Invisalign Clear Braces – Virginia Beach, VA
The Flexible, More Discreet Way to Straighten Teeth
If you’ve always wanted to do something about your crooked teeth or bite alignment but don’t want the hassle of dealing with metal braces, you’re in luck. Forget the embarrassment traditional braces can cause, and don’t worry about giving up your favorite foods because of the possibility it’ll get stuck between wires. Invisalign in Virginia Beach is an alternative solution that allows you to straighten your teeth discreetly and with more flexibility than traditional braces. At Smile Care Family Dentistry, Dr. Asra Javeed can create a customized treatment plan that will have you seeing a new and improved smile in less time than it takes with metal braces. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your smile alignment options, using Invisalign clear braces in Virginia Beach, VA.
Why Choose Smile Care Family Dentistry
for Invisalign Clear Braces?
- Certified Invisalign Provider with 20+ Years of Experience
- Patients of All Ages Welcome
- Customized, Relationship-Based Care
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign consists of clear, plastic aligners that are customized to your individual needs. When sitting for your consultation, Dr. Javeed will examine your teeth and determine if you are a qualified candidate for Invisalign. If so, she will take impressions and send them to the lab to have your aligners created. Each set of aligner trays are designed to represent your teeth at each stage of their progression.
Every two weeks, unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Javeed, you’ll change your aligner set for the next one in the series. Each time you do this, your teeth will gently shift in the desired direction, putting you closer and closer to the smile you want and deserve. You can expect, on average, for your treatment to last between 12 and 18 months, but each case is different, so treatment times may vary.
Benefits of Invisalign
Since Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments, there’s a good chance that you already know quite a bit about it, including that the clear aligners are basically invisible. However, the benefits don’t end there! Patients and dentists alike continue to love this innovative teeth-straightening treatment because:
Freedom to Eat Your Favorite Foods
If you want to continue eating the foods you love, then you may be less than enthused about the dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces. Fortunately, Invisalign doesn’t require you to adjust your diet because the aligners are removable! So, as long as you take them out before eating or drinking anything (with the exception of water), you can continue to enjoy all of your favorites.
Virtually Undetectable Braces
One of the most noteworthy benefits of Invisalign in Virginia Beach is that the aligners are basically invisible. This is largely because there aren’t any metal components. However, the fact that they have a low profile and are crafted from see-through plastic certainly helps, too! As a result, no one will ever know you’re being treated unless you tell them.
Improved Comfort
If you had traditional braces when you were younger, then you may remember that the brackets and wires weren’t the most comfortable. Fortunately, Invisalign doesn’t come with bulky brackets and protruding wires that can snag or rub against your gums, cheeks, lips, and tongue. Instead, the clear aligners are crafted from smooth plastic, making the teeth-straightening process considerably easier.
Hassle-Free Dental Care
Another noteworthy benefit of this smile-enhancing treatment: you don’t need to adopt a cumbersome oral hygiene regimen. Simply remove your aligners, rinse them with clean, cool water, and place them in their designated case. Then, you can proceed with your usual dental care routine.
Bonus benefit: You don’t need to buy any expensive cleaning products to keep your aligners in pristine condition, either. In fact, you probably already have the three things you need: clean, cool water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and clear, mild dishwashing liquid.
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Although there are several factors that need to be considered, traditional braces typically take between two and three years to deliver the desired results. Invisalign, on the other hand, has an average treatment timeline of only 12-18 months. Not only that, but there aren’t monthly adjustment appointments! So, there’s a good chance that you’ll spend less time in the treatment chair overall.
Unmatched Convenience
Do you have a client-facing job? Maybe you’re a student or parent who would simply prefer not to have bulky, metal braces. Fortunately, Invisalign clear aligners are removable. So, as long as you’re committed to wearing them 20-22 hours each day, you can take them off before important meetings, first dates, or any other special occasion when you want to feel your absolute best.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Invisalign is typically geared for adults who are committed to wearing the aligners according to Dr. Javeed’s instructions. If you think that may be you, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! In the meantime, you can read on to learn a few of the common orthodontic problems that Invisalign can address.
Crowded Teeth
Do your teeth crowd together, overlapping in the process? If so, you know firsthand how easily food can get stuck between your teeth and how difficult it can be to remove it. That’s why we recommend exploring your orthodontic treatment options, even if you’re happy with the appearance of your smile! If we determine that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, then we can use a custom series of aligners to guide your teeth into their ideal positions, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease in the process.
Gaps Between Teeth
Maybe you’re struggling with the opposite problem: there is a noticeable gap between your two front teeth that’s making it difficult for you to smile confidently. If that’s the case, we have good news: you may be a candidate for Invisalign! The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with us. Once we’ve completed a comprehensive oral exam, we can determine if clear aligners are ideal for you and, if they are, begin working on your custom treatment plan.
Overbite
Are you considering clear aligners because your upper teeth protrude beyond your lower ones significantly? If so, we have good news: Invisalign can fix overbites! So, don’t just assume that metal braces are your only option. If your case isn’t too severe, then there’s a good chance that we can create a healthier bite with clear, comfortable, and barely noticeable aligners.
Underbite
If your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones when you bite down, then you may have an underbite. Like the other bite problems on this list, several issues can arise if it is left untreated, including chronic jaw pain. For this reason, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our dedicated cosmetic dentist, Dr. Javeed, sooner rather than later.
Crossbite
Unfortunately, even relatively mild crossbites can lead to several issues, from premature wear on your teeth to trouble chewing properly. If you are struggling with this bite problem, then you likely already know this all too well. There is some good news, though: Invisalign clear aligners are often a solution for patients who are looking to pursue a healthier bite without noticeable, metal braces.
Open Bite
When you bite down, are your upper and lower teeth unable to meet? If so, you may have an open bite. While there are several ways this bite problem can be corrected, patients often opt for Invisalign because the aligners are clear, comfortable, and convenient. So, if you want a smooth journey to a healthier, happier smile, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to discuss clear aligners!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
The only way to determine how much your Invisalign treatment will cost is to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Virginia Beach. After all, each case is different! The good news is that we can provide you with an estimate at that appointment, and you can learn more about the price of Invisalign right here.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
There are several factors that are considered when factoring cost, including:
- The complexity of your case
- How many sets of aligners you’ll need
- If one or both arches of teeth need to be straightened
- How long is the treatment going to take
- If rubber bands or any other orthodontic accessories are needed
Important note: It’s also possible for there to be additional costs after you begin your clear aligner treatment. One example is if a new treatment plan needs to be made because multiple trays were misplaced. Of course, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to stay on-track with your treatment to prevent that from happening.
Invisalign vs. Mail-Order Clear Aligners: Which Costs More?
If you’ve seen the commercials or social media ads for mail-order clear aligners, then you know that they often focus their marketing on the lower upfront cost. Although these alternatives are certainly cheaper than Invisalign, they aren’t better. In fact, they skip the initial exam, they aren’t supervised by a licensed dental professional, they rely on DIY impressions, and they don’t have support from professional organizations like the American Dental Association. In short, if you want to straighten your teeth while preserving the health and function of your smile, it’s best to invest in Invisalign.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
There are some dental plans that include a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit that can be used toward Invisalign. So, it’s worth calling your provider or reading through the fine print on your plan to see if clear aligner treatment is partly covered. Of course, you can also give our Virginia Beach dental team a call too! We’re proud to work with many popular providers, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Principal, and Cigna. As a result, we can help you understand the factors that impact your coverage (like annual maximums), provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, and handle the paperwork for you.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry! At Smile Care Family Dentistry, we offer our patients two additional ways to save. The first is CareCredit flexible financing, which allows you to space out your payments into small chunks instead of paying for the entire cost of Invisalign at once. The second is our periodic specials, which help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and make any of our popular treatments more affordable. If you want to learn more about either of these options, get in touch with our Virginia Beach dental team.
Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for the flexible, more discreet way to straighten teeth, look no further than Invisalign in Virginia Beach! This unique orthodontic treatment is very different than traditional metal braces, so it’s natural to have some questions about how it works. For your convenience, we’ve gathered some common Invisalign FAQs below so you can learn more. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to help!
Does wearing aligners hurt?
Invisalign aligners don’t have any protruding metal wires or brackets to irritate your soft tissues, so patients can generally expect a more comfortable straightening experience than that of traditional braces. However, Invisalign isn’t completely without occasional discomfort. It’s normal to feel some soreness in your teeth and jaw after starting a new set of aligners.
Thankfully, any discomfort your experience should be mild, easily managed, and fade within a few days. To help manage your symptoms, try numbing your mouth by drinking ice water, eating cold foods, and applying an ice pack or cold compress for 10 minutes at a time. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to ease inflammation. Many patients report that starting a new set of aligners right before going to bed helps them sleep through any initial soreness.
What foods should I avoid with Invisalign?
Traditional braces can be damaged by foods and beverages, so they require you to adhere to certain dietary restrictions. While Invisalign aligners are essentially more fragile than metal braces, you can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks during your Invisalign treatment!
Simply remove your aligners before your meal, snack, or beverage, then give your teeth a quick brush before popping the aligners back into place. Remember, your aligners are made of plastic. Exposing them to foods and drinks can bend, warp, or break them. As long as you take your aligners out while enjoying anything that isn’t water, you can continue to eat and drink what you like.
How do I keep my Invisalign trays clean?
During your consultation and following appointment, we’ll go over everything you need to know about caring for your aligners in detail. A few basic rules we’ll touch on include:
- Don’t use regular toothpaste to clean your aligners. These products are often too abrasive and may damage them. Instead, wash them off with water, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use an approved cleaning solution.
- Every time you take your aligners out, rinse them off to prevent saliva, plaque, and bacteria from drying out and hardening on them.
- Brushing your teeth before putting your aligners in after eating or drinking is essential for protecting your aligners from discoloration and keeping them practically invisible.
Does Invisalign offer permanent results?
The straighter, healthier smile you achieve with Invisalign has the potential to last you a lifetime! However, the longevity of your results depends heavily on how well you care for your smile after your treatment. Just like with any orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer for a little while afterwards. If you don’t wear it often enough, your teeth may shift out of place again later. As long as you follow our directions and come visit us for checkups regularly, you can expect to enjoy the results of your Invisalign treatment for life!