Invisalign – Worcester, MA
Straighter Smiles Without Metal Brackets and Wires
For many patients, crooked teeth are considered a cosmetic concern and something they may choose to live with to avoid the cost of treatment. However, straightening teeth often go beyond enhancing your natural smile and improving overall dental health. Dr. Joseph Costa is a certified Invisalign® provider and often recommends it for teens and adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth and improve oral health. Invisalign in Worcester is an effective cosmetic dentistry solution for teen and adult patients looking to straighten their teeth or address malocclusion.
Crooked teeth are often difficult to brush and floss effectively, increasing the chances of developing tooth decay or gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also be an underlying cause of bite disorders such as TMJ, which can lead to worn and damaged teeth. Straightening your smile with Invisalign can support lasting dental health and a comfortable bite.
Benefits of Invisalign
Do you have crooked teeth but dread the thought of bulky metal braces? Ask Dr. Costa about Invisalign clear aligners, the precise way to realign crooked teeth. Dr. Costa offers Invisalign removable aligners to patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns or to address orthodontic relapse.
Invisalign can be used to treat:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
Patients enjoy many added benefits when they choose Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign aligners are custom-designed for each patient to improve their comfort and shorten treatment times. Clear aligners are made from ultra-thin, soft plastic that does not irritate or damage delicate tissues in the mouth.
Benefits of Invisalign include:
- Discreet; they are invisible, and no one has to know you are wearing braces
- Removable retainers allow easy brushing and flossing
- Allow for routine oral hygiene
- Reduces tooth decay
- Reduces risk of tooth discoloration
- Effective at straightening teeth
- Smooth, plastic material is comfortable and does not irritate soft oral tissues
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Using a custom-fit set of clear aligners, Invisalign will gradually and comfortably realign your teeth. We will design a series of aligners for your specific dental needs. You will wear the aligners daily and switch to the next aligner when determined appropriate by your dentist.
Invisalign trays are removable for your convenience and comfort. With traditional metal braces, food particles can build up in the brackets. Traditional braces often caused damage or left behind stained teeth. Because Invisalign is removable, you can maintain your oral hygiene routine and remove aligners when eating to avoid build-up.
Patients who use Invisalign tend to experience less post-treatment tooth decay. Invisalign aligners are made of a soft, non-irritating material that will not scratch or damage your gums or cheeks. The clear material is practically invisible, and most people will not notice you are even wearing them.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Pinpointing the cost of Invisalign without a consultation is nearly impossible. In fact, even general price ranges are often misleading because each patient’s smile is unique! With that said, there are some factors that play a role in the price you pay across the board, including how well you follow the treatment guidelines and if you have dental insurance. That’s why we’ve dedicated this next section to discussing some important information to keep in mind when researching the cost of Invisalign.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
During your consultation, we will take X-rays, conduct a thorough oral exam, and scan your teeth. With all of this information, our Worcester dentist, Dr. Costa, will be able to determine:
- The severity of your misalignment
- If one or both arches of teeth need to be straightened
- How many aligners are needed
- If rubber bands (or any other orthodontic accessories) are necessary
There are also factors that come into play after you start your teeth-straightening journey, like how often you wear your aligners. If you consistently miss the 20-22 hour-a-day goal, then you will fall off-track with your treatment plan. At this point, a new one needs to be made, which may come with additional costs. Don’t worry – we will provide you with helpful tips and tricks to help prevent that from happening at your consultation as well as your routine check-in appointments.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
Smile Direct Club™ and other mail-order clear aligner companies often focus their marketing on their lower upfront price. While it’s true that Invisalign often requires a higher upfront investment, it’s important to know there are several reasons why. To start, mail-order clear aligner companies rely on DIY impressions which are very easy to mess up. Conversely, Invisalign uses state-of-the-art dental technology to get precise impressions. Another example is the initial consultation. While mail-order clear aligner companies often skip this step entirely, Invisalign requires a thorough exam so important information is included, like the presence of dental crowns, veneers, and other restorations.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Since dental plans aren’t the same from patient to patient, there isn’t a universal answer. With that said, it is common for dental insurance providers to cover a portion of the cost in cases where Invisalign is considered “medically necessary.” So, don’t hesitate to double-check your benefits! If you need some assistance, you’re welcome to ask our Worcester dental team as well.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
In addition to welcoming dental insurance, we welcome HSA/FSA dollars through phased treatment planning. Additionally, we offer our patients periodic special offers to help lower their out-of-pocket expenses. These change throughout the year, so don’t hesitate to give us a call or ask about our latest ones at your consultation.
Invisalign FAQs
Discover more about Invisalign treatment with answers to these popular questions:
Who Benefits from Invisalign?
Invisalign is for adult and teen patients who suffer from mild to moderate orthodontic issues. This teeth alignment treatment is perfect for patients who have busy lives and do not want interruptions. Invisalign also comes with a system for parents to ensure their teens wear their aligners properly and for enough time.
I Used to Have Braces, and Now My Teeth Are Crooked Again. Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is a great treatment for people who suffer from orthodontic relapse. Most people never want to experience wearing metal braces ever again! This clear aligner system will straighten your teeth again without all the negative consequences of wearing traditional braces.
I Have Dental Restorations. Can I Still Use Invisalign?
Your candidacy for treatment depends on the type and location of your restoration. Because Invisalign moves teeth individually, people with a dental bridge will not qualify for treatment. We can examine your mouth and determine if you are an Invisalign candidate.