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
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.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Is Invisalign right for you? When you visit us for a consultation, our team will evaluate the positioning of your teeth and learn about other factors that have a bearing on which treatment is right for you. Invisalign is a great option for most patients who have mild to moderate dental misalignment.
Here are some examples of issues that it is frequently used to correct:
Crowded Teeth
Teeth that are too close together can make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Invisalign may be able to shift your teeth so that they are properly spaced. This can lead to both improved function and enhanced aesthetics.
Gaps Between Teeth
It is easier for food to become trapped in your oral tissues if there are significant gaps between your teeth. You may also be more vulnerable to gum irritation and other issues. By closing the spaces with Invisalign, you can lower your overall risk of such problems and achieve a more confident smile.
Overbite
If your top teeth rest too far in front of your bottom teeth, you have what is known as an overbite. This issue may contribute to problems like jaw pain, speech difficulties, uneven wear and tear on your tooth enamel, and more. Invisalign, often with the help of special accessories, can address many cases of overbite.
Underbite
You have an underbite if your bottom teeth rest in front of your top teeth. Without treatment, an underbite can contribute to problems like speech difficulties, mouth breathing, and difficulty eating. The good news is that Invisalign aligners and appropriate accessories can often be used to reposition the teeth and lower jaw in a way that corrects underbites.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some of the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. This issue might be the result of various factors, such as genetics, the premature loss of baby teeth, or other contributors. Without treatment, a crossbite can contribute to pain, gum disease, speech challenges and more. Fortunately, Invisalign is a suitable treatment for many cases of crossbite.
Open Bite
If there is a vertical space between your front teeth even when your mouth is closed, you have an open bite, which might be because of genetics, prolonged pacifier use, or other factors. This can interfere with your ability to bite foods and pronounce certain sounds. Invisalign aligner trays are often able to close an open bite.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign isn’t just an alternative for patients who want to avoid wearing bulky metal brackets and wires to straighten their teeth. It’s a chance to embrace a new form of treatment – one that offers greater flexibility, faster results on average, and the same outstanding results that can be achieved with traditional orthodontics. Keep reading to discover some of the additional benefits you can expect when living with Invisalign.
A More Confident You
The transparency of the aligners allows you to embrace greater confidence during treatment. Instead of shielding your smile to keep others from looking at your shiny teeth, you can talk freely and eat normally without fear of embarrassment. This is pivotal for busy professionals who want to maintain a professional appearance while at work.
Superior Discreetness
No matter what kind of event you have coming up (i.e., wedding, class reunion, blind date, etc.), Invisalign aligners offer maximum discreetness. Their snug fit and transparent plastic makes them virtually undetectable to others, so you can smile freely without worrying about others staring at your braces.
Less Invasive Than Metal Braces
Invisalign is a non-invasive form of orthodontic treatment. This means that you won’t have to worry about anything being bonded to your teeth. Instead, the trays will simply snap into place over your teeth, placing gentle yet continuous pressure on them so they will shift over time. Also, you don’t have to worry about them infringing on your daily routine, as they are extremely flexible, so you can take them out to eat, drink, and keep them clean.
Optimal Comfort
While there is likely to be minimal discomfort because of the movement that is required to align your teeth, Invisalign is considered a more comfortable solution than metal braces. One of the key points patients often mention is the fact there are no protruding brackets or wires to rub against soft oral tissues. This can cause irritation and oral sores to form. However, Invisalign aligners are smooth and do not rub against your lips, cheeks, or gums, allowing for a more comfortable orthodontic approach.
Quick Follow-Up Appointments
When choosing Invisalign, you can expect your follow-up appointments to take 10-15 minutes on average. The reason these visits are so short is that they do not require any wire tightening – a common requirement of traditional braces. Instead, your dentist will simply review your progress, check your aligners and smile, and answer any questions you might have about your treatment. If adjustments are required, they will be made at this time.
Better Oral Health
There is no need to purchase specialized instruments to keep your teeth, gums, and braces clean while wearing Invisalign. Traditional braces require you to use various devices and tools to maneuver around brackets and wires. However, Invisalign aligners can simply be taken out for a more thorough cleaning. Apart from being able to brush and floss your teeth and gums like normal, you’ll also be able to carefully clean your trays to remove accumulated bacteria that can be harmful to your smile.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign should fit easily into your daily life, with only minor adjustments needed for a smooth treatment process. You will find that, for the most part, your routine remains unchanged. However, there are a few things you will need to do in order for your treatment to succeed. What are some specific things you should keep in mind about living with Invisalign? Continue reading below to find out.
Wearing Your Trays
It is important that you wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours per day to keep your treatment on track. That is because they only work when they are actually on your teeth! Remove your trays only when you eat, drink anything besides plain water, or need to clean your teeth. If you do not meet the recommended wear time, you might experience slower progress or problems with the fit of future aligners.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Keeping your aligners clean is essential to both your oral health and the longevity of the trays themselves. Every time you remove your aligners, it is a good idea to rinse them under cool or lukewarm water (never use hot water) to wash away saliva, food particles, and bacteria. Brush them gently once a day using a soft toothbrush and a mild, clear soap — avoid toothpaste, which can be abrasive and cause scratches that make your trays appear cloudy. Placing the aligners in a cleaning solution such as Invisalign cleaning crystals or a similar product a few times a week (or even every day) can also be beneficial.
Eating & Drinking
With Invisalign aligners, you do not face the food restrictions that come with traditional braces, but you may still have to adjust some of your eating habits. Be sure to remove your trays at mealtimes so they do not incur stains or damage. When they are out of your mouth, store them in their protective case to avoid misplacing or accidentally damaging them. You should also do your best to limit snacking between meals; rather, plan your three main meals so they have enough calories to keep you going for several hours. This helps to make sure that you can meet your daily wear time goal with Invisalign.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
Accidents can happen, and losing or damaging an aligner is a common concern during Invisalign treatment. If this happens, the most important step is to contact our Rio Rancho team as soon as possible for guidance. We may ask you to wear your previous aligner to keep your teeth from shifting out of place until we can get a replacement for the one that is no longer usable. Or, we could advise moving ahead to the next tray in your series. Never skip trays or attempt to fix the issue on your own, as this can impact your treatment results and may cause discomfort.
Routine Check-Ins
Regular appointments with our team are an important part of your Invisalign journey. Expect to visit the office every 4 – 8 weeks, with each check-in typically lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. During these visits, we will assess your progress, answer any questions, and supply you with your next set of aligners.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
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
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?
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?
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
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.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Typically, Invisalign patients achieve the results they desire in just 12-18 months. That said, it’s possible for your teeth-straightening journey to fall outside that time frame. For example, if you’re dealing with slight spacing and crowding issues, you may only take you 4-8 months to progress through your series of aligners. Conversely, your orthodontic treatment can take 2+ years if you consistently misplace your trays or don’t wear them for 20 hours a day, every day.
The good news is that our Rio Rancho dental team can provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline at your consultation (and share what you can do to avoid frustrating delays).
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions with Invisalign?
Technically, there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign. That said, there are certain foods that increase your risk of dental decay and damage, which is why we recommend avoiding taffy, hard pretzels, and lollipops. It’s also important that you don’t chew on ice cubes, your fingernails, or the back of your pen/pencil.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can! Just make sure that you remove your aligners beforehand. Otherwise, the coffee will stain your teeth and your trays, increasing your risk of tooth decay and drawing unwanted attention to your orthodontic treatment in the process. It’s best to get in the habit of taking them off, rinsing them with clean, cool water, and putting them in their designated case while you enjoy your morning or afternoon cup!
How Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Speaking of preventing stubborn stains… You need to clean your aligners daily. Fortunately, you don’t need any special or expensive cleaning products; a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild soap should do the trick!
Important reminder: You should not use toothpaste, mouthwash, or bleach to clean your trays. If they need a deeper clean, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit! All you need to do is dissolve a tablet in slightly warm water. Then, place your aligners in the mixture and allow them to soak for 15 minutes or so.
What Happens After Invisalign?
Once we’ve successfully guided your teeth into their properly aligned positions, we will transition our focus to keeping them there. This is done with a custom retainer, which you will wear each night while you sleep. This is a small but important step of the orthodontic treatment process because, if you don’t wear yours consistently, there’s a chance that your teeth will drift out of alignment.
Is There Anyone Who Isn’t a Candidate for Invisalign?
Although Invisalign is versatile, safe, and reliable, it isn’t for everyone. For example, if we find an active infection in a patient’s gums during their exam, then we will need to provide the necessary restorative care first. Fortunately, even if something similar happens to you, it usually doesn’t mean your dream smile is out of reach. Rather, we just need to dedicate a bit of time to caring for your smile first.