Straightening your teeth does not always mean wearing metal brackets and wires. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into better alignment.
At White Maple Dental, we offer Invisalign for teens and adults who want a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. If you are wondering whether clear aligners could work for you, the first step is having your teeth and alignment evaluated.
Invisalign can be used to address a range of tooth-alignment concerns, but clear aligners are not automatically the right treatment for everyone.
Your current alignment, the movement your teeth need, and your ability to wear the aligners consistently all affect whether treatment makes sense for you.
If your main concern is not tooth position but the color, shape, or appearance of individual teeth, our cosmetic dentistry options may also be worth discussing.
Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear aligners to gradually change the position of your teeth.
The process generally includes:
Because the aligners are removable, you take them out when eating and when brushing and flossing.
Clear aligners are less noticeable than metal brackets and wires, but the biggest day-to-day difference may be that you can remove them.
You take your aligners out for meals, so there are not the same food restrictions associated with fixed braces. They also come out when you brush and floss.
That does not mean treatment is completely discomfort-free. The pressure used to move your teeth can cause some temporary tightness or tenderness, especially when you begin wearing a new aligner.
You may also notice a slight change in your speech when you first begin treatment. This often becomes less noticeable as you adjust to wearing the trays.
The removable design comes with some responsibility. Invisalign needs to be worn consistently for the recommended amount of time each day.
Invisalign may be an option for both teens and adults who would prefer a less noticeable alternative to metal brackets and wires.
For teens in particular, consistent wear matters. The aligners need to be kept track of, removed when appropriate, and worn for the prescribed number of hours each day.
Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and determine whether Invisalign is appropriate for the type of movement you need.
There is no single treatment timeline that applies to every Invisalign patient.
Treatment length depends on the complexity of the case and how your teeth need to move. Wearing the aligners as directed is also an important part of staying on track with the treatment plan.
After your teeth are evaluated, you can get a more useful estimate based on your individual case rather than a general timeframe.
Invisalign costs vary because treatment plans vary. The complexity of your case and the length of treatment can affect the final fee.
Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that may apply to Invisalign. White Maple Dental can help you check your benefits before treatment.
For patients interested in financing, White Maple Dental also accepts CareCredit.
The practice's current membership plans list $500 off aligner therapy among the plan benefits. Ask the office about current membership terms and payment options when discussing treatment.
Invisalign treatment involves more than receiving a set of clear trays. Your teeth first need to be evaluated, your treatment needs to be planned, and you need to understand what will be expected throughout the process.
White Maple Dental is locally owned and operated in Lancaster. Dr. Nathan Riexinger is a lifelong Lancaster resident, and the practice emphasizes clear communication and transparent pricing.
Those details matter when you are considering an elective treatment. Before deciding to move forward, you should understand what treatment involves, what it is expected to cost, and what you will need to do between visits.
And if Invisalign is not appropriate for your particular case, that is useful information too.
Invisalign aligners are generally worn for about 20 to 22 hours each day. They are removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
Because you remove the aligners for meals, you generally do not have the same food restrictions associated with fixed braces. Clean your teeth before putting your aligners back in whenever possible.
You may notice pressure, tightness, or mild tenderness when you begin treatment or change to a new aligner. This comes from the pressure being used to move your teeth and is generally temporary.
You may notice a slight change in your speech when you first begin wearing aligners. The current White Maple Dental Invisalign guidance notes that most patients adjust after the initial period.
Not necessarily. Invisalign offers a removable, less noticeable approach to straightening teeth, but the right treatment depends on what your teeth need. Your dentist can evaluate whether clear aligners are appropriate for your case.
Retainers are typically recommended after orthodontic treatment to help prevent teeth from gradually shifting. Your dentist can explain what type of retention will be appropriate after your treatment.
Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that may apply to Invisalign. Coverage varies by policy. White Maple Dental can help you review your benefits and available payment options.
You do not need to know whether Invisalign is right for you before scheduling an appointment. An evaluation can help answer that question.
Visit White Maple Dental at 460 Ransom Road, Lancaster, NY 14086, or call (716) 393-9388 to discuss Invisalign treatment.
