Invisalign® – Sterling Heights, MI
The Clear Way to Predictable Results
If you are looking for an orthodontic option that will straighten your teeth and let you smile with confidence, Invisalign clear braces are for you! At Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights, we treat both teen and adult patients with Invisalign clear braces because we feel it is the best orthodontic treatment, no matter how old you are. Contact us today to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign from our Sterling Heights, MI cosmetic dentist.
Why Choose Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights for Invisalign®?
- Digital Impressions for Mess-Free Imaging
- In-Network with PPO Dental Insurance Plans
- Comfortable Amenities for Improved Patient Experience
Deciding On Your Orthodontic Treatment
Oftentimes, older individuals will shy away from orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to deal with the embarrassing wires and brackets. With Invisalign clear braces, you can smile with confidence while your teeth are undergoing treatment. The clear aligners are hard to see, so when you smile, people won’t even know you’re wearing them!
Benefits Of Invisalign Over Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces have been used for decades and are the most common form of orthodontic treatment. But with Invisalign, you don’t have to suffer from the problems that come with brackets and wires. Some of the unique benefits that come with Invisalign include:
- Less irritation, as there are no metal brackets and wires to rub against your lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks
- Quicker results (typically) that make it possible to enjoy results much sooner than with traditional metal braces
- A more flexible way to realign teeth, as you are free to remove your aligners before eating, drinking, and cleaning your smile
Who Can Invisalign Help?
There was a time when traditional braces were the go-to teeth-straightening solution. Now, that’s not the case because Invisalign is capable of helping patients with crowded teeth, overbites, and other common orthodontic problems! You can reach out to our team to learn more about who clear aligners can help, or you can read on.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth can certainly impact the look of your smile. However, our main concern is how it impacts its health and function. After all, this orthodontic problem has been linked to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. So, if your teeth overlap or are tilted out of alignment, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with our Sterling Heights dental team!
Gaps Between Teeth
Spaced out teeth also have the potential to negatively affect multiple aspects of your smile. So, if you have a significant gap between your two front teeth or there are several spaces throughout your smile, it’s time to take the next step and schedule a consultation with us! From there, we can assess the complexity of your case and determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
Overbite
If your teeth don’t come together evenly, it can negatively impact your chewing and speaking patterns. Plus, it can increase your risk of TMJ dysfunction and chronic jaw pain. That’s why we recommend coming to our office to learn about your treatment options if you have an overbite. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then we will bring your bite into proper alignment with virtually undetectable aligners!
Underbite
When your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, your jaw is placed in an unnatural position for extended periods of time. That’s why patients with overbites often experience chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and similar problems. The good news is that Invisalign is capable of fixing mild to moderate cases with the help of orthodontic accessories, like rubber bands.
Crossbite
What if some, but not all, of your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth? This is referred to as a crossbite, and it can lead to premature wear and tear as well as dental damage, like chips, cracks, and fractures. For that reason, we recommend getting the orthodontic treatment you need sooner rather than later. If you’re a candidate for Invisalign, then that will involve a series of clear, custom-made trays.
Open Bite
Due to genetics or childhood habits, like thumb-sucking, some patients have an open space in the front or back of their mouth when they bite down. This is referred to as an open bite, and, like the other bite problems on this list, it can lead to numerous problems. That’s why we encourage patients to explore the treatments available to them now; Invisalign may be an option!
How We’ll Start Your Invisalign Treatment
You’ll need to make an appointment with our team, so he’ll know how to plan your orthodontic treatment. The next step is to take impressions of your teeth and send them to an outside lab to create the aligners. Once you get your trays, you must wear them for 20-22 hours a day. After 1-2 weeks, you’ll swap them out for a new set in the series until you’ve completed the entire treatment.
Invisalign Teen
Is your teen not particularly excited about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires? If so, there’s some good news: they may be a candidate for Invisalign Teen! This discreet orthodontic treatment has helped countless patients with overbites, overcrowding, and everything in between, which is just one of the many reasons it’s so popular. If you are interested in learning more on the topic, then read on or schedule a consultation at our Sterling Heights dental office.
How is Invisalign Teen Different?
There are two distinct differences between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen:
- A blue indicator dot – Between school and extracurricular activities, like football practice, it’s difficult to make sure that your teen wears their aligners for 20+ hours a day. Or, it would be if there wasn’t a small, blue indicator dot on their trays!
- A few replacement aligners – Are you worried about “oops” moments, like your teen accidentally throwing away their aligners at school? That’s exactly why Invisalign Teen comes with up to six replacements!
Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?
Since Invisalign Teen is able to address mild and moderate cases of malocclusion, there’s a good chance that your child is a candidate. That said, there are some things we need to consider, including the complexity of their case, to know for certain. Some parents choose traditional braces instead because they can only be removed by a dental professional and, therefore, cannot be lost. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Invisalign Teen is right for your child will depend on several important factors, which is why the initial consultation is so important.
The Benefits of Invisalign Teen
Of course, having virtually invisible braces is an obvious benefit of Invisalign, but it’s just one of many! Here are a few other perks that patients love:
- The aligners are metal-free, which makes them considerably more comfortable.
- There aren’t any dietary restrictions.
- Brushing and flossing are easy since the aligners are removable.
- There are fewer check-in visits.
- The average treatment timeline is shorter.
Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign Teen? If so, then give our Sterling Heights dental team a call to schedule a consultation! At this appointment, we will conduct a comprehensive oral exam, assess the complexity of your child’s case, learn a bit about their lifestyle, and determine if clear aligner treatment is right for them.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Wish you had a perfectly aligned smile? Maybe you’re hesitant to straighten your teeth because you don’t want to sport metal wires and brackets. Well, Invisalign may be the solution that you’re looking for! Not only is it incredibly discreet, but you can achieve your dream look in no time at all. At Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights, we understand you might have a few concerns in mind before committing to the process. If you’d like to learn more about what to expect when it comes to the cost of Invisalign in Sterling Heights, click on the button below!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
No two smiles are the same, which means the overall cost of Invisalign could vary significantly from person to person. Here are some factors that can influence the total price:
- Number of Aligners: Most people will need to straighten both the upper and lower arches. However, if you only need to address one arch, you can expect the cost to be a bit lower.
- Complexity of Case: Some orthodontic cases are more complex than others, which can drive up the total cost. If you have severe alignment issues, your treatment will likely be a bit more expensive.
- Length of Treatment: A longer treatment timeline means more aligners and a higher cost.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
If you’re looking for a “quick fix” for your smile, you are probably considering Smile Direct Club™ or another low-budget option. While these solutions may seem tempting, you should keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Do-it-yourself orthodontic treatments come with little-to-no oversight from a dental professional, which means there is more room for errors to be made. You might even end up with serious issues that need to be addressed by a professional in the long run!
By choosing Invisalign, you can enjoy the trusted oversight of our team every step of the way. You can look forward to professionally made and highly accurate impressions for a smoother overall successful treatment process. Many patients find the difference in cost to be worth the peace of mind of a quality cosmetic service.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Most dental insurance plans offer a once-in-a-lifetime provision for orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Before moving forward with the process, you should check with your provider to see what your benefits entail. Our team will gladly help you navigate your benefits and answer any questions you may have about your coverage!
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
At Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights, we are in-network with many popular insurance plans like Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, and more. If you don’t have dental insurance, that’s okay! We offer additional financing options to make your care affordable:
- Third-Party Financing: With CareCredit and Process, you can sign up for low-to-no-interest plans to ensure the cost of your treatment stays within your budget.
- In-House Membership Plan: Our in-house membership plan will allow you to enjoy the same coverage as traditional insurance, except without the red tape. This way, you can still have access to great service at an affordable cost!
Invisalign FAQs
As a prospective patient, you might know quite a bit about the Invisalign treatment process upfront, including that clear, virtually undetectable aligners are used to address spaced-out, crowded, and otherwise misaligned teeth. But what about the less talked about aspects, like what to do if you break or misplace one of your trays? As always, our Sterling Heights dental team is here to answer any questions you have. However, you’re also welcome to learn the answers to FAQs by reading on!
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?
Candidacy is determined on a case-by-case basis since several important factors need to be considered upfront. A few noteworthy ones are your age and the severity of your orthodontic issues. While there isn’t technically an upper age limit, most patients aren’t candidates for clear aligner treatment until around 13 years old. The severity of your orthodontic issues is also important because severe cases of malocclusion can only be addressed with traditional braces. Fortunately, we will review these two factors and more during your initial consultation. That way, we can learn about your unique smile goals and determine the best way to make them a reality.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average treatment timeline with Invisalign is between 12 and 18 months. However, there are multiple factors that will impact how long it takes you to work through your series of aligners. Upfront, the number of trays you need will play a role. Once you begin treatment, how well you follow the treatment guidelines will influence the answer. Across the board, the best way to stay on track with your plan is by meeting the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time, switching to your new trays on the correct days, prioritizing your check-in visits, and maintaining a solid oral hygiene regimen.
What if My Invisalign Broke?
If your Invisalign aligners broke, do NOT use super glue or any other household adhesives. Although you may feel embarrassed about the situation, the best thing to do is call our office ASAP. Remember, we aren’t here to judge; we’re here to help you get the gorgeous, healthy smile you desire! How we proceed will depend largely on where you are in your treatment timeline. For example, if you were only a day away from switching to your next set of trays, we may recommend starting them a little early.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Your aligners aren’t designed to withstand the pressure of chewing, which is why it’s crucial that you always remove them before eating. Once you have, however, you’re welcome to eat whatever you’d like! Of course, it’s a good idea to stick to tooth-friendly options, like fresh fruits and vegetables, over cavity-causing ones, like candy and soda. Remember, a cavity may require your treatment timeline to be temporarily paused, which is why it’s so important that you maintain a solid oral hygiene regimen to stay on track.
Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?
Possibly! For patients who are struggling with severe misalignment, it may be necessary to start with traditional braces and then transition to Invisalign after a few months. Of course, this decision will ultimately be up to you and your dentist.