INVISALIGN® CLEAR ALIGNERS– MCMINNVILLE, OR

Enhanced Comfort

Although traditional orthodontics are the tried-and-true way to straighten smiles, the metal comprising the brackets and wires is notoriously sharp. The corners of your braces can rub raw spots in the tender tissues of your mouth, and snapped wires can create sores without dental wax covering them.

Fortunately, the plastic material of Invisalign is smooth against your gums and the insides of your cheeks and lips so that you don’t have to suffer from frequent cuts or blisters. What a relief!

Subtle Trays

One of the main reasons so many teens and adults opt for clear aligners is that it’s a much more discreet method than bulky braces. You won’t have to worry about how other people’s perception of you might change once you begin your orthodontic treatment. Because your trays are made from transparent plastic, you’re much more likely to get away with wearing them without anyone the wiser.  

 

Improved Dental Hygiene

Brushing around metal brackets can be challenging and often requires specially designed brushes intended to reach through and around them. If you’re unable to thoroughly clear plaque away from all surfaced of your teeth and along your gums, then you’re at an increased risk of developing cavities or gum disease.

Invisalign is removable and therefore much easier to wash. Twice daily, you should take your trays out of your mouth to gently scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap. Be sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth, too, so you can put them back into a clean space.

Quick Follow-Ups

Because your clear aligners are all designed in advance, your follow-up appointments will be much simpler and faster than patients with traditional orthodontics. There’s no need to manually adjust wire tension, so you can be in and out in about 15 to 30 minutes. Dr. Ramsay uses this time to ensure that you’re still on track with your treatment timeline and that your teeth are shifting as intended. Then, she’ll answer any questions or concerns you might have, provide your next sets of trays, and send you on your way.

Increased Confidence

Having overcrowded, crooked, or gapped teeth can detract from your self-confidence if you’re worried how others will perceive you. Unfortunately, braces don’t do much to improve your self-esteem. The dark material they’re made from is often considered unappealing and tends to grab unwanted attention.

With clear aligners, your natural teeth and gums are allowed to shine through for the duration of your treatment. That means you’ll be showing off a straighter smile each week or two as you switch to a new set of trays.

Non-Invasive Method

Invisalign is generally considered less invasive than standard braces because this alternative treatment requires fewer changes to your day-to-day routines and lifestyle. For instance, you don’t have to worry about changing your daily dental hygiene routine or purchasing special products because you can remove your trays to clean your teeth. Thankfully, that also means there are fewer dietary restrictions to comply with.

Crowded Teeth

Not only can crooked teeth negatively impact your self-esteem, but they can easily trap plaque, bacteria, and food particles. This is a problem because, if they are left between your teeth, this raises your risk of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Before you worry, there’s some good news: when you straighten your teeth in McMinnville with Invisalign, you’ll achieve a prettier, healthier smile.

Gaps Between Teeth

Unfortunately, too much space between teeth is just as problematic as crowded teeth. After all, it’s just as easy for food, plaque, bacteria, and other debris to get trapped. Again, there’s some good news: Invisalign can fix gapped teeth, improving your self-esteem and protecting your teeth from chips and cracks in the process. You’ll see the progress every step of the way too because the aligners are metal-free!

Overbite

Although you want your upper teeth to sit in front of your bottom teeth, you don’t want there to be a significant space between the two. If this exists, then chronic jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, and premature wear and tear on your teeth are concerns. That’s why we recommend coming in for a consultation to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign! If you are, then we can improve the alignment of your bite (as well as the alignment of your teeth) with smooth, discreet aligners.

Underbite

An underbite is the opposite problem: when your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones. Even in minor cases, this orthodontic issue places immense pressure on your jaw, resulting in problems like inflammation and chronic pain. Fortunately, rubber bands, buttons, and other accessories can be added to your custom treatment plan if you’re a candidate for Invisalign. The final result will be a smile that looks, feels, and functions beautifully.

Crossbite

A crossbite is when some of your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth and vice versa. Again, there are a few potential issues with this bite problem, including premature wear and chronic jaw pain. Luckily, Invisalign is also capable of handling mild and moderate cases, all with their clear, comfortable aligners. One of the best parts of this orthodontic treatment is that the average treatment timeline is only 12-18 months too!

Open Bite

Even in mild cases, an open bite can lead to uneven wear and tear on your teeth and sore jaw joints. It can also lead to TMJ disorder. Thankfully, Invisalign can help correct your jaw as well as your smile. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to find out if you’re a candidate!

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Your Invisalign treatment will look far different than the one your friend or colleague completed. Why? Because it’s impossible for this type of customizable service to be the same for everyone. There are too many factors that can make this unique system more or less expensive, which is why an initial consultation with Dr. Ramsay is necessary. During your visit, she will consider the following before crafting a thorough and clear estimate:

• Do you require Invisalign in McMinnville for your top teeth, bottom teeth, or both?
• How severe is your dental problem? Addressing a slight gap will always be easier and less expensive than realigning a serious overbite.
• How long your treatment will last. If Dr. Ramsay discovers you will need additional aligners to keep your teeth moving in the right direction, this will add to the overall cost.

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

Smile Direct Club is an enticing way to straighten your smile. After all, it can be hard to turn down treatment that will only run, on average, around $2,000. When compared to the $3,000-$8,000 with Invisalign, it’s no wonder Smile Direct Club is a popular option. However, before you decide to pursue one of these do-it-yourself (DIY) systems, you should know why it’s better to choose Invisalign:

• You will not have an orthodontist overseeing your progress. While this might sound convenient being able to avoid regular follow-ups every few weeks, it can be problematic should an issue occur along the way.
• You’ll be required to capture your impressions using their instructions and materials. Although this may not sound difficult, it is vitally important that these impressions be accurate, as they will serve as the blueprint for your customized aligners. If they are inaccurate, you can expect your aligners to not fit correctly, which can do more harm to your smile than good.
• If a problem develops while wearing Invisalign, you will have no one to call. Because there is no oversight by a trusted orthodontist, you’ll be required to seek the help of a local Invisalign dentist in McMinnville, which will ultimately cost you more money in the end.

By choosing Invisalign from the start, you can avoid the potential for problems because of the knowledgeable and skilled professional overseeing your treatment. From your initial consultation to the final day of your Invisalign treatment, you will have our team at Evans Street Dental right by your side making sure you are pleased with your results.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

It is possible to receive coverage for Invisalign; however, it depends on your individual plan. While many insurance companies offer up to 50% coverage for orthodontics, some have exclusions and stipulations you must abide by (i.e., orthodontics are covered at 50% for children 18 and under). It is important that you or a member of our team review your policy to identify if there will be any issues filing a claim for your Invisalign treatment. If you have a flexible savings account (FSA), make sure to use your available funds toward your clear aligners, as this will help to lower your expenses.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

If you want to find ways to make Invisalign more affordable, you’ll be pleased to know that at Evans Street Dental, we work closely with CareCredit and gladly accept payment through their monthly payment system. Offering low and no interest financing, you can easily manage your budget and achieve a straighter, healthier smile. By enrolling in a program that makes it possible to pay off your treatment with easy, monthly installments, you can feel more confident in your decision to choose Invisalign.