Invisalign® Clear Braces – Northborough, MA
The Clear Choice for Orthodontic Treatment
Many adults hesitate to commit to orthodontic treatment because they do not want to spend years with a bunch of metal brackets and wires in their mouth. They may think that traditional braces will make them appear juvenile or affect their confidence in social situations. We understand that, which is why we are proud to offer Invisalign®. This innovative treatment uses removable, clear aligners to straighten teeth. If you are interested in Invisalign® clear braces in Northborough, MA, contact Northborough Dental Associates today to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Northborough Dental Associates for Invisalign® Clear Braces?
- Experienced team
- Convenient appointment times
- The most discreet way to achieve straighter teeth
How Invisalign® Works
If you are a candidate for Invisalign®, we will work with the Invisalign® company to design your series of custom aligners. Once you have your aligners, you will wear each one for 20 – 22 hours each day for two weeks. As you graduate from one aligner to the next, your teeth will gradually move toward their correct places. Throughout your treatment period, you will need to visit us periodically for brief checkups.
We are always ready to help if you encounter any problems. For example, if you accidentally damage or lose an aligner, simply get in touch with us so we can help you with your next steps. We might advise you to wear a previous aligner temporarily until we can order a replacement for you. In other cases, it is okay to move onto the next aligner a few days early.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Some of Invisalign’s most outstanding benefits include:
- Discretion. Although the aligners are not completely invisible, they are much subtler than traditional metal braces. They are unlikely to be the first thing that onlookers notice about your appearance.
- Removability. The aligners’ removability allows you to brush and floss your teeth according to your normal routine. You can also eat whatever you like without worrying that you will hinder your treatment.
- Comfort. The aligners are free from metal wires and brackets that might irritate the soft tissues in your mouth.
- Speed. The average treatment time with Invisalign® is only 12 months. Of course, this varies from patient to patient and depends on the nature of the problems that Invisalign® is correcting.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign®?
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign®
The cost of Invisalign® in Northborough is one of the things that patients are most curious about. It is difficult to provide any sort of price ranges without a personal consultation because many factors influence the cost of the treatment. Most patients who choose Invisalign® are happy with their investment. Plus, our practice has convenient provisions in place to make it as affordable as possible.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign®
The number of aligners needed is the biggest factor that influences the cost of Invisalign®. Some variables that affect how many aligners you will need include:
- How complex/severe your dental misalignment is
- Whether you are straightening one dental arch or both
- Your estimated overall treatment time
- Your compliance with treatment (for example, if you lose an aligner, you may have to pay for a replacement)
During your consultation, we will provide you with a candid cost estimate for your treatment. If you have any questions about the numbers we present to you, feel free to ask.
Invisalign® vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Which Is the Better Value?
In recent years, mail-order clear aligner treatments have skyrocketed in popularity. Many of them cost around $2,000 for start to finish treatment. That price may seem appealing, especially considering the fact that Invisalign® often costs significantly more.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that price is not the only factor you should consider when you are deciding how to straighten your teeth. Mail-order aligners are often constructed out of basic plastics, whereas Invisalign® is made out of a patented material that is designed for comfort and precise tooth movements. Plus, Invisalign® comes with the in-person support of a local, trustworthy dental team — with mail-order aligners, any support you receive may be quite limited. Mail-order aligners might even require you to take your own dental impressions, and even a small error while doing so could lead to disappointing treatment results.
Most patients would agree that Invisalign® is a better value than any type of DIY aligner system.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign®?
Some dental insurance policies have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® may or may not be covered under it. Our team can help you learn the details of your insurance policy, file forms for preauthorization, and understand how your benefits will affect your out-of-pocket costs. If your insurance does cover Invisalign®, it may save you $1,000 or more. If no coverage is available, you might try another provision, such as your FSA, to mitigate the cost of Invisalign®.
Options for Making Invisalign® Affordable
As your Invisalign® dentist in Northborough, we want you to be able to afford your treatment. To that end, we offer a few valuable provisions:
- Most patients are eligible for financing through CareCredit, a third-party lender that provides low- and no-interest payment plans.
- Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan is designed for patients without insurance. It offers a 15% discount on most services provided in our practice.
Would you like to learn more about Invisalign® and its cost? Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is looking forward to helping you achieve a healthier, straighter smile.
Invisalign® FAQs
Invisalign® in Northborough presents an excellent way to straighten teeth without the hassles of traditional braces. Still, you may want to know more about it before you contact us to schedule your consultation. To help you out, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about Invisalign®, along with succinct answers. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, get in touch with us — our team will be happy to speak with you.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
The average treatment time with Invisalign® is 12 months. However, some patients with mild misalignment have to wear their aligners for as few as 6 months. If your case is somewhat complex, your treatment could last for 18 months or longer. During your consultation, we will be able to estimate how long it will take for Invisalign® to achieve your ideal results. Although 18 months may seem like a long time, keep in mind that in most cases, Invisalign® is at least a few months faster than traditional braces.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?
Invisalign® aligners are constructed out of a smooth, patented form of plastic. The edges are designed to rest comfortably against the gums, and there are no metal parts to irritate your tongue or cheeks.
However, keep in mind that orthodontic treatment works because it applies pressure to the teeth. Naturally, that pressure can cause some discomfort, particularly when you first start wearing a new aligner. You can keep any soreness to a minimum by sipping on cold water, switching to a new aligner before bedtime, and taking pain relievers as necessary.
If you ever experience any severe pain or discomfort with Invisalign®, call your cosmetic dentist in Northborough right away. There may be something wrong with one of your aligners.
What Happens After Invisalign®?
After you work your way through all of your aligners, we will verify that your results are what we hoped for. If everything looks good, we will provide you with a retainer. A retainer is a small oral appliance that is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting back out of place. Without it, all of your hard work with Invisalign® could quickly be undone!
At first, you should wear your retainer full-time (20 – 22 hours a day). After a few months, however, we might give you the go-ahead to wear it only at night.
What if My Invisalign® Broke?
If the damage is fairly minimal, you might be able to continue using your aligner. However, you will need to be extra cautious when you are taking it in and out of your mouth. If the damage is more extensive, do not attempt any DIY repairs with superglue or other substances. Instead, call our office. We might advise you to go back to wearing a previous aligner while we order a replacement for the one that is no longer usable. Or, we might tell you to go ahead and move onto your next aligner a few days early.