Invisalign – Dudley, MA

A Metal-Free Smile-Straightening Solution

smiling woman with Invisalign in Dudley

Do you get frustrated when you see your smile in the mirror? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are unhappy with their teeth, and in many cases, it’s because they’re crowded or misaligned. Fortunately, you no longer have to deal with metal wires and brackets to get the straight grin you’ve always wanted from your dentist in Dudley. With Invisalign, you can discreetly and comfortably fix misaligned teeth. If you’d like to find out whether a metal-free smile-straightening solution is right for you, continue reading or contact our office today!

Why Choose Dudley Family Dental for Veneers

  • Insurance Welcome & Financing Available
  • Evening Appointments for Convenience
  • Prove as a Top-Rated Dentist on Google

How Invisalign Works

3D illustration of Invisalign and row of upper teeth

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into desired positions. Each set of trays is worn for a predetermined amount of time, usually about two weeks. One significant advantage of Invisalign is you don’t need to visit our dentist as often as you would with traditional braces. You just need to see them every six weeks or so to pick up your new aligners and ensure everything is going according to plan.

Indications for Invisalign

3D illustration of crooked teeth

The clear aligners can correct multiple orthodontic issues, including:

Crowded Teeth

Do you feel like you have too many teeth in your mouth? If so, you may benefit from Invisalign. It’s crucial to fix crowded teeth as soon as possible because they make it difficult to brush and floss well which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Crowded teeth can also get worse over time.

Gaps Between Teeth

Having gaps between your teeth doesn’t just affect your appearance – it impacts your oral health as well. Gaps allow food and bacteria to become trapped between the teeth which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign can gently bring your teeth closer together in the dental arch and minimize the open space.

Bite Alignment

A misaligned bite can cause speech issues or tooth damage due to uneven pressure, but it is also common for your temporomandibular joints to feel strained. This can be painful enough to significantly impact your quality of life. Invisalign can resolve a variety of bite issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite.

The Benefits of Invisalign

woman holding Invisalign and pointing to her smile

Counting on Invisalign treatment allows you to enjoy several benefits, including:

  • Safety and Comfort – The clear aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they are one of the most comfortable orthodontic options available. They won’t irritate your soft oral tissues in the same way traditional metal braces can.
  • Shorter Treatment Time – Metal braces usually take 2-3 years to align your teeth, while Invisalign can require 12-18 months.
  • Discreet – Invisalign is virtually invisible, meaning hardly anyone will notice you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

piggy bank beside artificial set of teeth

Since every patient’s case is unique, it’s nearly impossible to give an accurate cost estimate for Invisalign without seeing the teeth in question first. Many factors affect the overall price, so we won’t be able to provide you with an estimate until you come in for an exam. At that point, our cosmetic dentist will assess the extent of your dental misalignment, determine how much you will be expected to pay, and review the available financial solutions. Of course, you can learn more on the topic until then right here!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Dudley dentist explaining X-ray to patient

We mentioned above that every patient’s case is unique. For this reason, we start each consultation with X-rays and an oral exam. With this information, we can determine:

  • How severe your misalignment is
  • If you need to straighten both arches of your teeth or just one
  • If accessories like rubber bands are needed
  • How many trays are needed to straighten your teeth

Another important cost-related factor will come into play after you’ve started your treatment: your compliance with the guidelines. The instructions you’re given at the beginning (like to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day) are put in place to keep you on-track with your original treatment plan. If you fall off, however, then you may need to invest more time and money.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Closeup of patient holding Invisalign aligner

Mail-order aligner companies focus their marketing on the lower upfront price. So, it’s not surprising that many patients wonder if that’s the better option for their smile and wallet. In short, the answer is “no.” To cut down on the cost, they skip vital steps of the treatment process, including a thorough initial exam to determine if you’re a candidate. Plus, the DIY impressions often led to complications, like worsened misalignment and even loose teeth. Yikes! That’s why professional organizations like the American Dental Association have actively voiced their distaste for mail-order clear aligner companies.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Dentist reviewing dental insurance information with patient

If you are insured, then it’s worth double-checking the fine print on your plan. For some patients, their plan includes a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit that includes Invisalign. Of course, if you have any trouble understanding your coverage, you can also reach out to your provider directly or ask our team for help. We’re proud to work with many of the nation’s leading providers and will do everything we can to make the process of utilizing your benefits stress-free.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Man smiling while sitting in dentist's treatment chair

If you don’t have dental insurance, then don’t worry – CareCredit is another financial solution that can make Invisalign more affordable. This trusted third-party financier offers multiple payment plans, and many have little-to-no interest attached. As a result, you can get clear aligner treatment at a price that easily fits into your monthly budget.