Invisalign®

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign's clear aligners move the teeth gradually until they've reached their ideal position. As you go through your treatment, you'll change aligners about every two weeks. Every patient has different needs, but in most cases, treatment typically takes between 9 and 15 months to complete and uses around 18 to 30 different aligners. Thanks to Invisalign’s subtle appearance, patients can feel more confident on a day-to-day basis knowing that their aligners won't draw attention to their treatment.

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Better Oral Health and an Unrestricted Diet

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that your personalized aligners are removable, giving you greater freedom when eating and cleaning your teeth. You’ll also have the flexibility to remove your aligners for pictures or special occasions. Imagine going out with your friends or a loved one without having to hide your smile or avoid your favorite foods. With Invisalign, that's what patients of Dr. Jeff and Dr. Jen can look forward to.

A More Comfortable Solution

One of the most common complaints about traditional metal braces is that the brackets and wires cause irritation to the gums and lips. With Invisalign’s smooth plastic and custom design, the aligners will fit comfortably over your teeth, and after a few days of use, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.

Save Time

With Invisalign, you won’t have to come in for regular appointments to have it adjusted like with metal braces. You’ll simply change your aligners every two weeks as instructed, and you’ll only return to Shirck Orthodontics every 10-12 weeks for a quick progress check. No tightening, no adjustments, and no days filled with soreness. We’ll simply make sure your smile is on track and send you on your way!

How Can I Get Invisalign?

If you’re ready to get a straighter smile in the most comfortable, discreet, and effective way possible, all you need to do is visit Shirck Orthodontics for a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your needs, what you hope to accomplish, and we can decide if Invisalign is the way to get there. If it is, we’ll even include a free whitening treatment when you get your first set of aligners.

Invisalign Teen

Do you have a self-conscious teen who could benefit from Invisalign? If so, we have a treatment that is specifically tailored for them. Invisalign takes a little bit of self-discipline to work, and with Invisalign Teen, it’s designed to help even the most clumsy and forgetful teenagers get the most out of their treatment.

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Still Unsure About Invisalign?

For patients who are still nervous about seeking care with Invisalign, it can help to know that Dr. Jeff and Dr. Jen will use an iTero Digital Scanner to create your treatment plan rather than a traditional dental impression. It will generate a 3D computer image of your teeth that will allow for greater precision, a custom fit, and it even makes it possible for you to see what your results will look like before you ever wear your first aligner.

Learn More About the iTero Digital Scanner

The Cost of Invisalign

One of the many things that makes Shirck Orthodontics different compared to other practices is that you can get Invisalign for the same price as regular braces! A lot of factors go into the final cost, however, and understanding them can help you better know what to expect on your smile-straightening journey. Click on the button below to learn more and how our practice offers several options to make this treatment easily affordable.

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Invisalign FAQs

Committing to any kind of orthodontic treatment is a big decision, so we understand if you have a few questions about Invisalign! Below, our team has answered some of the most common queries we receive about this treatment. If there is anything else you would like to know, you can always give us a call and ask!

How long does Invisalign take?

Invisalign is best at correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as minor crowding, crookedness, and gaps. The average treatment time is 8-12 months, but this may be longer or shorter depending on a patient’s specific situation. When you come in for your complimentary consultation, your orthodontist will be able to give you a much more definitive timeline after performing an exam and taking some X-rays.

How many Invisalign aligners will I need?

The number of aligners needed will be different from patient to patient and is determined based on the specific changes required to achieve someone’s ideal result. Minor adjustments typically call for a smaller number of aligners compared to more involved ones. This can vary quite a bit from person to person, but we can give you an accurate estimate at your initial consultation. It’s fairly common for a few aligners to be added at the end of treatment to perfect a patient’s new smile as well.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Invisalign is designed to be extremely comfortable! The aligners are tailor-made to fit a patient’s teeth, and the smooth plastic is gentle on the gums. After a new set of aligners has been put on, however, there is a slight adjustment period where a patient may experience some minor soreness. This is normal and a sign that Invisalign is working! Any swelling or discomfort typically goes away on its own after a few days and can easily be managed with OTC medication.

What happens if I lose an Invisalign aligner?

This happens more often than you might think! If a patient loses a aligner, the first thing they (or their parent) should do is contact our office. Depending on where someone is in their treatment, we may recommend that they put on their previous set of aligners or jump ahead to the next set. If a replacement is required, a patient might have to come in so we can take an impression of their teeth so new aligners can be made.

Can I use dental insurance to pay for Invisalign?

Maybe. While many dental insurance plans offer orthodontic benefits, they often only apply to metal braces for patients 18 and under. Be sure to read your policy closely to see if clear aligners are included in the coverage. Invisalign is included on more and more plans these days, but if you have any questions, be sure to talk to your provider, or you can just give our team a call with your insurance information handy. We’ll be happy to go over your policy with you and answer your questions.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

At most other orthodontic offices, Invisalign usually costs more than traditional metal braces because it is considered to be a cosmetic, image-friendly option. However, at Shirck Orthodontics, you can get Invisalign for the same price as metal braces. We don’t upcharge because we want patients to have the flexibility to choose the treatment that is best for themselves or their child.

What if my Invisalign tray broke?

While relatively rare, some patients do end up damaging their Invisalign trays. This can happen due to an accident (like a fall or collision during sports) or a patient forgetting to take their trays out to eat. If you break a tray, the first thing you should do is call Shirck Orthodontics. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may recommend switching back to your old trays or progressing to the next set. If necessary, we may order a set of replacement trays. When you contact us, we’ll advise you on what to do to ensure that your treatment stays on track.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Yes, Invisalign can be used to correct a mild to moderate overbite. For more severe overbites, however, traditional metal braces may be required, at least initially. Once the teeth have been shifted a bit, some patients are then able to switch to Invisalign. To learn what would be the best approach for yourself or your child, we recommend scheduling a FREE consultation here at Shirck Orthodontics, during which we’ll perform an exam and make recommendations.

What are Invisalign attachments?

Invisalign attachments are used to help the trays make certain corrections to the position of the teeth that they otherwise would not be able to. They are placed on certain teeth using a tooth-colored resin, and they look like little clear bumps. This means they are unnoticeable whether a patient is wearing their trays or not. They enable Invisalign to apply pressure to the teeth in a way that allows it to make more complicated movements when straightening the smile and bite.

Can I eat with Invisalign?

A patient should never eat while still wearing their Invisalign trays. The plastic, while strong, is not made to withstand chewing forces, so biting down can easily warp or even break an aligner. Fortunately, Invisalign is easily removable, so a patient can simply take their trays out before eating anything they like. It’s just important that they clean their teeth or rinse their mouth before putting them back on.