you can brush and floss far more effectively.

Gaps Between Teeth

For various reasons, gaps can develop between teeth. Such spaces are risky to oral health, as they act as breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Having them makes you more likely to get tooth decay and gum disease.

Even here, Invisalign comes to the rescue. Its trays could move your teeth closer together, essentially “filling” the gaps. Your mouth would then have more protection from bad bacteria. (Along with Invisalign, you could also get dental bonding to address minor gaps.)

Overbite

If you didn’t know, an overbite is a unique alignment issue. It occurs when the top teeth “jut out” too far from the lower arch. The resulting misalignment causes jaw pain, speech issues, dental wear, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Worse yet, it can leave top teeth exposed and at risk of injury.

Of course, Invisalign is equipped to treat overbites. Its aligners would move your top teeth until they don’t “jut out” anymore.

Underbite

Per the name, an underbite is the opposite of an overbite. It’s when the bottom teeth go slightly past the top teeth once you close your mouth. The result is a heightened risk of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and difficulty speaking and chewing.

All that said, you can trust Invisalign to help your underbite. Clear trays will shift your bottom teeth into the proper position.

Crossbite

A crossbite refers to when the upper jaw sits inside the lower jaw. In other words, it describes top teeth that fit just behind the bottom ones. Left unaddressed, this issue can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, jaw pain, speech difficulties, and headaches.

Invisalign can usually undo crossbites. Even so, do note if the latter stems from poor jaw development. In that case, you may need to add elastics to your aligners.

Open Bite

An open bite describes top and bottom teeth that don’t overlap or touch, even when you close your mouth. It often results in pronunciation challenges, as well as excessive enamel wear of the back teeth. This latter effect will cause the related pearly whites to get damaged.

With Invisalign, an open bite isn’t a big deal. Aligners can bring the front top and bottom teeth together, correcting the bite pattern. You’d then have a lower risk of dental damage and wear.

Living with Invisalign Aligners

Woman in apron smiling at restaurant

Are you interested in learning more about what life with Invisalign is actually like? Good news: we’ve dedicated this next section to covering everything from how to clean your aligners on a daily basis to what to expect at your check-in visits! As always, if you have any questions for our team about your clear aligner treatment, you’re welcome to give us a call directly as well.

Wearing Your Trays

: Closeup of patient placing clear aligner on bottom teeth

To stay on-track with your Invisalign treatment plan, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day. Although two hours might seem like plenty of “free time,” it’s less than you think when you tally up the time needed to eat and complete your oral hygiene regimen. That’s why we encourage our patients to use the Invisalign app; it has a built-in timer that makes tracking your wear time easy!

Cleaning Your Aligners

Patient using yellow toothbrush to clean aligner

Cleaning your aligners consistently is key. If you don’t, then your once-clear aligners will start to look yellow! We recommend keeping it simple. First, rinse your trays with clean, lukewarm water each time you remove them. Then, use some water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub each surface after you’re done eating. You can also use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit!

Eating & Drinking

Woman smiling while eating burger at restaurant

As we touched on above, you need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. When you do, store them safely in their case instead of placing them on the table or wrapping them in a napkin. We also should mention here the importance of eating a well-balanced diet that’s filled with nutrient-dense foods – you need to keep your teeth and gums decay and infection-free!

Losing or Damaging a Tray

Woman in yellow shirt smiling while talking on phone

Good habits, like placing your trays in their case when you aren’t using them, can prevent you from losing or damaging them. Of course, accidents sometimes happen. If you find yourself with a damaged aligner, or you can’t seem to find yours at all, don’t panic. Instead, call our orthodontist as soon as you can. From there, we’ll determine what the next step is.

Routine Check-Ins

Orthodontist showing smiling patient clear aligner in office

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll come in every six weeks or so to meet with one of our dedicated orthodontists. These routine check-ins are crucial because they allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth. If we need to make any changes to your treatment plan, we can. Or, we can answer any questions you have, give you your next round of aligners, and send you on your way! Either way, these appointments should be relatively quick, so they can easily fit into even the most hectic schedules.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Dentist shaking hands with young woman patient

Because no two set of teeth are exactly the same, there is no one-size-fits-all cost of Invisalign treatment. Instead, the final amount you end up paying will depend on a number of different factors. After reviewing your teeth during an initial consultation, Dr. Podray or Dr. Lewis will be able to provide you with an accurate cost estimate. However, if you want to know more about the cost of Invisalign in Cumming before visiting our office, keep reading below.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Invisalign in Cumming impression and aligner

The cost of Invisalign can vary from person to person based on a few different factors, such as:

  • How many aligners you need. If your teeth are severely misaligned, you will likely need more time – and more aligners – to achieve a straight smile.
  • Whether you’re straightening one arch or both. Straightening both the upper and lower teeth, which is what most people do, usually costs more than straightening just one or the other.
  • Your compliance with treatment. If you take your aligners out often, this will delay your results.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Invisalign dentist in Cumming testing aligner on patient

Many patients ask us if Smile Direct Club is a good alternative to Invisalign clear braces. The truth is, if you’re just looking for a “quick fix” for your smile at the lowest cost possible, then Smile Direct Club wins. While Invisalign typically costs anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000, Smile Direct Club costs closer to $2,000.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Smile Direct Club is a “do it yourself” clear aligner kit. If you go the DIY route, you will have little to NO oversight from a dental professional. It will likely be up to you and you alone to make accurate impressions and correctly follow the treatment process. Plenty could go wrong, which could lead to serious issues for your smile that need to be corrected by a professional anyway.

With Invisalign in Cumming, you have the trusted oversight of Dr. Podray and Dr. Lewis every step of the way, professionally made, highly accurate impressions, and a smoother, more successful treatment process overall. If you want the peace of mind of a quality cosmetic service, the cost is worth it.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Dental insurance paperwork with pen and glasses

Many dental insurance plans do not include coverage for traditional metal braces or Invisalign treatment. However, there are exceptions! If you are interested in straightening your teeth with Invisalign, check with your insurance company to confirm your coverage. If you would like help understanding your dental insurance benefits, our knowledgeable team will be happy to assist you! In addition, if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can likely use it to help cover the cost of Invisalign.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Close up of dentist holding two Invisalign aligners

Even if your insurance does not cover Invisalign, there are plenty of ways to afford clear braces. For example, qualified patients can sign up for CareCredit, a trusted dental financing organization. CareCredit allows patients to break down the cost of Invisalign treatment into manageable monthly payments. Their plans often come with low or no interest and can be customized to fit within your budget.

We also offer in-house financing right here at Serenity Orthodontics, including interest-free financial payments plans. If you want to learn more about financing options, flexible spending accounts bank drafts, and credit card payments, just let us know! Our Invisalign dentists in Cumming will gladly go over treatment costs with you and explain all your payment options.

Invisalign FAQs

From an overview of the Invisalign process to the benefits of the iTero scanner, the above information is designed to help you make an informed decision on whether or not clear aligners are right for you. If you’re ready to schedule your initial consultation with our orthodontists in Cumming, then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Prefer to do some more research before reaching out? That’s okay too! Keep reading for the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions we get from patients.

Does Wearing Invisalign Aligners Hurt?

Unlike traditional braces that utilize metal brackets and wires, Invisalign’s clear aligners are custom-made from a single piece of smooth, biocompatible plastic. So, while it’s normal to experience some soreness (especially when starting a new set of trays), most patients find straightening their teeth with Invisalign to be significantly more comfortable. Plus, any discomfort stemming from your aligners can be easily addressed with a cold compress or OTC pain relievers!

How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for Every Day?

Remember, although Invisalign aligners are removable, you still need to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. The more you wear them, the more likely you are to stay on track with your treatment timeline. Therefore, you should only remove them to eat, brush, floss, and drink anything other than water. That way, your teeth won’t begin to revert back into their previous positions, requiring backtracking. Since this results in more time and money spent on braces, it’s best to commit to wearing your aligners for at least 20 hours each day.

What Foods Can I Eat During My Invisalign Treatment?

Since Invisalign’s clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to abide by a long list of dietary restrictions! As a result, you can indulge in all of your favorite meals throughout your treatment. It is important to note, however, that dental problems (like tooth decay) can set you back on your treatment timeline. So, it’s best to implement good dental hygiene best practices, like brushing after each meal and limiting your sugar consumption. You should also avoid drinking anything other than water with your trays in since this can warp their shape and leave behind yellow stains.

Will Wearing Invisalign Aligners Change How I Talk?

When you first get your trays, you may experience a slight lisp. However, the adjustment period is typically short-lived, lasting no longer than a few days. Plus, you can expedite the process by reading aloud and repeating the more difficult words, like “sixty” and “Mississippi.” This will allow your tongue to quickly adjust to the presence of your aligners. In short, the possibility of a minor learning curve isn’t a reason to miss out on the straight, healthy, beautiful smile of your dreams.

Can I Get Invisalign If I’ve Had Metal Braces Before?

Possibly! If you had braces in the past, but have experienced orthodontic relapse, you may be a candidate for Invisalign in Cumming. The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with our orthodontists. From there, they can conduct a dental exam to learn more about your unique needs and smile goals. Once they confirm your candidacy, they’ll put a custom treatment plan in place to move your teeth into their properly aligned positions!

What Does Invisalign Look Like?

You know that Invisalign is “clear,” but what do the trays look like exactly? The best way to describe them is as see-through, plastic molds of your teeth. Naturally, there are variations in how they look since each one is completely customized to the patient. However, some also have little bumps, which is where your attachments are.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

In addition to providing you with an estimate of the cost, we will provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline at your initial consultation. If you’re interested in learning more general numbers, however, the average treatment is between 12 and 18 months. Of course, your time with clear aligners could be significantly longer or shorter depending on factors like how complex your case is and how well you follow all of your treatment guidelines.

Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

Good news: you don’t have to give up this caffeinated beverage during your orthodontic treatment! There is one rule, however. Before enjoying your morning or afternoon cup of coffee, you must remove your aligners, rinse them off, and store them away properly. If you really want to go the extra mile, you should drink your coffee with a meal. That way, you cut down on the amount of time they are out of your mouth.

How Do I Clean My Aligners?

It’s common for patients to overcomplicate the process of cleaning their aligners. However, you can keep it simple by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and some lukewarm water. After rinsing your trays in the water, dampen the bristles of your toothbrush and use them to carefully scrub each surface. Once you’re done, rinse the aligners with water again and place them back in your mouth.

Note: if your aligners are beginning to look yellow even though you are cleaning them after each meal, you can use the Invisalign cleaning crystals.

What Should I Do If I Break an Aligner?

Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. First, do not use super glue to try and put them back together. Second, do not move onto the next set of aligners without telling your orthodontist. Remember, each tray has a specific purpose, and moving forward too soon can negatively impact your treatment even further. Simply put, the best course of action is to notify your orthodontic team right away. From there, they can provide a specific recommendation on how to move forward.

What Happens After My Invisalign Treatment?

At your “final” appointment, we will remove any attachments you have, take impressions of your teeth (as well as a few pictures), and get to work on having your retainer made! Although some patients are disappointed that they need to wear one, it serves an important purpose: preserving your results. If you don’t wear it consistently, then there’s a good chance that your teeth will begin to drift out of position, negatively impacting the look, health, and function of your smile in the process.