At Reuland & Barnhart Orthodontics, we’re proud to be a top Invisalign provider in Tyler, TX. If you are new to the Invisalign treatment system, you likely have a few questions. What is Invisalign? How much does Invisalign cost? Can children and teens use Invisalign? How long does Invisalign treatment take? If you’re looking for answers to these questions for Invisalign Tyler, TX, you’ve come to the right place! We have dedicated this post to answer all of your top questions about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Let’s get started!

What is Invisalign?

Let’s start with the basics — what is Invisalign? Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment option that is relatively new! Invisalign treatment is a series of invisible, clear aligners, that no one can tell you’re wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. These clear aligners gradually move your teeth into the desired position —  like braces, but more discrete! Invisalign aligners are made with 3-D computer imaging technology and have been proven effective by millions of users worldwide. You will wear each set of clear aligners for approximately one to two weeks before you receive your next set. This process will continue, alongside regular check-up appointments with Dr. Reuland or Dr. Barnhart, until your treatment is complete! 

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign offers patients of all ages many distinct benefits over traditional metal or ceramic braces. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the one that is built into the Invisalign name. The clear aligners are essentially invisible to the naked eye. This means that many people won’t even know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, as it is happening! Invisalign does utilize attachments on the teeth to help with specific tooth movements, but even these attachments are tooth colored and are removed at the completion of Invisalign. This These factors are specifically attractive for many of our adult patients who would prefer to avoid the look of traditional braces. 

Another advantage of Invisalign is the fact that they are completely removable. Unlike braces that are adhered to your teeth, Invisalign clear aligners can be taken out to eat, drink, brush and floss. This means that Invisalign patients can eat and drink normally during treatment, and don’t need to worry about dietary restrictions. Hard candy, sticky toffee, popcorn, and nuts, sure —  have at it! Because the clear aligners can also be removed to brush and floss, patients have the advantage of cleaning their teeth normally and not worrying about working around brackets or wires. 

How much does Invisalign cost?

Now that you understand a little bit more about Invisalign treatment and know the advantages, let’s talk about cost. Paying for orthodontic care is always one of the biggest questions our patients have. You may wonder, does insurance cover Invisalign? Are there payment plans available? At Reuland & Barnhart Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you get the treatment you need with a budget you can afford. That is why we offer flexible, honest financing plans that you design yourself! We offer low down payments and monthly payment plan options. 

Because every case is different, it is impossible to give an accurate estimate of your Invisalign treatment cost. The total cost will depend on the complexity of your orthodontic case, as well as the treatment time required to fully correct your smile. As far as insurance coverage goes, it depends on your specific carrier and policy. Some insurance policies cover orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, and others do not. Call your provider to find out if Invisalign is covered for your family. If it is not covered, that does not mean that treatment is no longer possible. We will work with you to find a plan that makes the treatment you need possible within your budget. 

What can affect the duration of my Invisalign treatment?

The average treatment time for an Invisalign patient can vary between 9-24 months depending on your treatment goals and needs. We cannot give you an exact estimate for your treatment time without first examining your specific orthodontic case. There are many different factors that can affect the duration of your Invisalign treatment. One of them is the complexity of movement required for your orthodontic treatment. If you have only a slight misalignment, the treatment time will move much quicker than a more severely misaligned case. 

Another important factor in the progress of your Invisalign treatment is your regular check-up appointments with Dr. Reuland or Dr. Barnhart. Every eight to ten weeks you will come back into the office for a progress check-up. At these appointments, we will make sure that your aligners are still fitting properly and that your teeth are moving as they should. Without the regular oversight of Dr. Reuland or Dr. Barnhart, any treatment issues that could prolong your treatment time may not be caught. 

Finally, the most important factor in an efficient treatment time is consistent and regular use of your clear aligners. Aligners must be worn 22 out of 24 hours per day. They are only removed to eat, drink, brush and floss. Failing to consistently wear your aligners will result in significantly delayed treatment results or a total treatment failure. For this reason, it is important to be brutally honest with yourself prior to choosing Invisalign as your treatment option. If you think that you or your child will struggle to consistently wear the clear aligners during treatment, Invisalign may not be the right choice for you. 

Can children and teens use Invisalign treatment?

Yes! Invisalign is a spectacular treatment option for many children and teens. The clear aligners will work exactly the same as in adult treatment —  gradually moving your child’s teeth until they are in the desired position. For parents, Invisalign may offer a few distinct advantages. Let’s face it, as the parent of a teen, you have enough to worry about. Your child’s orthodontic care should not be one more thing. Because the aligners are removable, teens can eat what they like during their treatment and parents can relax about strictly enforcing the no popcorn policy at the Friday night ballgame. It also can allow your teen to more effectively brush and floss their teeth than struggle to brush and floss around brackets and wires. For these reasons, combined with less frequent check-ups than braces, Invisalign Teen is a great option for the busy teen in your life.

How do I care for my Invisalign clear aligners?

Caring for your Invisalign aligners is simple and straightforward. Because the aligners are worn so frequently it is important to maintain proper hygiene for both your aligners and teeth. We recommend cleaning your aligners with soap and a toothbrush. Simply scrub your clear aligners with a soft-bristled brush and an anti-bacterial hand soap. This option is the most popular cleaning solution for most patients because it fits easily into their normal oral care routine – when you brush your teeth with toothpaste, also brush your aligners (with a different toothbrush) and soap. Another option for cleaning your aligners is to use a denture soak or aligner cleaning solution which is available for purchase. The most important thing is to choose a care routine that you can stick to and fits into your lifestyle. The only hard rule when it comes to cleaning your aligners is to never rinse or soak them in hot water. The hot temperature may warp the plastic and ruin your aligners. 

In addition to cleaning your aligners, keeping them in a safe, clean location when they are out is also important. Never put your aligners in a paper towel or napkin when you’re eating, as it is too easy to accidentally throw them away. It only takes one dumpster dive to never make that mistake again, trust us. Additionally, always keep your aligners away from pets or curious toddlers who might like to use them as a chew toy. When your aligners are out of your mouth, keep them in their proper case for protection. 

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

Fortunately, orthodontic treatment has improved greatly since most parents received their orthodontic care back in the day. Both braces and Invisalign are more comfortable and efficient than ever before. With Invisalign specifically, the clear aligners are custom designed to fit your teeth and should not be painful. There may be some slight discomfort as you first adjust to wearing each new set of aligners as they are gradually helping your teeth move. This should quickly subside and you should barely notice that you have your aligners in. During this short window, over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Tylenol can help. If you experience any rough edges on your aligners, you can smooth them with a nail file or emory board. If you are experiencing intense or sharp pain with your clear aligners, contact our office immediately. 

How do I find the best Invisalign orthodontist near me?

Although most orthodontists offer Invisalign treatment, it is important to do your research to find the best fit for you. Find an orthodontist who has experience with Invisalign and who has positive patient reviews. Google is a great resource for hearing real-life experiences from actual patients via Google reviews. Another important factor to consider is technology. Invisalign requires advanced scanning technology to properly create your clear aligners. Ensure that your orthodontist has the top-of-the-line orthodontic technology required for your Invisalign treatment. Finally, find a doctor and team that will deliver truly excellent results with compassionate care. There are lots of doctors out there, but there are only the special few who truly care for you as a person, not just as a patient.

At Reuland & Barnhart Orthodontics, we are proud to be a top provider for Invisalign in Tyler, TX. Our commitment to superior results is only rivaled by our dedication to treating each patient with exceptional kindness and respect. Dr. Reuland and Dr. Barnhart have extensive experience and knowledge about the Invisalign treatment system and will help you achieve the best possible results. We love helping our friends and neighbors gain the smiles that they’ve always dreamed of. We will work with you to find a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle and budget. For more information about Invisalign at Reuland & Barnhart Orthodontics, visit our treatment page here. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, visit here.