Invisalign San Antonio
Enjoy the Right Choice for a Straight Smile
Many people dream about correcting crooked or gapped teeth to finally achieve that perfect look. For image-conscious teenagers and adults, it can often seem like they have missed the boat. Noticeable metal braces are fine while in middle school, but balancing them with an older, more polished appearance is a no-go. Thankfully, your dentist is happy to offer an alternative. Invisalign in San Antonio can straighten your smile more seamlessly, allowing patients to maintain their self-confidence throughout their treatment. Call us today if you would like to discuss your candidacy for Invisalign.
Why Choose Troy Jones, DDS & Associates for Invisalign?
- Dentists Who Care About Your Needs & Smile Goals
- We Will File Dental Insurance Claims On Your Behalf
- Conveniently Located Dental Office
Invisalign vs. Metal Braces
Metal braces have been the go-to solution to correct alignment concerns for decades because they can resolve even the most complex concerns. Brackets and wires are attached to the teeth to pull them into position. Invisalign is different because it uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth to gradually move them. This gives you a discreet and sophisticated option to achieve the results you want.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your dentist in San Antonio takes impressions of your mouth to create a series of aligners in the Invisalign lab. Each one represents a different stage of your smile throughout the treatment. You wear each aligner for about one week before switching to the next. You will need a brief checkup every few weeks to monitor the movement of your teeth. On average, it takes about 12 months to finish your series.
Who Can Invisalign Help?
Are you interested in Invisalign? Then we have good news for you: the aligners can be used to fix a wide range of orthodontic problems, including overbites. If you want to take the next step in the treatment process and find out if you’re a candidate, then contact our office today! You’re also welcome to read on to learn more about the importance of straightening your teeth and aligning your bite (as well as how Invisalign can help).
Crowded Teeth
Whether your teeth are slightly crowded or overlap considerably, it’s important to explore your orthodontic treatment options. Why? To start, the unique crevices between your teeth can harbor food particles, plaque, and other debris, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease! Fortunately, Invisalign can fix mild to moderate cases of overcrowding, so if you’re a candidate, straightening your teeth won’t require any metal at all.
Gaps Between Teeth
If you are dealing with the opposite issue (there are gaps between your teeth), then you’re also at risk of experiencing tooth decay and other common oral health problems. For that reason, we recommend scheduling a consultation at our office to find out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign sooner rather than later. If the answer is “yes,” then we can solidify the details of your treatment plan, answer any questions you have, and start the process of closing the gaps.
Overbite
While your upper teeth should sit in front of your lower ones, they shouldn’t jut out considerably. If they do, premature wear, trouble enunciating clearly, and difficulty chewing properly aren’t far behind. The good news is that traditional braces are no longer the only treatment option available; Invisalign has proven to be effective at correcting common bite problems, like overbites. So, take the next step: schedule a consultation with us!
Underbite
An underbite is when a patient’s lower teeth sit in front of their upper ones. If you are dealing with this orthodontic problem, then you know firsthand how difficult it can be to smile confidently, chew properly, and enunciate clearly. Since chronic jaw pain and premature wear are also concerns, we encourage patients to explore their orthodontic treatment options ASAP. If Invisalign is one of them, then we can gently guide your bite into proper alignment with clear, custom-made aligners.
Crossbite
Crossbites aren’t usually talked about, but like the other bite problems on this list, they can negatively impact the look, health, and function of your smile. Fortunately, Invisalign is usually an option if your case isn’t too severe. So, don’t just assume you’ll need to wear metal brackets and wires!
Open Bite
When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should come together evenly. If they don’t, then you may have an open bite. Usually, this problem results in premature wear and tear on certain teeth, increasing your risk of dental emergencies in the process. That’s why we recommend having your bite corrected with Invisalign!
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is a clear, comfortable way to straighten teeth—designed specifically with teens in mind! Instead of wires and brackets, this system uses removable, nearly invisible aligners to guide teeth into place, just like Invisalign for adults. We love recommending Invisalign Teen for active, social patients who want a flexible alternative to traditional braces. It's an orthodontic solution that fits into your child’s life—not the other way around.
How Is Invisalign Teen Different?
While Invisalign Teen is similar to the adult aligners of the same brand, these include features made just for growing smiles, such as:
- Eruption tabs to accommodate incoming molars
- Blue wear indicators to help track daily aligner use
- Replacement aligners in case a set gets lost
These features help ensure your teen stays on track while still enjoying the freedom that comes with removable aligners.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?
Invisalign Teen is a great choice for many, but not all, orthodontic cases. It works best for mild to moderate alignment issues like gaps, crowding, or overbites. Teens should also be responsible enough to wear their aligners 20–22 hours a day.
The first step at our San Antonio dental office is to schedule a consultation for your child. During their visit, we’ll assess their needs and habits to decide if Invisalign Teen is the right fit.
The Benefits of Invisalign Teen
There’s a reason so many patients (of all ages) are choosing Invisalign! Here’s what makes it so attractive:
- Nearly invisible trays for a confident smile during treatment—no worries about yearbook pictures or selfies with friends
- Removable design so teens can eat what they want and still maintain good oral hygiene
- Fewer appointments than with traditional braces, keeping them focused on school while they straighten their smile
- Made from comfortable SmartTrack plastic with no metal or poking wires
We make the Invisalign Teen process simple, stress-free, and tailored to your family’s needs. Call us today and let us help your child build their best smile one clear tray at a time!
Benefits of Invisalign
Do you wonder why so many patients choose Invisalign? It’s because this orthodontic treatment is effective and reliable while also offering a wide variety of benefits (especially compared to more traditional orthodontic solutions). Here are a few examples:
Removable Aligners
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed. As a result, there aren’t any dietary restrictions; you can still eat and drink what you like! Of course, there are a few guidelines on the topic that you need to keep in mind. The first is that you can only have water while wearing them. The second is that you need to exercise caution with extremely crunchy foods. The third is that you should keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum.
Improved Comfort
While traditional braces move your teeth into their properly aligned positions with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign doesn’t. Instead, the aligners are crafted from smooth plastic and custom-designed for your unique smile. This makes them comfortable, so you will never need to worry about any irritation to the inside of your lips or cheeks.
Tip: If you feel any soreness or pressure surface from the movement of your teeth, sip on cool water! You can also take OTC pain medication, if needed.
Fewer Check-In Visits
One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is that they don’t require unpleasant, painful tightening appointments. Instead, you’ll be given several sets of trays at a time so you can progress through portions of your treatment plan at home. Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll come to our office so we can monitor your progress, answer any questions you have, and provide you with your next set of aligners. All in all, these visits are fast, convenient, and comfortable.
Faster Results (On Average)
Oftentimes, traditional braces require multiple years of treatment to be fully effective. Invisalign, on the other hand, has an average treatment timeline of only 12 to 18 months. Of course, staying on track with your treatment plan does require some work, like making an intentional effort to wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day. However, even that is easy once you find a schedule you like.
Hassle-Free Oral Care
We mentioned above that Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes eating a well-balanced, varied, and satiating diet easy. This also makes brushing and flossing a breeze! Plus, there’s more good news: you only need a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean, cool water, and a clear antibacterial soap to clean your aligners.
Practically Invisible Aligners
Last, but certainly not least, the aligners are made from transparent plastic. As a result, they are practically invisible. In fact, even the people in your life who see you every day, like your coworkers, will have a hard time telling when you’re wearing them! So, you can see why image-conscious teens and professionals alike love Invisalign.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Reading through the previous sections will give you insight into the Invisalign process and the benefits of clear aligner treatment, but how much does it cost? Simply put, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. After all, several factors need to be taken into account – from the severity of your misalignment to how well you follow your treatment guidelines. The good news is that we are here to make understanding the cost of Invisalign as straightforward as possible!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
In short, each Invisalign treatment plan is tailored completely to the patient’s dental needs and smile goals. That’s why scheduling a consultation is so important! At your appointment, we will conduct an exam to learn more about the position of your teeth and bite. In the process, we will determine:
- Whether you need to address one or both arches of teeth
- How severe your misalignment is
- How many aligners are needed
- If you need additional accessories, like rubber bands
As previously mentioned, another factor will come into play once you begin treatment: your compliance with the guidelines, such as wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. “Rules” like this are in place to prevent you from falling off track with your treatment timeline, which could result in more time and money spent on your teeth-straightening journey.
Invisalign vs. DIY Aligners: Which Costs More?
Mail-order aligner companies lead with the lower price tag, which is usually around the $2,000 mark. However, price isn’t the only thing you should consider. While Invisalign requires a higher investment upfront, it has reliably helped more than 20 million patients. Plus, they have more than two decades of experience, support from professional organizations like the American Dental Association, and are overseen by a licensed dental professional. Simply put, when it comes to something as important as your smile, cheaper isn’t better.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Do you have dental insurance? Naturally, you may be wondering if your benefits cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign. Good news: it’s possible! While some plans don’t cover orthodontic treatment, others include a once-in-a-lifetime benefit for braces. If that’s the case for you, then our team will help you utilize your benefits to the fullest. We happily accept most PPO dental plans, and our knowledgeable team will do our best to explain your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses every step of the way.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? In that case, ask our team about your other financial options, like low-interest financing. This solution allows you to space out your payments instead of paying for the entire treatment upfront.
Invisalign FAQs
Will my treatment with Invisalign be uncomfortable?
One of the great things about Invisalign is that there is minimal discomfort involved. Traditional braces can be painful because of the necessary wire tightening that must occur for teeth to move. However, with Invisalign, the aligners gently move your teeth toward the desired position, so while you might experience some discomfort when switching to a new set, this will go away quickly.
How often will I need to see my dentist during Invisalign treatment?
You can expect to see your dentist in San Antonio every 4 to 6 weeks while being treated with Invisalign. These visits are not only comfortable for you, but they’re also fast, so you can be on your way to more important things.
How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
If you prefer, you can purchase a special cleaning kit from Invisalign. However, if you’d rather take an alternative route, a toothbrush and antibacterial soap will keep your aligners clean. Remember, never use hot water on your trays. This can warp the plastic. Also, if you want to keep your trays clear and shiny so no one will notice, avoid stain-causing foods and/or beverages. If the color transfers from your teeth onto the aligners, it can cause them to become discolored and much more noticeable.
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner?
The first thing you should do is call our office as soon as it happens. This is why it’s important to keep your previous aligners. Depending on the situation, we might instruct you to wear your previous trays for a short time, or it may be that you can go ahead and move on to the next set in the series. If it’s necessary, we’ll order a replacement for you so that you can get back on track to a healthier, straighter smile.
What happens after I finish my Invisalign treatment?
Once you are finished with Invisalign, you’ll be expected to wear a retainer. This will keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position. In the beginning, you’ll need to wear the retainer full-time, but as time progresses, you should only have to wear it at night.