Invisalign – Longmont, CO
The Clear Choice for a Straighter Smile
Do you have crooked or gapped teeth? Does your bite not line up properly when you close your mouth? Orthodontic problems like these can do more than make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. They can also take a serious toll on your dental and oral health! Fortunately, at Coats Dental Group of Longmont, we offer a clear choice for a straighter smile: Invisalign in Longmont. These clear plastic aligners offer an easy and virtually invisible way to overcome orthodontic issues and achieve a healthier, prettier smile. As a preferred Invisalign provider, our team has helped countless patients achieve optimal oral health with Invisalign in Longmont. Give us a call today to see if this modern orthodontic treatment is right for you!
How Invisalign Works
The Invisalign system utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners. Each one is carefully designed to put a certain amount of pressure on your teeth, which gradually shifts them into their ideal positions. You’ll wear each set of Invisalign aligners for about two weeks, and then you’ll switch to the next set to keep your teeth moving into their ideal positions. Every set of Invisalign aligners will take you one step closer to your ideal smile!
Indications for Invisalign
While severe orthodontic problems will likely still be best treated by traditional metal braces, Invisalign can help patients overcome mild to moderate cases of the following:
Crowded Teeth
Teeth that are too close together or overlap create small spaces that trap food particles and debris. This can dramatically increase your risk of oral health issues, especially cavities between the teeth and gum disease! Fortunately, Invisalign can realign your teeth into a uniform smile.
Gaps Between Teeth
One or more gaps between your teeth can put you at risk of enamel damage. Over time, your teeth may begin to chip, crack, or wear down. Invisalign can be used to gently eliminate these spaces to improve both your appearance and the long-term well-being of your teeth.
Bite Alignment
Do you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite? Invisalign can be used to treat these and other common bite alignment issues! We’ll carefully design a custom-made Invisalign treatment plan to bring your bite into a healthier position.
Benefits of Invisalign
Over two decades since its debut, Invisalign continues to be one of the most sought-after orthodontic treatments. There’s a good reason for that too! If you’re interested in learning a few of the many reasons millions and millions of patients around the world who were once in your shoes chose clear aligners, then keep reading.
Custom-Made, Comfortable Aligners
Patients often assume that the fact that the aligners are see-through is the only draw. That’s not the case! Not only are they crafted from high-quality, low-profile, and smooth plastic (which doesn’t irritate the soft tissue in your mouth like traditional braces do), but they also are custom-made to fit the unique contours of your mouth perfectly.
Nearly Invisible Appearance
Since bulky and noticeable metal brackets and wires were the only option for decades, it’s not surprising that teenagers and adults alike are thrilled about Invisalign. Now, there is a way to address overcrowding, overbites, and other common orthodontic problems discreetly! Plus, the aligners are removable, so you can take them out when absolutely necessary.
Removable For Easy Cleaning
Speaking of removable aligners… You don’t need to completely alter your oral hygiene regimen with Invisalign! Instead, you can take out your trays, rinse them with clean, cool water, and store them somewhere safe while you brush and floss as usual. Just make sure to give them a good clean each morning and evening with a dentist-recommended cleaner.
Quick Follow-Ups
Not only are the follow-up visits with Invisalign spaced out to every 6-8 weeks, but the appointments themselves are often only 15 minutes or so. Of course, there are some exceptions, like if your teeth aren’t tracking properly. If that’s the case, we will need to determine what the culprit is as well as what adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan, which may take some time.
No Diet Restrictions
One of the biggest – and most underrated – perks of Invisalign is that there aren’t any dietary restrictions. As long as you keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum and exercise caution with extremely crunchy foods, you can eat whatever you want! That’s a stark contrast to traditional braces, which require patients to avoid everything from whole apples to tortilla chips.
Quicker Average Treatment Timeline
First, it’s important that we mention that your treatment timeline will depend on factors unique to your case, including how severe your orthodontic issues are. That said, Invisalign has an average treatment timeline of 12-18 months while traditional braces can take three years or more. So, if you follow all of the guidelines we give you, there’s a good chance that you’ll see results much faster!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Just as no two smiles are alike, no two Invisalign treatments will cost the same amount. As a result, the price of your Invisalign in Longmont will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your orthodontic problems. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation! From there, we’ll provide you with a custom estimate of how much you can expect to pay as well as all your options for making your treatment affordable. In the meantime, you can learn more general information on the topic right here!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Before determining a price, our Longmont dentist will conduct a dental exam to determine:
- The severity of your misalignment
- How many aligners will be needed
- If rubber bands or any other accessories are necessary
Another important factor is how well you adhere to your treatment plan. For example, if you adopt poor habits like neglecting to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, then there is a good chance that your teeth won’t track properly. This will require a larger investment of your time and money, which is why it’s so important that you follow all of your treatment guidelines to a tee!
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
When comparing the upfront costs, it won’t take long to realize that Invisalign comes with a higher upfront cost. That doesn’t mean, however, that it isn’t worth it. Unlike DIY braces, Invisalign treatment starts with a thorough evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate. Plus, it includes routine check-in visits with a licensed dental professional and is backed by professional organizations, like the American Dental Association. So, while the initial investment might be a bit higher, the numerous benefits that come with Invisalign makes this clear aligner treatment well worth it.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
In some cases, yes! Naturally, the answer depends on your specific dental plan. If you’re unfamiliar with your benefits, that’s okay – you can get in touch with your provider directly to get a better understanding. Otherwise, you can talk to our team directly. In addition to being in-network with Delta Dental Premier plans, we welcome out-of-network providers and are more than happy to help you maximize your coverage.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? That’s okay – there are several other financial options available to help make your journey to your dream smile as affordable as possible. We will of course review each in-depth during your consultation, but here’s a quick overview:
- Flexible financing – With third-party financiers like CareCredit, you can space out your payments into manageable chunks instead of paying for the entire thing upfront.
- Periodic special offers – We’re proud to offer periodic special offers , including a free Invisalign consultation!
- In-house membership plan – Our in-house membership plan allows you to save on essential preventive and restorative care, helping you save those valuable dollars for smile-transforming treatments like Invisalign.
Invisalign FAQs
Naturally, you want to know as much as possible about the Invisalign process before you begin treatment. Don’t worry – our talented team is here to help you every step of the way! In addition to being available to answer any questions you have during your consultation, we’ve responded to a few of the most frequently asked questions below.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
As previously mentioned, each Invisalign treatment plan is unique since factors like the patient’s oral health and the severity of their misalignment need to be taken into account. The same goes for the timeline! While some patients can work through their aligners in just six months, others need 18 months or so. However, the average treatment time is 12 months. This is significantly shorter than traditional braces, which can take over two years to complete.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Many patients are often worried about how much discomfort will come with their teeth-straightening treatment. The good news is that Invisalign is not painful, and any soreness you do feel is a good sign – it means your aligners are working to move your teeth! Plus, there are several measures you can take to minimize your discomfort, including taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, using dental wax over the sharp edges, and placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek to minimize swelling.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Yes, you can! One of the biggest perks of Invisalign in Longmont is that you won’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions during your treatment. The only rule is that you must remove your aligners before each meal (or while drinking anything other than water). Afterward, make sure to brush, floss, and clean your trays. This will help you meet your 22-hour-a-day wear time.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign?
Luckily, cleaning your aligners doesn’t require anything too complicated. All you need to do is stick to a few best practices consistently, like rinsing your trays each time you take them out and using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them after each meal. For a deeper clean, you can soak them in a mixture of lukewarm water and a packet of cleaning crystals as well. You should not , however, use mouthwash, toothpaste, or household cleaners like bleach. Don’t use hot water either. This can cause the shape of your aligners to warp.
Who is Not Eligible for Invisalign?
While many patients are eligible for this discreet teeth-straightening solution, there are some patients who aren’t. Those that are younger than 13, for example, are not candidates since they might not have all of their full, permanent teeth. Patients who are struggling with severe misalignment may also be better suited for traditional braces, at least at first. Of course, our Longmont cosmetic dentist will review all of this information with you during your initial consultation.
Have additional questions about Invisalign? Then don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment !
