Invisalign – Dallas, TX

How is Invisalign Teen Different?

Invisalign Teen has a couple of differences that distinguish it from traditional Invisalign treatment. Taking into account that it can be easy for teens to get caught up in school, hanging out with friends, and other extracurricular activities, Invisalign Teen has indicator dots on all of the trays your teen will receive. These are small, blue marks located on the part of the aligners that fit over the back molars that will fade over time, letting your teen know when it’s time to switch to their next series of trays.

Invisalign Teen also comes with unlimited replacement trays, so if your teen ever accidentally leaves their aligners at a friend’s house, throws them away after taking them out at lunch time, or damages them, all you’ll need to do is give our office a call to have them replaced at no additional cost.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

Not every teen is a good candidate for Invisalign. However, Dr. Arrechea will help you and your child decide which orthodontic treatment will work best for their situation. Typically, we recommend Invisalign Teen for children who:

• Are ready to take on the responsibility of wearing their aligners for 20-22 hours a day.
• Will be diligent about rinsing their trays every time before they put them in their mouth and brush and floss their teeth after every meal.
• Face mild to moderate orthodontic problems, including crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and bite problems.

The Benefits of Invisalign Teen

As opposed to traditional braces, many teens feel more enthusiastic about undergoing orthodontic treatment knowing that their Invisalign aligners will be discreet and more comfortable, and that their treatment won’t impede on their social life or extracurricular activities.

Because Invisalign trays can be removed at any time, if your teen participates in sports, band, or other activities outside of school, they can easily remove them while competing. Additionally, their clear appearance makes them virtually unnoticeable to friends, allowing them to build confidence during these key developmental periods of their life.

Lastly, Invisalign trays don’t require lengthy check-ins and tightening appointments with a dentist like traditional braces do. Instead, check-ins are about 15 minutes long—they’ll speak with Dr. Arrechea about their progress, and our team will provide them with the next series of trays in their treatment.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Your financial situation should not stand in the way of an attractive, confident smile. Besides using your dental insurance, we provide multiple payment options to accommodate your budget, which can include:

• Traditional Payments: Our office accepts all traditional payment forms, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Special Offers: Ask us about any current special offers.
• Third-Party Financing: Pay for your new smile using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.

You can have the smile of your dreams, even if money is tight. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for Invisalign.

Crowded Teeth

Living with crowded teeth can impact your life in several areas, like your self-esteem and your oral health. They are also a leading aesthetic concern for adults; however, if you’re like most people, you don’t want to deal with the visibility or restrictions of metal braces to correct them. As an alternative to brackets and wires, many teens and adults are turning to Invisalign in Dallas. Clear aligners move your teeth into their ideal positions to give you the healthy, straight smile you deserve.

Gaps Between Teeth

When spaces between teeth make it easy for food to become lodged or bacteria to become trapped, this, too, increases your risk for harmful dental diseases. Additionally, it can cause excess wear and tear of your enamel, weakening your teeth and making them more prone to sensitivity. Invisalign can effectively bring your teeth closer together, eliminating the unnecessary space and properly aligning your smile.

Bite Alignment

If your cosmetic dentist in Dallas believes your overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite could benefit from Invisalign, you can expect to see dramatic results in less time than it would take with traditional metal braces. By shifting your bite in the right direction, this can reduce wear and tear on your teeth as well as any jaw pain you might be experiencing.

Smooth Aligners for More Comfort

One big complaint about metal brackets is that they can scrape the inside of your lips and cheeks, causing irritation and discomfort. While this can often be remedied with orthodontic wax, there may be times when you can’t apply it or forget to bring it with you. With smooth Invisalign trays, you won’t have to worry about them damaging your soft oral tissue, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable treatment.

Trays That are Hardly Visible

Along with being smooth, Invisalign trays are made from clear plastic that allows you to remain discreet about undergoing orthodontic treatment. This allows you to smile with greater confidence as well as maintain your professional appearance or individual expression on your journey. You also won’t have to worry about other people making unwanted remarks about your treatment, as your trays are virtually invisible.

Easier to Maintain Good Dental Health

One big struggle for patients with braces is effectively cleaning their teeth. With traditional metal brackets and wires, you’ll likely need to purchase special equipment just to be able to clear away plaque and food from your smile. Because your Invisalign trays are removable, all you’ll need to do is brush and floss like you typically do, making it much easier to ward off cavities, gum disease, and other dental conditions that could set back your treatment.

Quick & Easy Follow-Up Visits

During your Invisalign treatment, you’ll come to see Dr. Arrechea every six to eight weeks for a fast and easy follow-up appointment. During this visit, our team will check your smile to make sure that your trays are working as predicted and give you the next several series of aligners in your treatment. In most cases, these appointments take less than 30 minutes and can be scheduled during lunch breaks!

Treatment That Fits into Your Life

Instead of structuring your life and daily habits around your orthodontic treatment, with Invisalign, you’re able to continue living your life with minimal interruptions, all while straightening your smile. For this reason alone, Invisalign is ideal for busy adults and teens who are looking for a more convenient and discreet alternative to metal braces.

Wearing Your Trays

When you first switch to a new set of trays, you’ll likely feel discomfort and pressure. Know that this is typical, as each series of trays you switch to will get you closer to your final results, meaning it will place a different amount of pressure on your arch of teeth. Oftentimes, patients experience some slight discomfort for the first few days of wearing their new trays, but it’s nothing that medication like ibuprofen can’t help ease. We also recommend switching to your next series before you go to bed, allowing you to sleep through much of this adjustment period.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Good dental hygiene is critical when undergoing Invisalign treatment in Dallas. We encourage our patients to clean their trays once or twice a day thoroughly, including brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap, as well as soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Routine maintenance of your trays will keep them from developing a mildewy smell as well as preserve their clear, virtually invisible appearance.

Eating & Drinking

The reason there aren’t any diet restrictions with Invisalign is because your trays are completely removable. This means that all you’ll need to do before eating or drinking anything besides water is take them out. Remember to store them in their protective cases whenever they aren’t in your mouth to prevent yourself from accidentally throwing them away or misplacing them.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If you accidentally lose or damage an Invisalign tray, don’t worry—just call our office as soon as possible. In some cases, like if you’re close to switching over to the next series of trays, we may recommend simply advancing early. However, this isn’t always the case. In some situations, we may need to have a new replacement aligner crafted for you. The sooner you call us to let us know, the less time will be added onto your journey!

Routine Check-Ins

Every six to eight weeks you’ll return to our office for routine check-in appointments with Dr. Arrechea. During these visits, we’ll make sure that your teeth are tracking (shifting) as they should and provide you with the next series of aligners in your treatment. These visits are short, fast, and simple, making them a breeze to fit into your regular routine.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Every mouth differs, just like your fingerprints. Therefore, it’s impossible to have a cookie-cutter treatment plan. After examining your mouth and learning more about your concerns, your Invisalign dentist in Dallas will create a personalized strategy to improve your smile. While every situation differs, the amount you’ll pay will include:

• Preparatory Treatments: Your teeth and gums must be healthy before beginning orthodontics.
• Complexity of Case: Significant tooth movements will require more aligners.
• Number of Arches: Treating both arches will require more aligners.

We will provide you with an individualized estimate and review the fees associated with your plan. A member of your team will explain all your payment options, so you’ll know exactly what you will have to pay before moving forward.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Mail-order aligners may seem like the ideal solution; however, there are serious risks involved. A dentist is more than just a middle-man. Their skills and qualifications are crucial to correct bite and alignment issues safely and effectively.

Without the supervision of a dentist, irreversible damage can occur, including tooth loss. Although you may have saved money initially, it can cost you more down the road. Don’t risk your smile by cutting corners. Visiting a dentist for Invisalign in Dallas will ensure the best results to improve your dental health and lower your oral health expenses.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign? 

Every insurance policy differs, but many dental plans that include orthodontics can be used to offset the cost of clear aligners. After reaching your deductible, many dental benefits include a set amount to lower your out-of-pocket cost, which typically ranges from $500 to $2,000. We know dental insurance is confusing, but you don’t have to navigate your policy alone. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Your financial situation should not stand in the way of an attractive, confident smile. Besides using your dental insurance, we provide multiple payment options to accommodate your budget, which can include:

• Traditional Payments: Our office accepts all traditional payment forms, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Special Offers: Ask us about any current special offers.
• Third-Party Financing: Pay for your new smile using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.

You can have the smile of your dreams, even if money is tight. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for Invisalign.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Invisalign treatment timelines vary based on each patient’s individual needs. If you have more severe orthodontic issues, such as a serious bite problem, you could require more trays, which will lengthen the process. However, the average treatment is between eight and 14 months. We’ll develop a complete timeline for you during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect throughout the process.

How Should I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?

Cleaning your aligners regularly is an important part of your treatment. If you don’t, you may develop oral health problems or your aligners can start to appear stained and scratched. Here are the best tips for caring for your trays:

• Clean them with a soft-bristled brush and clear antibacterial soap. Using toothpaste or abrasive materials can scratch them.
• Never rinse your trays with scalding hot water because it could warp them.
• Only drink water when you have your trays in. If you drink iced tea or other darker beverages, remove your trays beforehand.
• Store your trays in a hard protective case while they’re not in your mouth.

What Should I Do If I Lose or Break an Invisalign Aligner?

It’s not uncommon for our patients to lose or accidentally damage an aligner somewhere along their treatment timeline. If this happens to you, it’s important to  contact our office  immediately so we can either request a new one for you or let you know if it’s safe to move to the next series of trays. If you move your teeth too quickly by switching trays early, it could throw off your entire treatment, so it’s best not to make any assumptions.

Do Invisalign Aligners Make It Hard to Speak?

When you’re first adjusting to the way that your Invisalign trays feel in your mouth, you may notice that you speak with a lisp. This is completely normal and should go away within a couple of weeks. The best way to work through this adjustment period more quickly is to read aloud with your trays in or even sing in the shower to get used to them.

How Often Do I Need Checkups During Invisalign Treatment?

Patients usually wear their aligners for two weeks before advancing to the next series in their treatment. Every six to eight weeks, we’ll have you come in for a quick progress check and to give you the next trays in your treatment. That way, you can easily keep track of which ones you should wear next. Each of these visits are relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes, so you can easily fit them into a lunch break or a tight schedule.