Invisalign – Saint Peters, MO
Clear Braces for a Straighter Smile
Unlike traditional metal braces that shine a spotlight on your orthodontic work, Invisalign in Saint Peters is a truly revolutionary way to straighten your teeth without compromising your daily appearance. At Klassik Smiles, Dr. Kamlesh Makwana understands the negative impact that crowded or gapped teeth or a misaligned bite can have on your oral and overall health. By offering clear aligners to shift teeth in the right direction, you can embrace a more discreet orthodontic solution that is far more flexible than metal and produces quicker results. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign and if it’s the right solution for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Why Choose Klassik Smiles for Invisalign?
- Dentist Who Is a Certified Invisalign Provider
- Advanced Digital Dental Impression Technology
- A Discreet Alternative to Metal Braces
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system created by Align Technologies. Crafted from SmartTrack material, it offers a more comfortable way to realign teeth as well as produce predictable outcomes. This makes it much easier for patients to feel confident in their orthodontic treatment, knowing how long they can expect to wear Invisalign and what kind of results they will see when finished. With customized aligners designed to be worn 20-22 hours each day, patients wearing Invisalign are required to swap them out for a new set every one to two weeks. This timeframe is dependent on your case and the recommendation by Dr. Makwana. After you’ve finished all the sets in your series, you’ll notice a dramatically different smile.
Indications for Invisalign
Versatile in its ability to address all types of tooth misalignment, Invisalign can treat the following problems:
Crowded Teeth
If your teeth appear too close to each other, you may notice a serious problem when trying to brush or floss. Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. By allowing Invisalign to move and create space between these teeth, you will notice an improvement in your oral health as well as greater confidence in the aesthetics of your smile.
Gaps Between Teeth
Unlike crowded teeth, those teeth that are gapped can experience many of the same problems. Trapped food and bacteria can lead to an increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease, and the excess space can cause you to feel embarrassed by your appearance. Fortunately, Invisalign can shift these teeth closer together, effectively eliminating the gap and giving you a healthier, happier smile.
Bite Alignment
Misaligned bites are notorious for causing excessive wear and tear on tooth enamel as well as chronic jaw pain over time. To avoid these problems, Dr. Makwana can recommend Invisalign to shift your teeth and jaw and create a more harmonious, balanced smile.
The Benefits of Invisalign
When comparing Invisalign to traditional metal braces, the benefits of clear aligners far outweigh those that are permanently affixed to the surfaces of your teeth. Some of the most common advantages of Invisalign include:
- The ability to undergo treatment with a discreet solution that doesn’t attract attention to your smile while it is changing
- A flexible orthodontic solution that doesn’t leave you picking food out of your braces or having to clean around your metal brackets and wires
- An easy-to-clean option that allows for better oral health because you’re expected to remove your trays before brushing and flossing your teeth
- Quicker results for most cases
- A versatile treatment method that is capable of addressing many of the most common dental problems
Living with Invisalign Aligners
You now know how Invisalign works and the orthodontic issues the clear aligners can address, but what is life with braces actually like? How long do you have to wear your trays each day? How do you keep them clean? Are there any “rules” around eating and drinking? Don’t worry – we’re covering all of this information and more in this next section!
Wearing Your Trays
It’s of the utmost importance that you wear your trays for 20-22 hours a day. After all, if you don’t wear them enough, they won’t work! That’s why we strongly recommend only taking them off when absolutely necessary, like to eat or complete your oral hygiene regimen. If you find that meeting your wear time is hard, try using the Invisalign app. The timer can help you stay on track and give you a summary of your wear time at the end of the day.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Patients often over-complicate cleaning their aligners. In reality, all you need is a soft-bristled toothbrush and some water. After brushing and flossing your teeth, rinse your trays thoroughly with some clean, cool water before using the damp bristles of your toothbrush to clean each surface. Then, rinse them off again and put them back on – it’s that simple! Of course, if your trays are starting to look a bit yellow, you can also use a packet of the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit.
Eating & Drinking
This one is quite simple: you can only drink water with your trays in. If you want to eat a meal, have a snack, or drink a cup of coffee, you must remove your aligners first. Not doing so can cause your trays to warp or crack, negatively impacting your treatment in the process. So, always store them in their designated case instead. Also, do your best to keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum to help keep your teeth and gums healthy!
Losing or Damaging a Tray
If you lose or damage a tray, there are a few things you shouldn’t do, like moving onto your next set without consulting your dentist or trying to repair your aligners with super glue. Instead, you should contact our St. Peters dental team. Remember, we aren’t here to judge you; we simply want to help you get back on track with your treatment plan ASAP. Over the phone, we can learn more about what happened and help you determine what to do next.
Routine Check-Ins
At your routine check-ins, we cover a lot of ground – from monitoring the movement of your teeth and making slight adjustments to your treatment plan to answering any questions you have. So, don’t skip any of these visits! They play a crucial role in having a successful orthodontic treatment.
At Klassik Smiles, we never want you to feel overwhelmed by the cost of dental procedures. To help you out, we offer in-network savings with many PPO dental insurance plans, like Aetna, Delta Dental, Cigna, and MetLife. We’ll even handle all of the paperwork for you so that you don’t have to lift a finger.
Additionally, we accept low-to-no-interest financing through multiple, reputable lenders, including CareCredit. These plans help break down the cost of your dental treatment into manageable, monthly installments.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Attempting to pinpoint a specific price for Invisalign is impossible. Why? Because no two patients are alike, and it is necessary that you schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine the cost of Invisalign in St. Peters. Depending on the severity of your case, how many aligners you will need, the retainer you’ll need to wear after treatment is over, and any preliminary treatments you might need before starting Invisalign (i.e., periodontal therapy, tooth extraction), the price tag can vary. Fortunately, our team at Klassik Smiles is here to help you maximize your benefits and file any paperwork or claims with your dental insurance company. We’ll also be happy to accept flexible financing through CareCredit.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Invisalign is a highly versatile orthodontic solution that is great for individuals who prefer a more subtle treatment option for straighter teeth. But even when considering these clear aligners, you will need to weigh the cost between Invisalign and traditional braces. Because no two cases are the same, your Invisalign dentist in Saint Peters will need to perform a full examination and consider three important factors before providing a clear estimate. These include:
- Do you require aligners for your top row of teeth, bottom row of teeth, or both?
- How severe is your specific dental problem? By determining the severity of the issue, we can better identify how many aligners it will take to achieve successful results.
- How long will you be expected to wear aligners? Your treatment cost will rise based on how many aligners you need.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
You may be tempted to try one of the many TV-promoted, do-it-yourself (DIY) aligner systems because of the cheaper cost (i.e., $2,000 vs. $3,000-$8,000). But before you take that step, consider how these products (i.e., Smile Direct Club) might be more problematic for your long-term smile:
- You receive a kit that explains how to take your impressions. This usually requires a skilled professional, so it will be up to you to provide an accurate impression of your teeth. If not done correctly, you can receive aligners that are ill-fitting and do not straighten your teeth correctly.
- If you experience a problem throughout treatment, you will need to pay to see an actual orthodontist in your area, which will only cost more money.
- You are responsible for monitoring your own treatment. Knowing if a problem is developing is hard, and with a DIY solution, you will not have a professional walking alongside you to ensure safety and success.
Yes, Invisalign does cost more, but if you want to make sure your teeth shift correctly and properly align at the end of treatment, it’s best to let a professional help you along the way. Having a skilled expert explain the process and make sure no problems develop will give you greater peace of mind and confidence when choosing Invisalign in Saint Peters.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
If you have a dental insurance plan that offers coverage for orthodontics, there is a chance that Invisalign will also be covered. However, not all dental plans provide orthodontic coverage, and instead, you must add it to your policy. Before you agree to move forward with treatment, it is best to check with your insurance company. If you are unsure what to ask or how to navigate your policy, don’t hesitate to contact our dental staff who are available to help. By working on your behalf, we can get you the answers you need and file any paperwork and claims, so you don’t have to!
You should also know that if your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use these funds to help pay for the cost of your Invisalign treatment.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
At Klassik Smiles, we believe in keeping our services as affordable as possible, which is why we are pleased to offer:
- $500 off Invisalign Treatment with a required complimentary consultation
- Dental Savings Plan that allows you to pay one low, yearly fee for access to basic preventive care and discounts on all other available treatments
- Flexible Financing with CareCredit, as eligible enrollees can sign up for a low or zero interest financing plan that allows you to break up the cost of Invisalign into monthly payments to better manage your budget.
Invisalign FAQs
If you’re ready to move forward with Invisalign in St. Peters, congratulations! Dr. Makwana and his team guide you through the process and ensure you achieve healthy, natural, beautiful results. But before you get started, it’s okay to admit you probably still have questions about what to expect and what life will be like after you’re finished with this clear aligner system. Fortunately, there is a list of questions provided below that will offer the answers you need to feel confident in your upcoming treatment. If you do not see yours listed, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Can you be too old or young for Invisalign?
People both young and old have experienced great results using Invisalign. Because of the responsibility required with this clear aligner system, it is often not recommended for young children (also because they do not have all their permanent teeth) or those who have difficulty remembering to insert trays after taking them out to eat, drink, or clean. Teenagers, adults, and seniors are all great candidates for Invisalign. As long as you remain committed to the process, there’s a good chance you’ll be cleared for treatment.
Does it hurt to wear Invisalign aligners?
It is not uncommon to experience some minor discomfort when first wearing your trays and each time you trade them for a new set. The continuous pressure applied to your teeth that is causing them to shift can be uncomfortable; however, with the help of an over-the-counter pain reliever and cold compress, you can better prepare for any achiness or soreness that might come along with treatment.
What should I do if I lose my Invisalign trays?
You should always keep your Invisalign trays in a protective case when not wearing them. When eating or drinking (anything but water), placing them in a case will prevent them from becoming damaged or being exposed to harmful particles in the air. However, should you accidentally lose one of your trays, you’ll need to call your cosmetic dentist in St. Peters as soon as possible. Once we evaluate your smile, you may be able to move ahead to the next set, or we may need to have a new aligner created for you.
Are Invisalign results permanent?
Much like traditional metal braces, Invisalign results are only permanent if you commit to wearing your retainer once you are finished with orthodontic treatment. Invisalign helps to move your teeth into proper alignment, but if you do not have the appropriate form of retention, your teeth can shift back into their original position, effectively undoing all your hard work. This is why it is imperative that you wear your retainer according to the timeline provided to you by Dr. Makwana.
Can I get Invisalign aligners if I’ve had metal braces in the past?
In most cases, yes, you can certainly wear Invisalign even if you once wore regular braces as a teenager. Maybe you didn’t wear your retainer as you should have and now your teeth are once again misaligned. If you are an adult and notice that your teeth no longer appear or feel as straight as they once were, you can certainly inquire about the possibility of starting treatment with Invisalign clear aligners.
