Invisalign Treatment - Columbus
How does Invisalign work?
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will fit over attachments (buttons) that are tooth colored and are glued on to your teeth. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your orthodontist, specifically for your malocclusion. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately one to two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
Invisalign Summit 2016 Semi-Finalist Cases
Case 1
Adult female, anterior and posterior crossbite, crowded arches and worn dentition.
Treatment: Patient was treated with invisalign clear aligners only.
Case 2
Adult female, unilateral posterior crossbite, crowded upper arch, class II molar relation on the right with narrow smile on the right side.
Treatment: Patient was treated with an expander followed by invisalign clear aligners.
Indications for Invisalign
With Invisalign treatment in our Columbus office, we are able to address most mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If you would like to find out if Invisalign treatment can help you, request an appointment with Dr. Mason. After he evaluates your mouth, he may recommend Invisalign aligners as the best treatment for you. Invisalign aligners may be used to correct any of the following problems:
Crowded Teeth
Teeth that are too close together can be difficult to clean, leading to an increased risk of decay. Invisalign, along with other treatments (such as extraction of teeth), can relieve the crowding of your teeth.
Rotated Teeth
Rotated teeth, which emerge from the gum line at the wrong angle, are both a cosmetic and a functional problem. Invisalign aligners can turn such teeth on their axes so they are properly aligned.
Spacing
Whereas some teeth are too close together, in other cases, the teeth are too far apart. Improper spacing is both unattractive and can lead to impaction of food between the teeth. Invisalign aligners can close unsightly gaps and help you achieve a healthier smile.
Open Bite
The most common type of open bite occurs when the top and bottom front teeth are slanted too far forward. Thus, they do not touch when the mouth is closed. Invisalign aligners are able to change the position of your teeth and bring your bite into proper alignment.
Crossbite
There are two types of crossbite. One type occurs at the back of the mouth (posterior crossbite); it is when the upper back teeth bite down inside the lower back teeth. The other type occurs at the front of the mouth (anterior crossbite); it is when the upper front teeth sit inside the lower front teeth. Both types of crossbite can lead to jaw pain and damage to the teeth. Invisalign aligners can correct your crossbite with the help of your orthodontist.
Underbite
When the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, the condition is called an underbite. An underbite can cause eating difficulties and damage to the teeth. In most cases, Invisalign aligners are able to correct underbites with the help of your orthodontist.
Increased Overbite/ Deep bite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap too much over the lower front teeth, causing both cosmetic and dental enamel wear. By moving the upper teeth and lower teeth away from one another, Invisalign aligners can correct your deep bite.
How Successful is Invisalign Treatment?
Success of treatment with the Invisalign system depends on the clinician’s training and patient’s compliance. As an orthodontist, Dr. Mason has undergone university orthodontic residency which has allowed him to treat many simple and complex cases successfully with Invisalign system. He has been an Invisalign Premier Provider for multiple years, and has helped countless patients transform their smiles with Invisalign system. He has been recognized as a semi-finalist clinician in the North American Invisalign Summit in 2016. The Invisalign Summit Gallery recognizes orthodontists across North America who have achieved successful clinical outcomes using Invisalign clear aligner system. Among hundreds of patient entries, two of Dr. Mason’s patients were featured by peer-orthodontists as 2016 Invisalign Semi-Finalist cases.
What are the benefits of choosing Invisalign?
- Invisalign patients have much better hygiene compared to patients in braces and do not develop white spot lesions.
- Invisalign is more comfortable than braces.
- Invisalign patients have very few emergencies. Emergencies can happen with braces (Broken brackets, poking wires during summer vacations or while traveling.
- Invisalign patients have no food restrictions. Patients in braces must avoid many foods.
- Invisalign patients require less frequent visits to the office.
- Invisalign is much less visible for social events such as Prom, senior pictures, weddings.
What are Invisalign Treatment Requirements?
- Invisalign trays MUST be worn for minimum of 22 hours (FULL-TIME wear is required).
- Aligners must be taken out before eating or drinking any beverages other than water.
Invisalign Treatment Planning
If you are thinking about using Invisalign to correct your dental misalignment, you have an exciting road in front of you! But you might wonder how you can get started on your journey to straighter, healthier teeth. Dr. Mason and the team at Polaris Orthodontic Center in Columbus are eager to serve you. When you visit us to learn about Invisalign, we may guide you through the following steps:
Discussion About Invisalign
Before you commit to anything, you should have a talk with Dr. Mason and our team. During this consultation, we will learn about the condition of your teeth and answer your questions about your treatment options. Bring a list of things you want to ask us about — we do not want you to forget anything! If we are in agreement that Invisalign is right for you, we will move on to the next steps in the treatment process.
Mapping Your Teeth's Movements
Before you leave your initial appointment, we will use advanced scanning technology to take a digital impression of your teeth. (You will not have to worry about messy and uncomfortable manual impressions!) The scanning process is remarkably accurate, and it will yield a digital, three-dimensional image of your teeth that Dr. Mason can upload into advanced treatment planning software. He will use the software program to map out the movements of your teeth.
Once your teeth’s movements are mapped out, we can give you a realistic preview of what your smile will look like once you finish your Invisalign treatment. Many patients find that seeing their end results ahead of time gives them extra motivation to comply with their treatment instructions.
At this point, you will have to make a final decision on whether you want to move forward with Invisalign. We will make sure you understand the financial aspect of your care so you can make a well-informed choice.
Fabricating Your Aligners
Once you decide to commit to Invisalign, our team will send your treatment plan to the Invisalign company, where technicians will use 3D printing technology to fabricate your aligners out of Invisalign’s patented SmartTrack material.
Each aligner will be customized to your unique smile and designed to work seamlessly with your original treatment plan.
Starting Your Treatment
After Invisalign ships your aligners to us, you will return to our office. We will answer any last-minute questions you have before you start using your treatment. Be sure to wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day and comply with other instructions that we give you. You will visit us every 6 – 8 weeks or so; we will monitor your progress and support you on your journey toward your ideal smile. You are always welcome to call us between appointments if you run into questions or concerns regarding your Invisalign aligners.
Getting started with Invisalign is easy! Contact us today to book your consultation.
Living with Invisalign
Invisalign will require you to make some changes to your daily routine. Our team will give you some tips to help you transition to life with clear aligners. For example, we will coach you on oral hygiene and give you directions on eating and drinking during your treatment period. For most patients, it does not take long to adapt to their new routine!
Learn More About Living with Invisalign
What to Expect with Invisalign
After Dr. Mason determines that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, his staff will take images and digital impressions of your teeth which will be used to create a simulation of your treatment. This initial simulation will require modification by Dr. Mason. Once the tooth movement is viewed and modified by Dr. Mason , your aligners are fabricated and sent back to our office. After you start wearing Invisalign trays, you’ll need to visit our office periodically so we can make sure that your treatment is proceeding smoothly. After you finish all your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Mason will provide you with retainers to help you maintain your newly straightened smile.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
One of the first things patients ask us about Invisalign is, “How much does it cost?” Since the price varies from patient to patient, you will have to come in for a consultation to learn more about the financial aspects of your treatment. We want you to be able to afford Invisalign in Polaris, so we are more than happy to help you file insurance claims and assist you as you apply for convenient financing.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Some factors that affect the cost of Invisalign in Polaris include:
- The complexity of your treatment. More severe cases of misalignment require more time and more aligners to correct. Hence, their cost may be accordingly higher.
- Whether you are straightening one arch or both. Logically, treating both the upper and lower dental arches usually costs more than just treating one or the other.
- Compliance with treatment. If you accidentally lose an aligner, do not wear your aligners as much as recommended, or make other missteps along the way, you may end up incurring a slightly higher overall cost.
Invisalign vs. DIY Aligners: Which Costs More?
In recent years, DIY clear aligners have become more and more popular. These products appeal to many consumers because they may cost around just $2,000 or so for start to finish treatment. Invisalign usually costs significantly more than that.
However, while DIY aligners may come with an attractive price tag, it is important to consider what you are getting for your money. You may have to take your own dental impressions. Even a small mistake while doing so could adversely affect your treatment outcome, causing you to spend more money to correct the issue. Plus, aligners from DIY companies tend to be made out of basic plastics rather than state-of-the-art materials.
Invisalign, on the other hand, is an excellent value. The aligners are made out of a patented material that is designed for comfort and precise tooth movements. Plus, you get the personalized support of an experienced Invisalign dentist in Polars throughout your treatment journey.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Some insurance policies have a lifetime maximum for orthodontic care. If that is true of your plan, it might reduce your out-of-pocket costs by $1,000 or more. Our team will be happy to help you navigate your benefits and file your claims. If your insurance does not cover Invisalign, you may have other options for affording your treatment. For example, some patients choose to use funds from their FSA or HSA.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Insurance, FSAs, and HSAs are just a few possible means of managing the cost of Invisalign. Many patients choose to apply for low-interest financing through CareCredit. CareCredit is a third-party lender that offers low-interest and no-interest payment plans for medical and dental services, including Invisalign. Most patients are eligible for credit, and you may be able to choose from several different payment arrangements, according to what your monthly budget allows.
Our team is ready to help you navigate the financial aspects of your Invisalign treatment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or learn more about our practice’s payment policies. We look forward to serving you!
Invisalign vs. Other Orthodontic Treatments
Perhaps you know you want to straighten your teeth, but you aren’t sure if you should choose Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment. Dr. Mason and our team would be happy to help you compare your options. In the meantime, you can click on the link below to see a general comparison of Invisalign vs. other popular forms of orthodontic treatment.
Learn More About Invisalign vs. Other Orthodontic Treatments
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign in Polaris has the potential to improve your oral health and enhance your facial aesthetics. If you decide to invest in this treatment, you have much to look forward to! Before you contact our practice to schedule your consultation, however, you might want to learn more about the road ahead. Below, we provide answers to some frequently asked questions about Invisalign. If you don’t see the information you were hoping for, give us a call. We are always happy to speak with patients and potential patients.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The treatment timeline for Invisalign varies from patient to patient. Things like the degree of your dental misalignment, how well you comply with Dr. Mason’s instructions, and your age can all affect how long it takes for you to achieve your final results. When you visit us for your consultation, Dr. Mason will be able to estimate how long your treatment will take. On average, Invisalign takes about 12 months. However, it can take up to 18 months or longer depending on the situation.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Orthodontic treatment forcibly moves teeth by applying constant pressure to them. Some tenderness and soreness are to be expected, especially when you first start wearing an aligner. Drinking cool water and taking over the counter pain medications can minimize your discomfort. It is also helpful to start wearing a new aligner at night so you can sleep through part of the adjustment period. Many patients find that treatment with Invisalign is easier than they expected; the aligners are made out of a smooth plastic material that is designed for comfort.
What Happens After Invisalign?
After you work your way through all of your aligners, Dr. Mason will provide you with a retainer. There are a few different types of retainers, some of which are fixed in the mouth, and others of which are removable. Whichever type of retainer you receive, our team will coach you on how to care for it. At first, you should wear a removable retainer full time — just as much as you wore your Invisalign aligners. Eventually, you may be able to graduate to wearing it just a few nights each week.
What if My Invisalign Broke?
If you see some hairline cracks, you might be able to continue using your aligner — just be extra careful when you are putting it in your mouth or taking it out. However, if the damage is significant, you should not attempt to wear the retainer. DIY repairs are also not advisable. Instead, call our office. We might have to order a replacement aligner for you. In the meantime, we may recommend that you go back to wearing a previous aligner. Or, if you are just a few days from being able to switch to a new aligner, we might recommend that you make the transition a little early.
