Here’s how it works: Based on your smile goals, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan and give you a series of custom-crafted aligners to wear. The aligners exert a gentle pressure on your teeth, gradually shifting them into place. Roughly every two weeks, you’ll change out your current set of Invisalign aligners with a newer pair to move through your treatment.
Some of the best benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear and removable. This means that no one has to know you’re wearing them because they can’t see them. And you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. Not even popcorn is off limits when you’re wearing Invisalign!
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic option that allows you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your braces. Here’s what you can expect during the course of your orthodontic treatment.
If you want to learn more about Invisalign and see if it’s right for you, schedule an appointment with a Preferred Invisalign Provider. The San Antonio dentists at Texas Dental are Preferred Invisalign Providers, so call us for a consultation. During your appointment, we’ll go over your case and answer any questions or concerns you may have about Invisalign treatments, costs, or insurance coverage.
To begin your actual treatment, we will first take X-rays, pictures, and impressions of your teeth. This helps us create a completely customized Invisalign treatment plan. With Invisalign, most patients achieve a straight, healthy smile within one to two years. We’ll give you a more specific timeline during your consultation.
We’ll give you a series of clear, BPA-free aligners designed specifically for your mouth and treatment plan. You can easily pop the aligners out to eat and drink. No food is off-limits, unlike with metal braces. Just be sure to brush and floss properly after eating and drinking. Once you’re done, put your aligners back in to continue your treatment. For best results, wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Rather than coming in for “tightening” appointments, like you do with traditional braces, Invisalign only requires you to transition between aligner sets. Simply pop in the next aligners in your sequence, and you’re good to go for another two weeks. Every six weeks or so, you’ll have a brief check-up appointment to ensure that your treatment is going smoothly.
Congratulations! Your patience has paid off, and you are now rewarded with the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted. To protect your investment and ensure your straight teeth stay in their proper position, we recommend consulting your dentist about wearing retainers.
We could continue to talk about the quality of Invisalign orthodontic systems and materials versus other aligner systems, or about our experience, but the most effective way to appreciate the benefits of Invisalign is to hear from some of our happy, radiant Invisalign patients.
“I had been living with years of debilitating fear. I was afraid to smile, to talk and even engage with most people. I knew I needed to get my discolored, crooked teeth fixed, but I lacked the self-confidence to ask for help. One day, I found out about Dallas Laser Dentistry and I knew it was now or never. I pulled myself together and drove to their office, but when I arrived, I circled the building three times before I had the courage to come in. Finally, I took a deep breath, walked through their doors and was welcomed with open arms. That day, in addition to getting a cleaning, I decided to start Invisalign. Then, when the Invisalign treatment was done, they laser whitened my teeth. When I saw my new smile, I cried – so did my doctor. I had never seen who I truly could become – a beautiful woman who has a contagious smile. Now, I’m deliriously happy, working in a great job and traveling all over the world. Each time I come into the office, it’s like a big party – I tell them where I’ve been and where I’m going next. I am forever grateful to the dentists and staff at Dallas Laser Dentistry for changing my life.”
“Every time I looked in the mirror at my crowded teeth, it put me in a bad mood – I became a grump. When I ran my tongue over my teeth, I felt like I had a mouth full of gravel. Even worse, I was too old for braces. I’d look like a weirdo at my age if I had all that metal in my mouth. Then one day, I couldn’t stand it any longer so I consulted Dallas Laser Dentistry. The doctor suggested Invisalign to position my teeth correctly and fix my bite. Next, I had laser gum contouring, which lengthened my teeth and balanced my smile. I learned, also, that crowded teeth are not just unsightly, but because they’re hard to clean, they present certain health risks. My doctor sure knew her stuff! Now, I have a bright, shining smile and I wake up every day, excited to jump into life!”
“Some days, it was all I could do to leave the house, especially if I had to talk to another human. I had a huge gap between my two front teeth and one to match on the bottom. On top of that, my teeth were dingy and yellow. I felt like people were looking at me and judging me. Fact is, I had no life. One day, I saw an ad for Dallas Laser Dentistry and then read the reviews, which were stellar. At that moment, I was all in. When I met with my doctor, she suggested Invisalign, DaVinci veneers, and laser teeth whitening. Now that my smile is fixed and gorgeous, I’m confident and self-assured. I go anywhere and do anything I want without a second of hesitation. I honestly have never felt this good about myself.”
Invisalign’s website is a great source of information. Check out our Invisalign articles on our blog, as well as our FAQ questions below and our FAQ videos on Invisalign.
We have a number of tools to help you assess your current smile and your feelings about it:
• Smile Analysis – we offer a brief interactive questionnaire that helps you assess your current smile both rationally and emotionally, as well as your level of urgency to take action to change it. If we can help with what bothers you about your smile, such as crooked teeth, and your urgency to change is above a certain level, it will offer you the opportunity for an in-person FREE Smile Consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists.
• Free Invisalign Smile Consultation – At the consultation the doctor can hear your concerns and desired results, then see if you are a candidate for a good cosmetic dentistry outcome. She can also help determine what “tools” or treatments are needed specifically to get the results you want, and whether Invisalign is one of those tools. A specific treatment plan and costs are developed and shared and following a more comprehensive exam it will include, as well, any restorative work that needs to be done to provide a good foundation for the cosmetic investment you’re making. And if you’re wondering how much of a change Invisalign will make on your smile, we will also provide a digital Invisalign smile simulation showing approximate digital before/after looks with Invisalign treatment.
• Invisalign Digital Smile Simulation – Using your smart phone, click on the Invisalign Digital Smile Simulation link here. This will take you to a site where you can take a selfie and the Invisalign software will show you a “before” and “after” simulation of your new smile. For those who are more visual it can really help you understand the likely dramatic improvement that Invisalign will have on your smile.
• Virtual Smile Consultation – If you’re trying to minimize personal interactions, or wish to save your work PTO days for actual treatment, we offer a virtual smile consultation using the SmileVirtual® platform. You’ll be given a link with instructions, after which you’ll do a video of yourself for the doctor basically explaining the same concerns and desired results you would do at an in-person consultation. The uploaded video and any attachments go to the doctor, who will watch, listen, and then record a personalized video for you providing information on whether you’re a likely Invisalign candidate and a range for costs depending on what is found on a follow-up exam in person. She’ll mention any alternate treatments as well.
Invisalign aligners are fabricated at a state-of-the-art lab in Costa Rica following the treatment plan submitted and approved by your dentist. Invisalign treatment from orthodontists or by an experienced Invisalign dentist whose practice is focused on cosmetic dentistry will cost the most, but you’re also paying for their experience in treatment planning or their aesthetic skill in designing your final smile. Invisalign is a major expense for anyone at $5-8k, depending on the complexity of the case, and may be only part of the total expense if being used as part of a smile makeover case. But choosing Invisalign is an investment in yourself – not only your appearance but also your self-confidence. To quote an often used but very true phrase – “You get what you pay for”. When it comes to your smile, why would you settle for anything less than the best? With our aesthetic skills and artistry, you’ll have an irresistible white smile that will go the distance – and decades – for you.
There are a wide array of orthodontic aligner choices, usually at lower cost than Invisalign. Some are primarily DIY direct to consumer aligners. Other company systems include a doctor visit to be sure you don’t do irreparable harm moving your teeth without dental professional supervision. Others offer cheap prices but can only straighten the teeth that are usually visible and do it very quickly. Dental professionals may offer different aligner systems for different budgets and different orthodontic problems. We prefer Invisalign because it delivers the best and most complete and predictable outcome, but we do offer a 6-month system moving anterior teeth only at significant savings.
Most patients ask about financing, and we provide multiple third-party lenders that offer financing periods up to five years, including CareCredit. We also accept major credit cards as well as debit cards.
Another way to save money on Invisalign and other preventative and restorative dentistry is by joining our Preferred Patient Membership Program. Patients choosing the Cosmetic Plan save 15% on Invisalign aligners, plus all diagnostic, exams, and preventative procedures are included for the next year. Be sure to ask about this program when you decide to have us change your life by changing your smile with Invisalign!
Getting Invisalign Orthodontics
To begin the process X-rays are taken, as is an impression of your mouth. But get ready for something totally different – and utterly cool – at Dallas Laser Dentistry. Unlike Old School dentists who shove bulky trays full of goop in your mouth, you’ll take a digital 3-D laser scan of your mouth. Then, Dr. Swift or Dr. Petty will create a sequence in a software program for how each set of aligners will move your teeth during treatment. Then, with a click of a button, that digital plan is sent to the manufacturing facility where your aligners are created. In a few weeks, you’ll receive the first set of aligners that you’ll wear, usually for one week at a time, removing them only to brush, floss and eat. Most people go through 18-30 sets of aligners, which takes up to, at most, eight months. However, each person is different so the time varies. After you’re finished, you’ll wear a retainer, but only at night to keep your teeth from drifting and undoing the treatment. It’s such a fast, easy process!
Melt into Our comfortable and caring Space
Here, we’ve reimagined what it means to go to the dentist. Unlike other places that are cold and clinical, our office feels like a spa. You’ll be soothed by our elegant, open exam areas that boast a stunning view for miles of North Dallas from ten stories up. Take a seat in comfortable, body-hugging chairs, then breathe deep and let the essential oils of aromatherapy calm your body and soul. Your Zen is waiting.
Health Before Beauty
Your oral health is our top priority. In fact, what sets Dallas Laser Dentistry apart is the creed we live by – a beautiful smile starts with a healthy foundation. We look at the big picture – optimizing your overall dental health first, then helping you chart a course to your contagious smile – a roadmap. We create a customized design and maximize your unique qualities – your face shape, your lips, the symmetry of your gums and face.
Is Invisalign for You?
Invisible In the end, it’s up to you whether or not you choose to straighten your teeth, and if you do want to wear old-style metal braces, Invisalign aligners, or some other less expensive aligner system. If you have crooked teeth, crowded teeth, big gaps between front teeth, overbites, or crossbites, you’ll likely be considering orthodontics either for your oral health and to reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, or to improve the appearance of your smile. How best to do that is up to you. Most adult patients prefer the benefits of aligners versus braces:
1. Comfortable
2. Removable for eating, flossing, cleaning, or special events
3. Complete similar movements in half the time of metal braces
Adults who want to improve the appearance of their smile also tend to choose a cosmetic dentist skilled with Invisalign, as opposed to having their teeth simply straightened by an orthodontist.
But the other important factor for success with aligners is that you must be committed to the process, which includes wearing your aligners religiously, coming in for regular appointments every four-six weeks, and committing to wearing aligner retainers at night the rest of your life. Once you come in and learn about Invisalign the choice will be clear!
Invisalign provides an alternative to traditional braces and does not have any brackets or wires. Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that are worn in a series over a specified amount of time and usually changed out weekly. The clear aligners gently move teeth into place, creating a beautiful smile. Invisalign trays are comfortable and smooth in the mouth. The aligners are almost invisible, making this a popular orthodontic option for both teens and adults.
Our evaluation process at Dallas Laser Dentistry will determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. Factors we look for include level of correction needed, age, and your smile goals. Invisalign also provides an online assessment tool to see if you are a good candidate.
Yes! Invisalign clear aligners must be worn between 20-22 hours a day. The time worn daily is needed to ensure that treatment moves along at the estimated rate. The trays are removed for eating. They’re also removed for brushing and/or flossing, but that’s about it. Wearing the trays fewer hours slows down the process and may jeopardize the outcome.
Invisalign provides an alternative to traditional braces. We believe that Invisalign is the most effective clear aligner on the market. Invisalign does not have the brackets or wires like traditional braces have, and the clear aligner trays are almost invisible making this treatment a popular option for many adult patients. Both braces and Invisalign are designed to straighten teeth over time.
Invisalign trays must be worn 22 hours a day, and should only be removed for eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Otherwise, you may jeopardize the outcome. With braces you’re stuck with them in your mouth 24/7, while Invisalign trays can be easily removed. Invisalign is smooth and comfortable in the mouth, and does not irritate the gums or tissue like brackets and wires can.
Our accelerated Invisalign treatment usually averages half the time of regular braces, or about 3-9 months, though more complex cases will take longer to complete.
Our accelerated Invisalign treatment where your trays are usually changed out weekly can typically take anywhere between 3-9 months. This depends on the level of correction needed and varies per patient. More complex cases will take longer to complete, and if you fail to wear your aligners 22 hours per day treatment time will be longer and may jeopardize the outcome. As part of our evaluation, we develop a customized treatment plan for each patient, so you understand what is required and how long the clear aligner trays must be worn each day.
Invisalign aligner trays can only be purchased from a certified dentist or orthodontist. Invisalign treatment can range from $4,500 to $8,500, and this depends on how much tooth movement is needed. After your Invisalign treatment is complete, it is important to note that you will need to commit to wearing retainers to keep your teeth from moving from their corrected position.Our office will work with you to secure third party financing that allows payment over time, and insurance may even cover part of the cost of your treatment. You’ll know the exact cost of your case up front. We’ll help you check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage, if any. If your insurance plan provides a certain amount towards braces, this usually can be applied toward Invisalign.
First, you’ll look aesthetically better. Straight teeth boost your confidence. In fact, some patients have seen them as powerful game-changers in all areas of their lives. However, there are some very real health issues. To start, straight teeth allow you to chew, bite and speak more effectively than crooked teeth. But it goes deeper than this. Here are a few of the main disorders associated with crooked teeth:
• Periodontitis or gum disease begins with a bacterial infection. The bacterial infection is caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Crooked teeth are hard to effectively clean, which means that debris, plaque, and bacteria can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Straight teeth are much easier to clean and you are at less risk of contracting gum disease.
• TMJ Disorder – Crooked teeth can lead to improper jaw alignment, which in turn causes a painful condition known as TMJ. Severe headaches, jaw pain, and grinding of teeth characterize this debilitating disorder.
• Tooth Injury – Straight teeth create a strong wall, which means injuries are less likely to occur. Crooked teeth are weaker and often protrude, making them far more vulnerable to external injury.
• Uneven Wear – Crooked teeth cause some of the teeth to work harder than others when biting and chewing. Straight teeth share the workload evenly, meaning less risk of injury and better aesthetics, and less dental work replacing cracked teeth the rest of your life.
Given all these things, we’ve found that for adults, Invisalign invisible aligners are the most effective. The aligners are removable and used in most cases, except when malocclusion is extremely severe, or if there are underlying bone issues that require surgery or fixed braces. You will change the aligners every week for the duration of your treatment.
You bet is it. Straight white teeth will impact your life in numerous positive ways. That’s why we include laser teeth whitening with every Invisalign treatment. First, you’ll complete your Invisalign treatment and laser teeth whitening will follow. You’ll be fabulous!
You and your doctor will discuss how to address this. The best option is getting dental implants. After you’ve got these, you’ll do Invisalign and you’ll look better than ever!
First of all, getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign will probably be one of the best things you can do for yourself. So, know this going in. Second, if someone asks, you can calmly and confidently tell them they’re the coolest kind of adult braces around. And if they’re really interested, you’d be happy to tell them more.
No. You’ll be amazed how comfortable the aligners are. Because they’re customized to fit your teeth and changed every week, you’ll hardly notice they’re there.
Maybe. Dental insurance typically will not cover any cosmetic procedure, and most adult dental plans don’t cover orthodontics. But if you have adult ortho coverage, Invisalign is likely covered to the same degree and for the same reasons as traditional braces – therapeutic correction of teeth.
Yes. There are no other risks than those associated with regular dental work, which are minimal to none.
