Corrective Orthodontic Appliances

Clear, removable orthodontic trays might be an excellent alternative for people who don’t want traditional metal braces. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, are custom-made plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently and gradually realign them.

 

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The fitting of clear aligners begins with an orthodontic consult. Your orthodontist will examine your mouth and use an iTero® 3D scanner to take scans to create a digital model. Using those images, the team will then establish a roadmap for treatment and create your orthodontic trays.

Every few weeks, your orthodontist will provide you with a set of clear trays for your teeth. Swap the trays out for the next one in your series until you complete the treatment.

It’s important to wear your trays as much as possible. You should only remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

No, the trays are removable. When you complete treatment, you receive a removable retainer that you should wear as prescribed to prevent your teeth from shifting. All of the trays are removable, though.

Yes! Clear aligners are effective for many people seeking an alternative to traditional braces. As long as you follow the treatment plan and wear your trays for the recommended time each day, you could see faster results than with traditional braces.

No, the trays don’t hurt. However, you may experience some discomfort for the first day or two of a new tray.

It is possible to correct bite misalignments with clear aligners. The trays can accommodate rubber bands just like traditional braces.

Clear aligners are not bad for your teeth. In fact, since you can remove them to eat, drink, and brush your teeth, it’s easier to maintain proper oral care than those with traditional braces. However, like any orthodontic treatment, if you don’t keep up with your oral care and don’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions, you may develop cavities.

There are pros and cons for both types of orthodontic treatment, so it comes down to the individual patient. It’s important to discuss your options with your orthodontist to determine whether clear aligners or braces would be better for your lifestyle.

Clear aligners can be faster than traditional braces. Again, success and timeframes depend on whether or not you follow the treatment plan, wear your trays for the requisite number of hours each day, and keep up with your appointments.

Invisalign clear aligners generally cost between $4,000 and $8,000 on average. However, Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics offers Invisalign starting as low as $2,999 for a limited time. We also offer flexible payment plans!

Some dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Check with your dental insurance provider to see what they will pay toward orthodontic treatment.

No dental insurance? No problem. Our Dental Savings Plan for those without insurance can help you get started with affordable braces or clear aligners.