Invisalign Clear Aligners – Mount Pleasant, SC

Crowded Teeth

Overcrowded teeth don’t just negatively affect your appearance, they also have an impact on the health and function of your smile. Here are just some of the negative consequences that come with crowded teeth:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Jaw discomfort
• Difficulty chewing

This is why we recommend Invisalign to address the alignment of your teeth. By choosing Invisalign, your teeth will be gently shifted to be the right distance apart. This makes brushing and flossing much easier, allowing you to better care for your smile.

Gaps Between Teeth

Spaced-out teeth also pose a risk to your oral health. When there is too much space between the teeth, bacteria can easily become trapped, therefore increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Whether you have one large gap between your front teeth or noticeable spaces between several teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to see if Invisalign is right for you.

Overbite

An overbite is when the top teeth come out too far from the lower arch of the teeth. Overbites can result in jaw pain, speech issues, uneven dental wear, and difficulty closing and opening the mouth. This issue can also leave the top teeth more exposed, putting them at higher risk of becoming injured and damaged. Invisalign is able to correct many overbites.

Underbite

An underbite describes alignment issues where the bottom teeth go slightly passed or match with the top row of teeth when you close your mouth. This can be caused by a variety of different factors, including genetics, jaw injury, and non-nutritive habits – like thumb sucking and pacifier use after a certain age. Underbites can lead to many different problems if they aren’t addressed. This includes increased risk of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and difficulty speaking and chewing. Typically, patients who have underbites require the use of rubber bands or other attachments that they can use in combination with their Invisalign trays. This helps to gradually address the bite and move the lower arch back into its proper position.

Crossbite

When the bottom teeth are slightly in front of the upper arch, this is called a crossbite. This is typically caused by genetics, poor oral habits, or premature loss of baby teeth. When left unaddressed, crossbites can lead to long-term issues, like increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay, jaw pain, speech difficulties, headaches, teeth grinding, and facial asymmetry. Invisalign is able to correct this problem most of the time. However, if your crossbite is caused by issues involving jaw development, it may be necessary to accompany the aligners with elastics and other accessories.

Open Bite

An open bite is when the top and bottom front teeth aren’t able to overlap or touch when you close your mouth all the way. This is generally caused by poor bone development or non-nutritive habits, like prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use. An open bite can lead to difficulty pronouncing certain words and sounds, as well as excessive enamel wear of the back teeth. Invisalign can help to bring the front top and bottom teeth together, correcting the bite pattern and reducing dental damage.

Wearing Your Trays

Unlike other orthodontic treatments, clear aligners can be removed at any time. While that comes with certain perks, like no dietary restrictions, it also comes with certain responsibilities, like making a conscious effort to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. This is important because if you consistently miss the mark, your chances of falling off-track with your treatment plan increase dramatically.

Tip: If you’re not sure if you’re meeting the 20-22 hour-a-day goal, try using the Invisalign app to track your wear time!

Cleaning Your Aligners

You may have heard that you need special cleaning products to keep your aligners stain-free, like denture cleaner. The reality is that you need just two things: clean water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. As long as you remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water and clean them after each meal, they should stay clear. If there does come a time when they start to look a bit yellow, then soak them in a mixture of lukewarm water and cleaning crystals (the ones that came in your welcome kit).

Tip: Never use hot water to clean your aligners – this can cause them to warp!

Eating & Drinking

There aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign. In other words, you don’t have to alter your diet with clear aligners! We just encourage our patients to continue eating well-balanced meals that are loaded with nutrients to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. If you have a lot of attachments, then we may also recommend exercising caution with extremely hard or crunchy foods to help prevent an orthodontic emergency.

Tip: Keep foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum to prevent a cavity from developing.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

If one of your aligners breaks, call our dental office ASAP. If you’ve accidentally misplaced one of your trays, then carefully retrace your steps. If you’ve looked everywhere – including “random” places like between your couch cushions – then get in touch with us so we can determine the best way to proceed.

Tip: Always put your aligners in their case when you aren’t wearing them.

Routine Check-Ins

At your routine check-in visits, we will take new scans of your teeth to see if your teeth are moving as expected. If they are, then we will give you your next batch of aligners and send you on your way. If they aren’t, then we may have you wear your current aligners for a bit longer.

Tip: Make sure to wear your current aligners to your appointment!

Improved Comfort

One complaint that patients with traditional braces often have is that the metal brackets and wires aren’t the most comfortable. Invisalign, on the other hand, takes a different approach. The trays are made of smooth, high-quality, and low-profile plastic, which is gentler on the gums than metal brackets or wires. You also won’t have to worry about sharp or protruding edges poking the soft tissues of your mouth.

Tip: If any of your aligners have a bit of a sharp edge, you can always use dental wax to cover it, protecting your tongue, lips, and cheeks in the process.

An Invisible Appearance

True to their name, Invisalign aligners practically disappear when worn. In fact, thanks to their completely clear nature, most people won’t notice them unless they are actively looking for them in the first place. This makes them a great choice for teens and young adults who are worried about appearances. That said, you can remove your aligners for special occasions as long as you put the trays back in as soon as possible.

Hassle-Free Dental Hygiene

Interproximal toothbrushes and pre-threaded floss are two oral hygiene products that patients with traditional braces need to keep their teeth and braces clean. Invisalign, on the other hand, doesn’t require any special tools; simply remove your trays and complete your oral hygiene regimen as usual!

Note: You will need to brush and floss your teeth after each meal in order to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and the like from developing during your orthodontic treatment.

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

The average treatment timeline with Invisalign is only 12-18 months, which is considerably shorter than traditional braces. The key to staying on-track with your treatment plan (and getting the results you desire as quickly as possible) is following all of the guidelines we provide, including wearing the clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day.

No Dietary Restrictions

Did you know that whole apples, raw nuts, tortilla chips, and other crunchy foods are off the table with traditional braces? That’s not the case with Invisalign! While you need to keep Invisalign in for at least 22 hours each day, the trays can be removed, letting you enjoy the convenience of eating whatever you want. All we ask is that you keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum since too much can increase your risk of oral health problems.

Quick Follow-Ups

One benefit of Invisalign that is often highlighted is that there are fewer check-in visits. What you may not know, however, is that these visits are usually only 15 minutes or so! So, if you’re a busy student or professional, you won’t have to worry about your teeth-straightening journey demanding too much of your time.

How is Invisalign Teen Different?

There are two main differences between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. The first is that the aligners with Invisalign Teen have a small blue indicator dot. This allows us to monitor how well your child is following the treatment guidelines. More specifically, if they are wearing their aligners for the recommended amount of time each day.

The second difference is that Invisalign Teen comes with up to six replacement trays for no extra cost. So, if your teen accidentally loses or breaks one, you don’t have to worry about receiving an unexpected bill.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

If your teen is struggling with crowded teeth, an overbite, or another common orthodontic problem, it’s worth scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gregory. From there, she can learn more about their dental history, the state of their oral health, and the complexity of their case, determining if they are a candidate in the process. One thing to keep in mind is that Invisalign Teen comes with some responsibilities, including keeping track of the aligners and consistently wearing them for 20+ hours a day. So, if you feel like that might be too big of an ask for your teen, traditional braces may be the better option.

The Benefits of Invisalign Teen

The conversations around Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are often centered around the fact that the aligners are clear. However, that’s just one of the many benefits! This orthodontic treatment also comes with the following perks:

• No dietary restrictions
• Hassle-free oral hygiene
• No interference with sports
• Fewer (and shorter) check-in visits
• Faster average treatment timeline
• Custom, comfortable aligners

Do you want to learn more about Invisalign Teen? Then take the next step: schedule a consultation at our Mt. Pleasant dental office!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The personalized nature of Invisalign means that you’re very unlikely to pay the exact same amount for treatment as your friend or family member. Too many factors come into play for us to be able to give you a cost estimate without having Dr. Gregory examine your smile during a consultation. During this appointment, she’ll create an estimate by considering a few questions, such as:

• Will you need to wear aligners on your upper arch, lower arch, or both? Most patients need to wear them on both arches, but if you only require one, you can save money by not having to use as many aligners.
• How severely are your teeth misaligned? Addressing minor orthodontic issues like a small gap between the front teeth is simpler and less expensive than correcting a serious overbite, for example.
• How long will your treatment last? The longer it takes to shift your teeth, the more aligners you’ll need to wear, which increases your treatment cost. Additionally, if you don’t wear the trays as often as directed, your teeth won’t move as quickly, extending your treatment timeline.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Smile Direct Club and other “do-it-yourself” clear aligner kits seem tempting. They allow you to make your own aligners and straighten your teeth without ever stepping into a dentist’s office. Plus, their price is usually only a fraction of that of Invisalign.

As enticing as DIY aligners might appear, you should be aware that this option comes with several risks:

• You’ll be responsible for taking your own impressions of your teeth using their materials and guidelines. While this may not sound challenging, these impressions must be 100% precise, as they will be used to craft your aligners. If the impressions are even slightly inaccurate, the aligners might end up shifting your teeth in ways that could be unattractive at best and unhealthy at worst.
• Your progress will not be monitored by a dental professional. While it may sound convenient that you don’t have to attend checkups every few weeks, it also means that issues in your treatment cannot be detected and addressed early on.
• If a problem arises during your treatment, you won’t be able to directly call someone for help. Chances are you’ll have to deal with a customer support rep who doesn’t have the expertise necessary to help you. With Invisalign, you can call our practice and seek help right away if you need it.

Yes, Invisalign costs more than Smile Direct Club and the like. However, by choosing to visit an Invisalign dentist, your treatment will be safer and smoother. You can count on us to create accurate aligners and be with you every step of the way toward your dream smile!

Making Invisalign Affordable

If you need assistance fitting the cost of Invisalign into your budget, our team is here to help! We work closely with CareCredit, a third-party financing company that can break up your treatment costs into easily managed monthly installments. If you qualify for one of their many flexible payment plans, you can also look forward to very low or even no interest rates!

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Invisalign isn’t a painful treatment. Its smooth plastic design makes it one of the most comfortable orthodontic treatment options out there. When you first get Invisalign, you may experience slight soreness or discomfort that some may characterize as pain, but this will subside as you get used to the treatment. Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment with a series of aligners, so every time you switch to a new set, you may experience a small amount of pressure. This just shows that your treatment is working! To manage any discomfort, try using over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold compress.

Can You Eat with Invisalign?

One of the main advantages of Invisalign is that they are completely removeable, so you can take out your aligners when mealtime comes around. Eating with your Invisalign will not only damage your aligners by causing cracks and stains, but it will also put unnecessary pressure on your teeth. The only item you should consume when you wear your Invisalign is water. Otherwise, you should take out your aligners and store them in a safe place.

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

Invisalign sells their own Invisalign cleaning system, which is specifically designed for maintaining your clear aligners. It utilizes cleaning crystals that help to remove food debris and plaque. Another way to clean your aligners is by using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush particles away. Invisalign should be rinsed throughout the day to prevent food from sticking to it. You should never use hot water because it can permanently warp the plastic. Before you put your aligners in, always give your teeth a brush and floss so you don’t accidentally trap anything between your teeth and aligners.

Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?

This all depends on your specific needs. If your teeth have become misaligned or crooked years after you have completed treatment with braces, Invisalign is usually able to help. However, there are some misalignment issues that are too complex for Invisalign to correct on its own. Traditional braces are better able to address more severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites that Invisalign cannot. During your initial consultation, it will be determined whether or not Invisalign is the best solution for your smile.

Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

Yes, you can drink coffee with Invisalign. In fact, you don’t even have to worry about spotty dental discoloration like you do with traditional braces since the aligners are removable! Of course, there are some things you need to keep in mind to keep your smile looking and feeling great. First, always take your aligners out beforehand, even if it’s iced coffee. Second, keep additives like sugar to a minimum to help prevent tooth decay. Third, brush your teeth about 20 minutes after you’re done.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

There is an average Invisalign treatment timeline: 12-18 months. That said, the length of your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including how complex your case is and how well you follow the guidelines. The good news is that we can provide you with a more specific timeframe once we learn a little more about your dental history and needs at your consultation. At this time, we can also provide you with helpful information on how to stay on-track with your treatment plan, including tips on meeting your wear time each day.

How Do I Clean My Aligners?

Fortunately, cleaning your aligners doesn’t require a lot of time or a lot of tools. The first step is rinsing them off thoroughly with clean, cool water each time you take them off. The second is putting them in their case anytime you aren’t wearing them (this will help prevent bacteria and other debris from clinging to the surface). The third is using a soft-bristled toothbrush and some clean, cool water to gently clean them after each meal.

Tip: If your aligners are starting to look a bit yellow, use the cleaning crystals that came in your welcome kit!

What Should I Do If I Lose an Aligner?

If you adopt good habits, like putting your aligners in their case anytime you aren’t wearing them, there’s a good chance you won’t ever find yourself in this situation. If you do, however, then try not to panic. Instead, think back to the last time you know you had them and retrace your steps from there. If you can’t find them anywhere, then give us a call so we can determine if you can move onto your next set in the series a bit early. Otherwise, we will ask you to wear your previous ones until a replacement arrives.

Why Do I Need to Wear My Aligners for 20-22 Hours a Day?

Have you ever wondered why you need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day? The short answer is because, if you don’t, your teeth won’t track as anticipated! This can result in several consequences, including treatment plan delays. So, it’s important to make an active effort to wear them for the recommended amount of time, especially if you want to have straight teeth as quickly as possible.