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Invisalign

Get a Straight Smile with Clear Aligners

Woman pointing to a straight smile using Invisalign in Richmond.

Do you dream about having a smile full of sparkling, straight teeth, but you just can’t imagine yourself wearing traditional metal braces? You’ve probably invested in a professional, mature image, and you shouldn’t have to look like a teenager to straighten your teeth. We agree. Now Westhampton Dentistry can make your dreams come true with Invisalign in Richmond.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligner next to storage case.

Invisalign® is an FDA-approved orthodontic treatment that’s a virtually invisible method to straighten your teeth without conventional metal braces. A custom-molded set of transparent, removable aligners will progressively reposition your teeth.

First, we use 3-D computer imaging to design a comprehensive plan. This allows you to preview the final positioning of your teeth before you even start. Yes, you will see your future smile before treatment begins.

Then, a lab will create a series of aligners to reposition your teeth. You’ll change aligners every 1-2 weeks until your smile is straight and beautiful, which usually takes about 12 months. Typically, you will visit us every six weeks for progress reports.

Indications for Invisalign

Clear aligner on a dental mold.

We’ll perform an extensive consultation to evaluate your orthodontic concerns and discuss the results you want to achieve to determine if clear aligners can help you. Invisalign is effective for correcting several bite and alignment concerns, including:

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth are difficult to keep clean, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign will move your teeth off one another and into their ideal positions.

Gapped Teeth

Gaps between your teeth aren’t just unattractive. They can also cause food and plaque to become trapped in the spaces. Invisalign will close the spaces to improve your smile.

Unaligned Bite

A misaligned bit can make it difficult to preform simple tasks, like biting and chewing. Invisalign can add harmony to your bite to improve your quality of life.

Benefits of Invisalign

Hand holding pair of clear aligners.

Since brackets and wires aren’t affixed to your teeth, Invisalign provides various advantages over metal braces, such as:

  • Removable for eating, brushing, flossing, or special occasions.
  • More comfortable and convenient than traditional braces.
  • No mouth abrasions caused by metal and wires.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Adjustment appointments aren’t necessary.
  • Results in as few as 12 months.

Cost of Invisalign

There isn’t a set fee for Invisalign because the cost is determined by several factors, like the complexity of your case. We’ll provide you with an estimate during your initial consultation and discuss your payment options. Many dental insurance carriers cover a portion of the cost to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We accept several payment options for any remaining balance, including third-party financing with CareCredit.

Invisalign FAQs

If the thought of wearing metal braces gives you flashbacks of your teenage years, then you’re not alone, as many adults feel the same way. You now have a more discreet alternative that is equally effective: Invisalign clear braces. Because the procedure is still relatively new, we understand that you likely have some questions about it. Thus, Dr. William W. Way has provided answers to the most common inquiries regarding Invisalign treatment.

How are Invisalign clear braces made?

Invisalign clear braces are BPA-free plastic trays that are custom designed with the use of 3-D computer imaging, which allows you to view the final positioning of your teeth before the treatment even starts. The information will be forwarded to an Invisalign-certified lab that will fabricate your entire treatment set. When the finished trays arrive at our office, we’ll invite you back to retrieve the series so you can start your quest for smile perfection!

How does Invisalign work?

Through their precision design, Invisalign clear braces apply gradual yet comfortable pressure to shift your teeth into their correct position. You’ll wear each set of trays for around two weeks and then exchange them for the next progression, continuing like this until the final set is worn.

How long does treatment take?

Because no two bites are alike, the only way to get an accurate forecast for how long your treatment will take is to visit Dr. Way for an initial consultation. Invisalign in Richmond is highly customized, and frankly, it must be in order to be successful. So once all the important details are ironed out, we’ll generate a treatment schedule so you can plan accordingly.

On average, Invisalign treatment takes less time than that of traditional braces. In some cases, a bite can be corrected in only 12-18 months.

How can I keep my trays clean?

It’s of the utmost importance to keep your Invisalign clear braces clean. Otherwise, they can become a breeding ground for oral bacteria. Thus, when you remove the trays, always be sure to rinse, gently brush and soak them in either denture cleaner or a specially designed solution called Retainer Brite. With each removal, you should also brush and floss your teeth to further prevent the growth of oral bacteria.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment will greatly depend on the severity of your bite imperfections and the amount of time needed to fix them. Your willingness to wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day will also help to prevent any added fees and ensure you stay on schedule.

To get an accurate cost estimate, all you need to do is visit your dentist in Richmond. Therefore, you can eliminate any guessing and move forward with the full knowledge of what it will take to achieve the smile of your dreams.