Invisalign® Treatment in Billings, MT
A beautiful smile is a major part of anyone’s self-esteem and self-confidence, and that’s true for both children and adults. Unfortunately, many patients are directed toward metal braces when they may actually be great Invisalign® candidates! While metal braces offer a traditional option for orthodontic treatment, our Billings orthodontist is proud to offer Invisalign® as an alternative, more discrete option to braces. Contact us today to schedule an Invisalign® consultation for you or your child!
The Invisalign® Treatment Process
As a child grows, their smile grows with them. With an early orthodontic consult, our orthodontist can better identify issues that may need early treatment to address a developing problem. Invisalign® is a convenient treatment for adolescents, teens, and adults that’s easy to fit into your child’s lifestyle. All the patient has to do is wear their custom-made aligners for about 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything besides water, brush their teeth, and floss. At the end of every two week period, the patient will move to the next pair of aligners in the sequence, and with each new set, they get closer to a beautiful new smile. Better yet, once they finish the last pair, that new smile is theirs to keep!
Invisalign® & Invisalign® Teen
But that’s not all! We’re now proud to offer a form of Invisalign® that’s been custom-built for teenagers—Invisalign® Teen. In addition to the advantages of the regular Invisalign® System, Invisalign® Teen boasts a number of new, unique features designed especially for teens.
Each Invisalign® Teen aligner comes with a built-in Blue Dot Wear Indicator, which alerts parents, orthodontists, and even teens themselves if the aligners are being worn enough or if the patient needs to be a little more diligent. We can also create the aligners with “eruption tabs,” which hold open space for unerupted teeth. Finally, each treatment course comes with six free replacement aligners, so you won’t have to worry about lost or broken aligners!
Invisalign® & Invisalign® Teen
Each Invisalign® Teen aligner comes with a built-in Blue Dot Wear Indicator, which alerts parents, orthodontists, and even teens themselves if the aligners are being worn enough or if the patient needs to be a little more diligent. We can also create the aligners with “eruption tabs,” which hold open space for unerupted teeth. Finally, each treatment course comes with six free replacement aligners, so you won’t have to worry about lost or broken aligners!
Invisalign® for Adults
Before & After
INVISALIGN® FAQ
When your child is ready for ongoing dental care, the questions you have about what to expect and what to worry about may be overwhelming. Thankfully, Dr. Snider can be your reliable expert! Below, you’ll find plenty of answers to some of the most common questions we receive at our Billings, MT practice. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask directly.
What is Invisalign®?
The Invisalign® system is an orthodontic treatment that corrects tooth alignment and bite problems with custom made, nearly invisible aligners that are comfortable to wear, and removable for meals and normal brushing and flossing.
How do I get started?
Schedule an initial exam appointment with Creekside Orthodontics to determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign®. You may also learn more information at www.invisalign.com.
How does Invisalign® work?
When you meet with Dr. Snider, we will perform digital photos and intraoral scans of your teeth called “orthodontic records”. This information is sent to Invisalign® where a computer model of your teeth and your treatment is created – almost like an animated movie of the way your teeth will move from their current position to the final desired position. After Dr. England develops, reviews, and approves the treatment plan, Invisalign® produces a series of clear, plastic aligners that correspond to the stages of tooth movement in the 3-D movie. Each set of aligners is designed to move the teeth a small amount. Depending on the clinical circumstances, you will wear each stage of aligners for approximately 7, 10, or 14 days before switching to the next set in the series. Week by week, your teeth are straightened until they reach their final destination.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign®?
- Nearly invisible: You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
- Removable: You can eat and drink what you want.
- Easier to maintain good oral hygiene: You can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Comfortable: There are no wires or brackets to cause mouth abrasion.
Can both teenagers and adults be treated with Invisalign®?
Yes. However, our practice has elected to limit the use of Invisalign® to the treatment of adult patients and some teens since orthodontic treatment is more predictable after growth and development is completed.
How long does treatment take with Invisalign®?
Like traditional braces, the length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case, but the average treatment time with Invisalign® is 1 year. After Dr. Snider develops and approves your orthodontic treatment plan with Align Technology, Inc., the total treatment time in months can be estimated by Invisalign®’s software.
Will wearing Invisalign® aligners affect my speech?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign® aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
How often must I wear the aligners?
Invisalign® aligners should be worn day and night, except when eating, brushing, and flossing. More specifically, aligners must be worn 22 hours per day to ensure that tooth movement progresses predictably.
Are there restrictions on eating and drinking?
No. Because you remove your Invisalign® aligners before you eat, there are no restrictions on the types of foods you may eat during treatment.
Does Invisalign® hurt?
During the first day that you use each set of Invisalign® aligners, you may feel some discomfort because the aligner is gently moving your teeth. In most cases, the discomfort will subside within the first day.
How will Invisalign® effectively move my teeth?
Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign® aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on your teeth. The main difference is that Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move as determined by the dentist and your unique treatment plan.
ABOUT PRICING
How much does Invisalign® cost?
As with other orthodontic options, the cost is based on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. We want to make sure that the financial aspect of our care is comfortable for you, so we offer a variety of payment options to suit your individual needs, including 3rd party financing through Care Credit.
Does insurance cover Invisalign®?
Typically, an insurance policy that covers traditional braces also covers Invisalign® to the same extent. Your benefits depend on the specific dental plan selected by your employer and must provide “orthodontic coverage for adults” for you to receive partial reimbursement for the cost of care. Invisalign® reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
ABOUT THE PROCESS
What are the steps involved with Invisalign®?
- Schedule an appointment for an initial exam and consultation or speak to Dr. Snider at your next appointment.
- Orthodontic Records – Panoramic x-ray, digital photos, intraoral digital scans of the teeth and bite.
- Using 3-D computer imaging technology, your treatment plan is converted into a series of precisely customized aligners. In most cases, you will wear each pair of aligners for 2 weeks before moving to the next set in the series. You return for appointments typically once every 6 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned.
Start Invisalign® Teen Treatment Today!
Invisalign® is one of the best orthodontic treatment options on the market for teenagers and adults, and if you’re interested in learning how Invisalign® can help you or your child, we’d love to speak with you. Contact us today to learn more about the Invisalign® treatment process and to schedule your consultation at our office. We can’t wait to help your child achieve a beautiful new smile — invisibly!