Invisalign® Aligners in Goodyear, AZ

INVISALIGN® CLEAR ALIGNERS

Once we’ve evaluated your smile to make sure Invisalign is right for you, here are the basic steps involved in treatment:

We’ll start by taking images and digital impressions to send to the Invisalign lab. Digital impressions are more accurate, and you won’t have any messy or uncomfortable putty material to deal with.
It usually takes about three weeks for the lab to create your aligners, put the finishing touches on them and ship them to our office. Then, you’ll return to officially begin treatment.
At this visit, we’ll start by adding small, button-like “attachments” to your teeth, which are very discreet and made from tooth-colored filling material. These attachments help your trays sit firmly on your teeth so they can create movement in the right places.
Then we’ll give you your first pair of aligners and go over all the instructions for how to wear and maintain them. You’ll keep your trays in for at least 22 hours per day and move to your next set about every two weeks until you get your final result.

We’ll determine the total number of aligner sets you need and how long your treatment will take before we get started. In fact, at Desert Vista Dental West, we can show you a virtual image of your results before you begin!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN?

Our patients love Invisalign because of the many great benefits it offers, including:

Appearance — Since the trays are practically invisible, no one will know you’re straightening your teeth.
Comfort — Smooth, plastic aligner trays are much more comfortable than metal brackets.
Convenience — If you have a special event like a job interview or wedding, you can simply remove your trays.
Faster results — The average treatment time for Invisalign is 9-18 months, while it’s 12-24 months for traditional braces.

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN?

Invisalign works for a wide variety of mild to moderate issues, including:

Overbites and underbites
Crossbites
Crowding
Gaps
Open bites

However, since every patient is different, the best way to know if Invisalign is right for you is to see Dr. Collier for a consultation. Our goal is always to make sure you get the best final result possible!

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM INVISALIGN TREATMENT

Just as you would with traditional braces, you’ll have an adjustment period of a few days until you get accustomed to how the trays feel. And, throughout the process, most patients need to come in every four to six weeks for progress visits and to pick up new trays.

We’ll also spend time at your first visit reviewing what you can expect from Invisalign in detail and answering any questions you may have.

HOW MUCH DOES INVISALIGN COST?

The cost of Invisalign can vary quite a bit, depending on how severe your alignment issues are and how many sets of trays you need.

During a consultation with our cosmetic dentist, you’ll get a more specific idea of what your individual cost and treatment time would be. And, although not all insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage, the plans that do often cover Invisalign at the same rate as regular braces.

INVISALIGN FAQ

Are you still curious about whether Invisalign is the right orthodontic treatment to solve your unique needs? We understand why you would have questions, especially when you’re trying to make a decision that involves the future of your smile. So, for your convenience, we’ve compiled some common questions we get from our patients below.

ARE INVISALIGN ALIGNERS PAINFUL TO WEAR?

Unlike traditional metal braces that use brackets and wires to straighten your teeth, Invisalign clear braces are made from a smooth plastic that is customized to snuggly fit your mouth. Metal can rub against your oral tissues and snag on your lips, causing irritation and bleeding that makes undergoing the treatment uncomfortable. With Invisalign trays, you won’t have to worry about that at all.

Because each tray is specially made to put a slight amount of pressure on your teeth to shift them into their ideal positions, when you switch them, you may experience some slight soreness. You can surpass some of this discomfort by switching to your new set of aligners at night, so you sleep through a majority of your adjustment period.

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO VISIT MY DENTIST DURING MY INVISALIGN TREATMENT?

With traditional braces, you would be expected to visit your orthodontist frequently for painful tightening sessions that would leave you with a dull soreness and aching-feeling for several days following your appointment. With Invisalign, you’ll need to visit our office every six to eight weeks, but only for 15 to 30-minute progress checks. We’ll examine your teeth and gums to make sure you’re on the right track and your mouth is healthy. We’ll also give you your next sets of aligners. After that, you’ll be on your way!

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY INVISALIGN ALIGNERS?

Keeping your Invisalign aligners clean and sanitized is an important part of maintaining your oral health while you’re undergoing treatment. Be sure to brush them every day using clear antibacterial soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, soak them for 15 minutes in special Invisalign cleaning solution or a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Once you complete both of these, be sure to give them a quick rinse under water, but don’t make it hot, because it could warp the shape of your trays.

WILL I NEED TO WEAR A RETAINER AFTER INVISALIGN?

Just like with traditional braces, you will need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment to keep your teeth aligned. The length of time and frequency that you’ll need to do this is completely up to your dentist. Without a retainer, your teeth will slowly begin shifting back into their crooked, misaligned positions, meaning that you’ll lose all of the hard work and progress that you made throughout your treatment.