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Invisalign® – Lebanon, NH

The Convenient Path to Straighter, Healthier Teeth

Many adults know they need orthodontic treatment, but they do not wish to commit to traditional metal braces because they are concerned about the way braces look. For such individuals, Invisalign® offers a convenient alternative. This treatment uses clear, practically invisible aligners to reposition teeth — no metal brackets and wires required. At Santavicca Dental Professionals, we are proud to offer Invisalign® to help our patients achieve straighter, healthier, and more attractive teeth.

How Invisalign® Works

If you are a candidate for Invisalign®, your cosmetic dentist will take images and impressions of your teeth, which will serve as the basis for designing a series of custom, clear aligners. After the Invisalign® laboratory creates your aligners, you will wear each one for 20 – 22 hours each day for about two weeks before you graduate to the next one. Each aligner will apply constant, gentle pressure to your teeth and move them a bit closer to their ideal positions. After you work your way through all of your aligners, you will have a healthier and more functional mouth.

Throughout your treatment period, you will come to us for periodic checkups so we can assess your progress with Invisalign® and provide you with the next few aligners in your series. These checkups usually only take a few minutes; you might even be able to stop in during your lunch break for an appointment.

Benefits of Invisalign®

smile wearing Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment in general is extremely beneficial. Well-aligned teeth are at a lower risk of decay and premature wear and tear than crooked teeth. They can also prevent TMJ disorder and improve your facial aesthetics.

Some benefits that are specific to Invisalign® include:

Indications for Invisalign®

dental consultation

Most adults and many responsible adolescents are candidates for Invisalign®. If you are suffering from any of the following orthodontic issues, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team so we can confirm your candidacy for Invisalign® and get started on planning your treatment:

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign®

dental consultation

The cost of Invisalign® in Lebanon varies from patient to patient. When you visit us for your consultation, we will provide you with an estimate for the price you may have to pay. We will also help you explore how your insurance or financing may be able to help you fit Invisalign® into your budget. Although Invisalign® costs a significant amount of money, it is a worthwhile investment that could dramatically improve your oral health and bolster your confidence.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Invisalign®

A few factors that influence the cost of Invisalign® include:

  • The number of aligners needed. More extensive treatment requires more aligners and may cost more. Similarly, straightening both dental arches rather than just one calls for more aligners and is likely to incur a higher cost.
  • Some patients require special accessories, like button attachments and rubber bands, to correct bite problems or other issues.
  • If you accidentally lose an aligner, you may have to pay for a replacement. Failing to wear your aligners may extend your treatment timeline and lead to higher overall costs.

Invisalign® vs. DIY Aligners: Cost vs. Value

DIY aligners are more popular than ever. The idea of ordering your clear aligners through the mail may seem convenient and appealing. Plus, these systems usually cost around $2,000, making them significantly cheaper than most Invisalign® cases.

However, it is important to think about cost vs. value. With Invisalign®, you get the personalized support of a highly trained dental team. The aligners are made out of patented materials, and the results are predictable. DIY aligners are often made out of cheap plastics. Plus, you receive little to no in-person assistance. Even a small mistake in your treatment could lead to less than desirable results. You might end up spending a large amount of money to correct problems caused by an unfortunate incident with DIY aligners. It is better to invest in high-quality treatment from the outset, rather than take a gamble on a product with an uncertain outcome.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign®?

Some dental insurance plans include a lifetime maximum for orthodontic treatment, and Invisalign® is usually included. If your policy applies, it might reduce your out-of-pocket costs by $1,000 or more. Our team is happy to file insurance claims for patients, and we will help you with getting pre-authorization prior to beginning your treatment if necessary. If you cannot use your insurance for Invisalign®, you might be able to tap into your FSA or HSA to help you afford it.

Options for Making Invisalign® Affordable

As your Invisalign® dentist in Lebanon, we want to help you afford your treatment! In addition to assisting you with insurance, we offer a few provisions that might play a role in fitting Invisalign® into your budget:

  • Most patients qualify for low-interest financing through CareCredit, a third-party lender. Our team can guide you through the application process.
  • Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan provides reduced costs on virtually all the services we offer.

Are you eager to straighten your teeth with Invisalign®? Call us today to find out how our team can help you navigate the financial aspects of your care.

Invisalign® FAQs

Woman in gray sweater, has questions about Invisalign in Lebanon

If you are thinking about straightening your teeth with Invisalign® in Lebanon, you have an exciting journey ahead of you. Before you schedule your consultation, however, you may want to gather more information about the treatment and what you can expect from it. To help you out, we have put together a list of some frequently asked questions about Invisalign®, along with succinct answers. If you would like further explanation about anything you discover here, give our office a call. We look forward to speaking with you!

How Long Does Invisalign® Take?

The average treatment time with Invisalign® is 12 months. However, your case might require significantly more or less time. When you come in for your consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Lebanon, our team will assess the positioning of your teeth and provide you with an estimated timeline for your treatment. Mild cases of misalignment may take a relatively short period of time to correct, whereas more complex orthodontic issues typically require a lengthier treatment. In most cases, Invisalign® takes less time than traditional braces.

Does Invisalign® Hurt?

Invisalign® aligners are made out of a smooth, patented form of plastic that is designed to be as comfortable as possible. There are no metal parts to irritate your cheeks or tongue, and the edges of the aligners are unlikely to bother your gum tissue.

However, you should keep in mind that orthodontic treatment works by applying pressure to the teeth. Naturally, this can cause a degree of discomfort, especially when you make the transition to a new aligner. You can mitigate any pain by taking over the counter medicines (ibuprofen tends to work well), sipping on cool water, and switching to a new aligner at night so you can sleep through the first part of the adjustment period.

What Happens After Invisalign®?

After you make your way through all of your aligners, you will visit our office so we can verify your results. Once we are satisfied that your teeth are correctly positioned, we will provide you with a retainer. A retainer is a small device whose purpose is to prevent the teeth from drifting out of place again. At first, you should wear it full-time (20 – 22 hours each day). After several months, however, we may give you the go-ahead to wear it only at night.

What if My Invisalign® Broke?

Invisalign® aligners are built to be durable, but accidents happen from time to time that can cause them to break, crack, or get scratched. Often, if there are small hairline cracks, you can still wear your aligner — just be extra careful not to worsen the damage when you are taking it in and out of your mouth. If the damage is more significant, do not attempt to wear the aligner. Rather, give us a call. We might advise you to move ahead to your next aligner a few days early. It is also possible that we will tell you to wear a previous aligner until we can order a replacement for the one that is no longer functional.

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