Do you have crooked teeth? Would you like to straighten your teeth without metal braces?
Dr. Trinkner and his team are Invisalign® providers in Columbia, South Carolina. We’ll provide you with a clear way to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health with affordable Invisalign treatments.
Straighter Teeth Mean A Healthier Smile
You probably know that Invisalign® clear aligners can straighten your teeth for a more confident smile. But did you know that straightening your teeth is also a powerful way to protect your long-term dental health?
When teeth are crooked or crowded, they create hard-to-reach spots where plaque and bacteria love to hide. This can make you more likely to get cavities and gum disease. A misaligned bite can also cause your teeth to wear down unevenly and even lead to jaw pain (known as TMJ). By straightening your teeth with Invisalign, you’re creating a healthier mouth that is easier to clean and more comfortable.
Is Invisalign the Right Choice for You?
Invisalign is a fantastic, modern option for both teens and adults with mild to moderate teeth alignment issues. It’s the perfect solution if you’re looking for a straightening method that fits seamlessly into your life.
The clear, custom-made aligners are virtually invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. They’re also smooth and comfortable, with no metal brackets to irritate your cheeks or gums.
Best of all, the aligners are removable. This means you can take them out to eat all your favorite foods, and to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. You can keep your normal oral hygiene routine without any tricky obstacles too. Now it’s easier than ever to keep your teeth healthy while you straighten them.
Getting Started With Invisalign
How to Be A Good Candidate for Invisalign
Invisalign works best for teens and adults with mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues. It can fix common problems like crooked teeth, small gaps, or minor bite issues. However, severe cases might still need traditional braces.
During your consultation, Dr. Trinkner will examine your teeth to see if Invisalign is right for you. The best candidates are responsible about wearing their aligners 20-22 hours per day and keeping up with dental hygiene.
Daily Life with Invisalign Aligners
One of the biggest perks of Invisalign is how easily it fits into your routine. You’ll remove the aligners when eating, so no food restrictions like with metal braces. Just remember to brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Some people notice a slight lisp for the first few days, but this usually goes away quickly. You might feel some pressure when switching to new aligners, but it’s much more comfortable than metal braces adjustments.
Patient Review
Caring for Your Invisalign Aligners
Keeping your aligners clean is simple but important. Rinse them every time you remove them, and brush them gently with a toothbrush. Don’t use toothpaste on them because it could scratch them. Soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner occasionally to keep them clear and fresh.
Always store them in their case when not wearing them. Losing or damaging aligners can delay your treatment. With proper care, your aligners will stay clear and comfortable throughout your treatment.
Maintaining Results After Invisalign
Your beautiful new smile will need some protection after treatment. Most patients wear a retainer at night to prevent teeth from shifting back. This might be a clear plastic retainer similar to your aligners or a fixed wire behind your teeth.
Dr. Trinkner will recommend the best option for you. Remember, teeth naturally want to move throughout life. So wearing your retainer as directed will keep your straight smile forever.
Invisalign FAQs
How much does Invisalign cost?
It’s difficult to quote a price on Invisalign because it depends on the patient’s needs and treatment plan. The national average cost of Invisalign is $5,000 per case. The cost may vary between patients, depending on the number of aligners needed to get the desired results. Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is typically less expensive.
Are invisible braces covered by insurance?
Dental insurance plans do not usually cover the cost of Invisalign. Typically, dental insurance coverage only helps with necessary dental procedures. Invisalign is an elective orthodontic treatment.
However, we’ll help you with any billing and paperwork to maximize your dental insurance benefits. Third-party financing and payment options are also available for patients concerned about the cost of Invisalign treatment.
How long will I need to wear Invisalign aligners?
Generally speaking, Invisalign treatment takes between 6 and 9 months. If you have an orthodontic relapse, treatment may be as quick as 3 to 4 months. A relapse is when patients who wore braces as a kid have crooked teeth again. More significant alignment concerns could take a year to correct.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign gradually shifts the position of your crooked teeth through a series of clear plastic aligners. You will wear each aligner for about two weeks. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and guide them into a straighter position. After your treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth straight.
Why is Invisalign better than metal braces?
Because Invisalign is clear, no one will know you’re wearing braces. The clear aligners are removable, so you can take them off to brush and floss your teeth. You can also remove them when you’re eating, which means you can enjoy all the foods that you love. It’s so easy to wear them, that you’ll never forget how better they are than having braces.
Call us at 803-400-8729 to schedule a consultation for Invisalign near Columbia, St. Andrews, and surrounding areas. You can also request an appointment online anytime.