Invisalign – Bettendorf, IA
Discreet Braces with a 96% Satisfaction Rate!
There was once a time when metal brackets and wires were the only reliable orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, there is now a considerably more discreet and comfortable alternative: Invisalign. To date, more than 12 million patients have chosen this clear aligner treatment, and it has an impressive 95% satisfaction rate! If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, get in touch with us. If you’d like to learn a bit more before giving us a call, then read on.
Why Choose Pleasant Valley Dentistry for Invisalign?
- 350+ 5-Star Reviews on Google
- Dentist with Advanced Training on Clear Aligners
- Multiple Financial Solutions Available
How Invisalign Works
Although there was a time when Invisalign could only address more mild cases of malocclusion, that’s no longer the case! Over the years, the clear aligners have helped patients with the following orthodontic problems:
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding is common, but it’s not something that should be ignored. To improve the look, health, and function of your smile, schedule an appointment with us to see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between your teeth can harbor plaque, bacteria, and food particles, negatively impacting your oral health in the process. The good news is that clear and comfortable aligners may be the solution!
Bite Alignment
There are four common bite problems: overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. With the help of orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands, clear aligners may be able to improve your bite as well!
The Benefits of Invisalign
Since Invisalign is a household name at this point, you might already know quite a bit about it. In case you don’t, here are a few noteworthy benefits of this orthodontic treatment:
- The aligners are see-through
- Each aligner is custom-made, making them comfortable
- The average treatment timeline is 12-18 months
- There are fewer check-in appointments
- There aren’t any dietary restrictions
- It’s easy to clean your teeth and your aligners
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
When it comes to the cost of Invisalign, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. That’s because we need to consider your unique case, including how many aligners need to be made. With that said, you don’t have to worry – we will provide you with an estimate at your consultation and review all of the financial solutions available to you before you leave. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about the price.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
At your consultation, we will review your dental history, take X-rays, complete a visual exam, and learn all about your smile goals. With all of this information, we can determine:
- If any preliminary care is needed, like a tooth extraction
- How severe your misalignment is
- If you’re a good candidate for single-arch treatment
- How many aligners need to be made
- If any additional orthodontic accessories are needed, like rubber bands
- The type of retainer you need
Then, we can create your custom treatment plan, provide you with an estimate of the price, and review what to do to avoid additional fees, like wearing your aligners for 20 hours a day, every day.
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
Invisalign almost always requires a higher investment. Don’t let that scare you, though. After all, this clear aligner system has helped more than 17 million patients achieve their dream smiles. Meanwhile, mail-order alternatives have developed a bad reputation because they rely on DIY impressions, they bypass the initial exam, and they usually don’t have licensed dental professionals overseeing the treatment process. So, even though they are cheaper, they definitely aren’t better.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Fortunately, many dental insurance plans include a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit. So, if you are interested in getting Invisalign, you should read through the fine print on yours! If you’re having trouble understanding your coverage, don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance. We’d be more than happy to take a look at your plan and provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses. We can even handle the paperwork so the process of utilizing your benefits is easy, too!
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about the other financial solutions available! CareCredit is a great option for patients who would prefer to break up the total cost of their care into smaller, more manageable chunks. We also offer our patients periodic specials to help them save. If you are interested in reviewing our latest offers, visit the “Offers & Promotions” page on our website or ask us for details when scheduling your consultation.
Invisalign FAQs
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
Since Invisalign can correct everything from mild overbites to moderate overcrowding, there’s a good chance the answer is “yes.” Of course, the only way to find out for certain is by scheduling a consultation at our Bettendorf dental office. That way, Dr. Pogue can review your dental history, take X-rays, and visually examine your teeth and gums. With insight into the severity of your case and the health of your smile, he can determine if you’re a good candidate for clear aligners and, if you are, start working on your custom treatment plan.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions with Invisalign?
There aren’t any foods that you need to completely eliminate from your diet, no. There are, however, some we recommend keeping to a minimum, including hard pretzels, peanut brittle, and raw almonds. After all, the crunchy consistency can cause an attachment to come off or one of your teeth to chip. For similar reasons, we encourage patients not to over-indulge on sugary and starchy snacks, like ice cream and potato chips. To put it simply, it’s best to eat healthy, well-balanced meals throughout your teeth-straightening journey with Invisalign.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
When you put on your first set of aligners, you’ll likely feel some pressure. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s actually good news: it means your teeth are moving! Plus, you can easily alleviate any soreness or sensitivity that arises with a few simple steps, like transitioning to each new set of aligners in the series before bed and only eating soft foods for the first 24 hours. You can take OTC pain medication as well – just make sure to follow the instructions on the label.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
On average, Invisalign takes 12-18 months. The length of your teeth-straightening journey will depend on a few things, including if any preliminary treatments are needed, the severity of your case, and how well you stick to the guidelines provided, like wearing your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours each day.
Why Do I Need to Wear My Invisalign Aligners for 20+ Hours a Day?
Remember, if you don’t wear your aligners, they won’t work! That’s why patients are instructed to wear theirs for a minimum of 20 hours a day. If you’re having trouble meeting that requirement, try using the stopwatch on your phone to track your wear time. That way, you can see how close or far you are from the mark and where improvements can be made to your routine. Many patients find success when they set aside 15-45 minutes for each meal and use the remaining time for snacks and oral hygiene.
Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?
You can as long as you do one thing first: remove your aligners. If you don’t, then the plastic will stain and potentially even warp, negatively affecting your treatment in more ways than one. So, always take them off, rinse them with clean water, and store them in their designated case first. Then, when you’re done enjoying your coffee, brush your teeth and put your aligners back on.