If you've always dreamed of a straighter smile, but as an adult, you feel you've waited too long, Invisalign may be just the solution you need. As Invisalign dentists, Dr. Patrick Carroll and Dr. Deborah Shoemaker can create a custom set of clear aligners to gradually reposition your teeth in less than a year. Because Invisalign is removable, you'll maintain the freedom to take off your aligners whenever you want. Adults love the inconspicuous appearance and convenience of Invisalign. If you’re ready to learn more about the easiest way to achieve a straighter smile, keep reading or give us a call today to schedule your consultation!
If you're a candidate for Invisalign clear braces, your first appointment will involve taking impressions and developing a design for your aligners. With special software, your Louisville cosmetic dentist Dr. Carroll or Dr. Shoemaker can create a treatment plan that includes a series of clear plastic aligners. Each set of aligners will gradually shift your teeth until they’ve reached their ideal positions. Simply wear each aligner in your series for about two weeks, then move to the next. You'll need to visit Exceptional Dentistry about every six weeks so that we can assess your progress. In 6 to 18 months, depending on your custom treatment plan, you’ll have a perfectly straight smile.
Invisalign clear braces can be used to correct a wide variety of alignment issues. While traditional metal braces are still the best choice for severe orthodontic problems, Invisalign can be used to correct mild to moderate cases of:
When teeth are too close together or overlapping, both your appearance and oral health suffer. The small spaces collect bacteria and increase your risk of cavities. Invisalign can straighten your teeth out and give them the space they need to look and feel their best.
Two or more teeth that are too far apart can be embarrassing. Gaps between teeth also expose them to excess pressure, which weakens them and increases their risk of damage. With clear braces, these small spaces can be eliminated and you can enjoy an even, beautiful smile.
Issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite can have a dramatic impact on your appearance, comfort, and confidence. Thankfully, Dr. Carroll or Dr. Shoemaker can craft a custom Invisalign plan to address jaw alignment issues like these and give you a healthier bite
This unique orthodontic treatment offers a variety of important advantages, such as:
Now that you’ve learned all about the process and benefits, you may have one last question on your mind before getting started: How much does Invisalign cost? Since no two smiles are the same, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The good news, however, is that you can easily find out the exact price by scheduling an appointment with our knowledgeable team. Otherwise, you can keep reading to learn more about the factors that will influence the cost.
There isn’t a set price for Invisalign simply because no two treatments are exactly the same. How much your Invisalign journey will cost will depend on a wide variety of factors, including your oral health, the severity of your orthodontic issue, and your compliance during treatment. That’s why we need to see you for an initial consultation and evaluation in order to give you a personalized estimate. Once you understand how much Invisalign costs for your unique smile, our knowledgeable team can help you navigate the financial aspect of your care. That way, the price isn’t what stands in your way of achieving your smile goals!
When comparing the price of Invisalign in Louisville to other clear aligners, it’s important to consider both cost and value. First, let’s talk cost. With DIY options, like Smile Direct Club, patients typically pay around $2,000. Invisalign, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. However, before you let that sell you, it’s important to weigh the upfront vs. total cost. While DIY solutions are cheaper, there is often no supervision by a licensed professional, treatment is based around DIY impressions, and there is nowhere to turn if you experience problems, like unwanted movement. In short, the value of Invisalign significantly tips the scales in their favor. Remember, there is no room for error when it comes to your smile!
In some cases, yes! With that being said, the coverage is usually different than your other benefits, like complimentary checkups and cleanings. First, it is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit, meaning it won’t renew each year. Second, the designated amount will be used to cover a certain percentage of your treatment. If you find navigating your insurance benefits to be difficult at times, don’t worry – our team is here to help! During your initial consultation, we can file a claim, explain your coverage, and help you determine the next best steps.
Uninsured? Luckily, there is another way to make your Invisalign treatment more affordable: dental financing. CareCredit is a trusted third-party financier that has helped numerous patients get the smile-enhancing care they desire at a price they can afford. To accomplish this, they offer little-to-no financing for qualified patients and payment plans that are spread out over the course of several months.
Are you ready to finally get the straight set of pearly whites you deserve without bulky metal braces? Invisalign treatment is a truly revolutionary process, so it’s only natural that you have a few questions you need answered before you begin. Our dentists would love to assuage your concerns during your consultation, but in the meantime, we’ve answered some of the Invisalign questions that we get asked the most often for your convenience.
While all types of orthodontic treatment can cause some level of discomfort (your teeth are moving, after all!), Invisalign in Louisville is one of the most comfortable options thanks to the smooth plastic design of the aligners.
That being said, there is a brief adjustment period when you first begin Invisalign treatment (or when you switch to a new set of trays) during which you may feel slight soreness. This is because the aligners are exerting gentle pressure on your teeth to shift them into their proper positions. In fact, this discomfort is a sign that your treatment is working! While it should fade within a few days, taking over-the-counter pain medication or applying a cold compress as needed to provide relief until you’ve fully adjusted.
There is no definitive answer to this question, as each patient’s treatment costs will vary. In many cases, Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces. Of course, multiple variables will influence the final price, such as a patient’s oral health and the degree to which their teeth are misaligned.
For some patients, Invisalign might be more expensive because insurance doesn’t cover it. However, Invisalign patients almost always say that this treatment is worth the higher price tag due to the everyday benefits it provides. Furthermore, some dental insurance plans will cover Invisalign to some extent. Be sure to check with your insurance provider before finalizing any decisions.
Once you’re finished wearing the last pair of aligners in the series, you’ll return to our office to have your cosmetic dentist in Louisville verify that your teeth are in their desired positions. Then, we can walk you through what it will be like to maintain your newly straightened smile.
You’ll start by wearing a retainer. In most cases, this retainer actually resembles the clear aligners you were already used to wearing. Retainers are crucial to the long-term success of Invisalign treatment; they protect your investment by preventing your teeth from reverting to their older positions. Depending on your specific needs, we’ll let you know how often you need to wear your retainer. More often than not, you’ll start by wearing it full-time, eventually being able to only wear it at night.
While the Invisalign company sells their own specialized, highly effective cleaning system, you can also clean them at home using a soft-bristled toothbrush. At least once a day, run the trays under lukewarm or cold water and gently scrub them clean with the brush. Never use hot water, though, as it could cause the plastic to change shape and become uncomfortable or ineffective. You should also rinse off your trays several times a day, ideally after eating.