Invisalign – Fairfax, VA

Crowded Teeth

When teeth are too close together and tightly packed within an arch, it can be difficult to keep them all perfectly clean. After all, bacteria and plaque can gather in nooks that are hard to reach with your toothbrush, potentially leading to more cavities or the development of gum disease. Fortunately, our clear aligners can shift your teeth into proper alignment, getting rid of these problem areas in the process. So, at the end of your orthodontic treatment, you’ll have a healthier and even more beautiful smile.

Gaps Between Teeth

Just as you don’t want teeth to be overly crowded, you don’t want them to be spaced apart since the gaps allow bacteria to grow and spread inside your mouth. So, if you are struggling with this orthodontic problem, don’t wait – schedule a consultation at our office to discuss your treatment options! If we decide that Invisalign is the best solution, then we will create a custom series of clear aligners to close the gaps and make sure your teeth are evenly spaced.

Overbite

If you have an overbite, even a minor one, you can have trouble smiling confidently. Not only that, but it can be difficult to chew properly and enunciate clearly. The good news is that traditional braces are no longer the only solution; clear aligners can be used in tandem with other orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, to bring your bite into proper alignment.

Underbite

In short, having upper and lower teeth that don’t match up properly can put extra strain on your jaw joint and wear down certain teeth faster than the rest. That’s why we recommend scheduling a consultation with us, even if you are happy with the appearance of your smile. From there, we can determine if you’re a candidate for Invisalign and, if you are, begin working on your custom treatment plan.

Crossbite

If you have a crossbite, then you already know the negative effects it can have on the look and health of your smile. Fortunately, like the other bite problems on this list, Invisalign is often a solution. If that’s the case, we will use the clear aligners to move your teeth and bite into proper alignment, ensuring you’ll have a much easier time chewing and keeping your teeth strong for as long as possible.

Open Bite

Do you have an open bite? If so, it’s important not to take the “wait and see” approach since doing so can lead to several serious consequences, including premature wear and tear on certain teeth. With Invisalign aligners, we can give you a healthier bite without the dietary restrictions, lengthy treatment timelines, and unsightly metal.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Many factors influence the total cost of Invisalign in Fairfax, including:

• The number of aligners needed to straighten your teeth. It usually depends on the type and severity of your dental misalignment.
• Whether you’re straightening one arch or both. Logically speaking, it’ll cost more to straighten both the upper teeth and lower teeth than just one or the other.
• Your treatment compliance. Losing an aligner or failing to follow your orthodontist’s instructions can delay treatment, meaning you’ll have to pay more for extra trays.
• Whether you require additional accessories. Depending on your case, you may need extra tools like elastics to ensure successful treatment.

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

If you’re on a budget, you may be thinking about getting do-it-yourself clear aligner therapy like SmileDirectClub™. It usually costs under $2,000, while Invisalign can run anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000. Although you’ll initially be paying less, it’s important to remember that just because it’s cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth having.

There are distinct differences between Invisalign and SmileDirectClub™, such as:

• Material – DIY clear aligners are usually made out of cheap plastic. Meanwhile, Invisalign uses a patented material designed for comfort and more efficient tooth movements.
• Effectiveness – Some patients who’ve used SmileDirectClub™ claim it has worsened their dental misalignment, resulting in issues that need to be fixed by a professional anyway. Invisalign has consistently proven to be successful!
• Support – Most DIY aligner companies offer little to no oversight from a trusted dental professional. With Invisalign, you can enjoy the personalized support from our team at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry every step of the way.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

The good news is that some dental insurance plans offer some form of coverage for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. If your policy is applicable, you can expect your out-of-pocket expenses to reduce by $1,000 or more. Before committing to anything, you should contact your insurance provider to find out exactly what your plan covers. Our team is more than happy to help with that step if needed.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! We offer third-party financing to help make your Invisalign treatment fit into your budget. CareCredit allows you to split the total cost into a series of smaller monthly installments. Plus, there’s often little-to-no interest attached! At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we also periodically run special promotions to help you save money on certain treatments. Currently, you can get Invisalign for as low as $109 per month!

Are you ready to start working towards the smile of your dreams? Give our office a call and schedule a consultation today! We’ll explain your financing options and create a treatment plan that fits your budget perfectly.

Wearing Your Trays

Once we’ve decided that Invisalign is right for you, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and use them to create a series of clear aligners. The aligners apply certain amounts of pressure in specific areas of your mouth to gently push your teeth into their ideal positions, so it’s crucial that you wear them for a minimum of 20 hours a day. It’s also of the utmost importance that you switch to each new set on the correct day (usually every 7-14 days).

Cleaning Your Aligners

The last thing you want is for your once-clear aligners to turn yellow, drawing unwanted attention to your smile in the process. Fortunately, preventing stubborn stains is pretty easy with the right best practices in place. In addition to cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid twice a day, we recommend soaking them for about 15 minutes a day with the cleaning crystals (or another dentist-approved cleaner).

Eating & Drinking

One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, so there aren’t any dietary restrictions! In fact, you can continue eating all of your favorite foods throughout your orthodontic treatment as long as you exercise caution with crunchy snacks and don’t overindulge on sugary ones. Instead, eat seasonal vegetables, fresh fruits, and other nutrient-dense foods that will help keep your smile healthy from the inside out.

Losing or Damaging a Tray  

Did you accidentally lose one of your aligners? Is there a large crack running down the middle? Either way, do your best not to panic. Instead, call our Fairfax dental office so we can learn more about your situation, including where you are in your treatment plan. Oftentimes, patients can move onto the next set in the series safely, but there are some cases where we recommend reverting to the previous set until replacements arrive.

Attending Routine Check-Ins

Another important component of life with Invisalign is the check-in visits. Every four to six weeks, you’ll come see us for a quick and easy checkup so we can take new impressions of your teeth and ensure your treatment is on track. In most cases, you’ll have the straighter smile of your dreams in just 12-18 months!