Invisalign – Rio Rancho, NM

Straightening Your Smile Without Metal Braces

While it is possible for adults to straighten their misaligned teeth with traditional metal braces, you may not want to have to deal with the awkwardness of wearing unsightly metal brackets and wires to work. Luckily, with Invisalign, you can straighten your smile with an orthodontic treatment that’s virtually unnoticeable. And since Invisalign is removable, you won’t have to worry about changing your diet during the treatment. Reach out to our Rio Rancho office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ranjbaran if you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign.

Why Choose Southwest Dental for Invisalign?

  • Discreet, Expertly Customized Aligners
  • Comfortable, Welcoming Dental Office
  • Flexible Financing Plans Available

How Invisalign Works

Close-up of a single aligner for Invisalign in Rio Rancho, NM

Multiple clear plastic aligners will be created at the beginning of your treatment. Each aligner is designed to shift your teeth slightly closer to where they need to be until your entire smile reaches its ideal alignment. You will wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, and you’ll switch to a new set every two weeks. Throughout the treatment, you’ll periodically return to our office so that we can make sure that everything is going according to plan.

Indications for Invisalign

Woman putting in a single aligner for Invisalign in Rio Rancho, NM

Is Invisalign right for you? It might be if you have any of these orthodontic issues:

Crowded Teeth

Teeth that are too close together can make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Invisalign can correct your teeth so that they’re properly spaced apart.

Gaps Between Teeth

It’s easier for food to become trapped in your smile if there are significant gaps between your teeth. By closing the spaces with Invisalign, you can lower your overall risk for oral health issues.

Bite Alignment

Underbites, overbites, and crossbites can easily lead to TMJ disorder and other problems. In many cases, Invisalign can be used to correct bite-related issues.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Dentist holding two aligners for Invisalign in Rio Rancho, NM in a heart shape

Choosing Invisalign as an alternative to braces has several benefits. Here are some of the advantages you’ll be able to enjoy:

  • The aligners can be taken out of your mouth during meals, so there won’t be any limitations on what you can eat.
  • The smooth plastic material used to make your aligners won’t irritate or poke the inside of your mouth.
  • The average Invisalign treatment can be completed in about 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, traditional braces sometimes have to be worn for up to 2 to 3 years.
  • Clear aligners are virtually undetectable when worn. You can smile with confidence without having to worry about attracting attention for the wrong reasons.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

a patient paying for Invisalign treatment

Invisalign is a highly customizable treatment, so not every patient ends up paying the exact same price. The amount you pay will be influenced by factors such as the severity of your misalignment and the number of aligners you receive. We’ll give you an estimate of the cost of your Invisalign treatment during your initial consultation, and we’ll help you explore your financial options to help make paying easier.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

a dentist consulting with a patient

The cost of your Invisalign treatment in Rio Rancho will largely depend on what unique orthodontic issues you face. Some of these can include:

  • Whether you need to straighten one or both arches, although typically, both arches are straightened at once to maintain a balanced bite.
  • Whether you have more severe crowding or bite misalignment issues that you need addressed.
  • How many aligners you’ll need and how long your treatment is. Typically, the longer the treatment, the more costly it is.

Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which is the Better Value?

Invisalign aligners in a protective case

Mail-in aligner systems that allow you to take your own impressions at home and have your trays shipped to you every month may seem convenient, but they could result in big issues down the road. This “DIY” approach to orthodontics can cause more problems than it can address due to the lack of professional oversight.

With Invisalign treatment in Rio Rancho, you can rest assured that along every step of the way, our team will make sure that the treatment is working as intended. Plus, if you ever run into any issues, all you have to do is give our office a call and we can immediately address your concerns.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

an empty dental insurance claims form

At Southwest Dental, we’re proud to be an in-network provider with Delta Dental, which means if you’re insured by them, we can help maximize your savings. If you have another PPO dental insurance plan, our team will file claims on your behalf and ensure you get the most out of your coverage. Depending on your plan, you may get a portion of your Invisalign treatment covered, but this can vary based on your individual dental insurance company.

Options for Making Invisalign More Affordable

a person calculating the cost of Invisalign

If your dental insurance plan doesn’t cover the cost of your treatment, we offer other easy ways to pay, too. CareCredit is a trusted, third-party financier that offers monthly payment plans at little-to-no interest, allowing you to split the cost of Invisalign up into more manageable, smaller amounts. All you need to do to learn whether you qualify is apply online or give our team a call for more information.

Invisalign FAQs

Does wearing Invisalign hurt?

No, it is not painful to wear Invisalign aligners; however, you must understand that your teeth will be moving, so there may be some minor discomfort throughout treatment. The good news is that this can be remedied with over-the-counter pain relievers. You’ll likely experience an adjustment phase when first receiving your trays, so some slight soreness is to be expected. This will, however, go away after a few days. If you need help to alleviate this feeling, you can use your cold compress or drink ice water to temporarily relieve any aching.

Will wearing Invisalign change how I talk?

You may notice that your speech changes a bit when initially receiving your Invisalign aligners. This is because you have trays covering your teeth, and your tongue has yet to adjust to the foreign material inside your mouth. There is no need to worry though, as this will quickly go away once your soft oral tissues are more familiar with your aligners. You can practice speaking in front of the mirror or reading aloud to pronounce more difficult words or sounds. In a few weeks, you should notice a decline in this change; instead, speaking with a normal voice.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

We cannot determine if your Invisalign treatment will be cheaper than traditional metal braces. The reason is that your smile is different than someone else’s, so we must first conduct a consultation. There are various factors we will need to consider, such as the severity of your orthodontic problems, the number of aligners you will need, the timeframe for treatment, and the retention you will require.

It’s not uncommon for Invisalign to cost the same as traditional braces, but your oral health and commitment to the plan can cause the price to increase or decrease.

If Invisalign is more expensive, you will likely find that it’s worth the investment because of the countless benefits you can expect. Their discreet look, flexibility, and faster results are often enough to warrant a higher price. But paying more isn’t always the case, so it’s best to check with your insurance company regarding how much you can expect to pay for treatment.

How is Invisalign made?

Invisalign is a series of aligners that consist of smooth, clear plastic. Created in a lab, the trays are fabricated using a 3D model of your mouth – one taken by your dentist using digital impressions during your consultation. Using a high-tech 3D printing process, the aligners are quickly created according to the specifications provided.

Generally, it can take 3-4 weeks to manufacture the aligners, and you’ll be notified by your dentist once they are in the office. This will help you to know when you can go in for your fitting.