

Invisalign: How Does It Work?
Invisalign, made by Align Technologies based in California, has put the power of computers to work. With the aid of powerful imaging and design equipment, Invisalign produces a series of comfortable, custom made, clear aligners. Each of these aligners are worn by you for up to 2 weeks at a time. You then switch to the next aligner for another 2 weeks. The amount of movement needed to create your ideal smile will determine how many of these aligners are needed. The more movement needed, the more aligners will be made. We have found that most patients can obtain their desired results in 9-12 months of Invisalign therapy. This is amazing, considering most traditional braces take 20-30 months. Normally, you can expect to return to the office about once every 4-6 weeks. During your visit the progress of your treatment will be checked. Any necessary adjustments will be made. You will also receive your next sets of aligners. This visit usually takes less than 30 minutes. So even the busiest people will be able to get the treatment they want.
Saving time in treatment is one of many benefits of Invisalign. On the average you spend 30-40% LESS TIME with Invisalign than with traditional braces. Invisalign can also help with Cosmetic Dentistry. With your teeth in a more ideal location veneers or other cosmetic treatment can produce outstanding results. This can prove to be a big money saver. With your teeth more ideally positioned, you may not need as extensive of a cosmetic treatment. Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, we will make you a set of retainers, so that your beautiful new smile will remain perfect over time. At our office, these custom retainers are included in your fee at no additional charge.
Invisalign offers at Reilly Dental
2010 is finally here. Not just another new year, but a new decade. And with the arrival of a new season, we are committed to provide you with an affordable way to get the smile you want. For the entire year we are offering free whitening and custom retainers with every full Invisalign case. Maybe you already have had a consultation and have an estimate. We are so sure that you will be satisfied with your consultation with us that you'll be glad you made the choice. Plus now we are making it even easier. We will match and better any written estimate for Invisalign that you have been given in the last 3 months. The estimate needs to be from a locally licensed dentist, certified to perform Invisalign. Call us now for your consultation.
Invisalign-Related Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case. In our office the range is $3000-$5500.
Does my insurance cover Invisalign braces?
Some dental insurance plans that offer good coverage have orthodontics as a benefit (perhaps for an additional premium). In these cases there is typically a certain amount reserved for orthodontic services. Since Invisalign is essentially orthodontics, it is not excluded. Don't be surprised though when in a few years (maybe even less than that) perhaps a few and then more insurance companies will try to exclude this service from their policy to save and make more for themselves. We don't let finances stop you from getting what is necessary. Not now and not in the future. If you have insurance benefits we can help. If you have an average credit, you will be able to pay for your Invisalign for less that $200 a month. It's as easy as that.
How long do I need to wear my aligners?
Each aligner must be worn at least 20-22 hours per day. Done this way, each aligner is used for 2 weeks. This way if you have 30 aligners for your treatment and you wear 2 aligners each month (1 every 2 week) then the math becomes simple. This way you know when you'll be done with more certainty.
Do the aligners hurt?
Aligners are super tight when you initially place them in your mouth. Your teeth will be sore, especially for the 1st 24 to 48 hours. Less than 1% of people say it hurts. But your teeth will probably feel sore. After this period, your teeth will become less sore and you won't experience any more discomfort.
Should I eat with the aligners on?
No, although some people manage to do it. You can have food get stuck between the aligners and your teeth and cause discomfort, pain and even breakage of the aligner. If your aligner becomes damaged as a result of this you'll need a replacement aligner which means additional cost! So it is best not to chew with the aligners in. You may drink clear, sugar free drinks with the aligners on. If you like to sip on your coffee here and there, a straw is highly recommended. Coffee will stain your aligners and your teeth. Ideally you should take your aligner out for drinking non-clear drinks.
What happens if I lose my aligner?
A replacement aligner can be ordered. However, there will be an additional charge for the replacement aligner. To avoid this problem though, you will be given specific storage cases to use for your aligners. I have had braces before, but my teeth shifted over time.
Can I get Invisalign?
Yes. This very same thing happens to a lot of people. Invisalign is very useful in these cases. Invisalign Cost & Financing A common question we get asked on the phone is "how much does Invisalign cost? We will answer that in one second. But before we get to that here are a few facts:
Now for the cost: each case is specific to each client. However, there are some general guidelines or ranges. Invisalign therapy can run as low as $3000 to upwards of $5500. Again, the range is determined by how simple or complex each patients needs are. A word to the wise: if you have been given an estimate for Invisalign which is far below the numbers mentioned above, you are probably offered a different product and should check the fine print. We offer financing thru Care Credit and Chase Healthcare. If you have an existing account with either of these two companies you can use your card.