Invisalign Clear Aligners – Edison, NJ

Crowded Teeth

If your teeth are crammed into too small a space in your gums, they can be more vulnerable to issues like tooth decay, gum disease, difficulty eating, and chronic pain. This is because crowded teeth overlap one another, making it hard to reach between them to clean away bacteria, food residue, plaque, and tartar. Unfortunately, many people find that their dental crowding gets worse with age. Invisalign clear aligners can gradually shift teeth so that they sit flush next to one another, making it easier to brush, floss, and eat efficiently and comfortably. A well-aligned smile can also significantly bolster a patient’s confidence.

Gaps Between Teeth

Many people have gaps between their teeth for reasons like natural bone development, small teeth, and large jawbones. In some cases, these spaces can result from thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits in childhood. Using orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign to close these gaps can reduce the risk of bacterial accumulation, tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. However, these gaps can sometimes also be addressed with cosmetic bonding.

Overbite

An overbite is an alignment issue characterized by the top teeth jutting out too far over the lower teeth, and it can lead to jaw pain, speech difficulties, uneven tooth wear, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. This problem can also put the teeth in an exposed and vulnerable position, putting them at a greater risk of injury.

Underbite

An underbite happens when the bottom teeth protrude past the top teeth or meet them evenly when you close your mouth, and it usually results from genetics, oral trauma, tumors, or childhood habits such as thumb-sucking or extended pacifier use. An untreated underbite can cause issues such as a greater likelihood of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and problems with chewing and speaking. Treating an underbite with Invisalign usually requires the use of rubber bands and other appliances in addition to clear aligners to gradually rearrange the teeth into a better position. While it’s easier to treat an underbite in a younger patient, it is still important for adults to address it.

Crossbite

Crossbites involve the bottom teeth being positioned slightly in front of the upper teeth and can be caused by genetics, poor oral habits, or the baby teeth being lost prematurely. While Invisalign clear aligners can usually address this issue, it may be necessary to accompany the treatment with elastics and other accessories to reposition the jaw. An unaddressed crossbite can lead to long-term consequences such as a greater likelihood of oral infections, jaw pain, difficulty speaking, headaches, teeth grinding, and facial asymmetry as well as diminished self-confidence.

Open Bite

Open bites happen when the top and bottom teeth do not overlap or touch when the mouth is closed and can result from poor bone development or extended thumb or pacifier-sucking as a child. This issue can make it difficult to pronounce certain words and can lead to excessive wear on the back teeth, making them more likely to be damaged. Invisalign can help the top and bottom teeth meet properly, creating a more beautiful smile that is less likely to be injured.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

As we mentioned above, the cost of Invisalign varies because no two smiles are the same. While one patient may be dealing with minor spacing issues, the next might have some moderate crowding. Not only that, but one patient may need preliminary care, like gum disease treatment, while the next may have healthy teeth and gums already. Simply put, there are multiple factors that need to be considered – from the number of aligners needed to if any orthodontic accessories need to be added. The good news is that we can review all of this information and more with you at your consultation. That way, you have a full understanding of the cost and how to make it fit into your budget.

Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?

If you’ve seen mail-order aligners on social media or TV, then you know that their marketing centers largely around how inexpensive they are. What they don’t mention, however, is that they skip the initial consultation, the treatment plans are created with DIY impressions, and there usually isn’t a licensed dental professional overseeing the entire process. As you can imagine, this leads to a lot of issues – from worsened misalignment to loose teeth. That’s why, even if it requires a higher upfront investment, it’s worth choosing Invisalign.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

You might be surprised to hear that some dental insurance plans include a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit. So, if you are insured, you should definitely read through the fine print on your plan. If you’re having trouble understanding your coverage, or you simply want help utilizing your available benefits, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’re proud to welcome many popular providers, including Ameritas and BlueCross BlueShield.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Don’t let not having dental insurance stop you from scheduling a consultation with us; we also welcome CareCredit! This trusted third-party financier has helped millions of patients get the care they need or want without breaking the bank. That’s because they offer payment plans (many of which have little-to-no interest attached). So, if you can’t pay for the entire cost of Invisalign at once, that’s okay – you don’t have to. Instead, you can space out the payments into smaller, more manageable chunks that work for you.