Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Get Affordable Clear Aligners in Birmingham
Invisalign®, or “invisible braces”, is a series of clear plastic trays that you wear in order to straighten your teeth. They have become very popular over the past few years and while there are many competitors out there, Invisalign is still the best method of invisible braces.
These invisible braces are designed to be worn for a period of twenty two hours a day, however, patients can remove the aligners before meals. Depending on the condition of a patient’s teeth and their dental goals, Invisalign may be worn for six months or up to two years. During the process, patients may use up to fifty different aligners.
Discreet Braces for a Beautiful Smile
Traditional braces are very effective at straightening teeth, but the wires and metal brackets can be both unsightly and uncomfortable. Invisalign allows patients to straighten their teeth discreetly.
Additionally, patients who consume large amounts of processed foods will find that Invisalign is a better choice for them over traditional braces. Certain foods, such as food that’s starchy, sugary, or sticky can damage the brackets used for traditional braces. Invisalign can be removed before a meal to avoid this.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are many benefits to using Invisalign, especially when this system is compared to traditional metal braces. Benefits include:
- Metal braces consist of rows of colored bands and metal, while the Invisalign aligners are, lightweight and transparent.
- The aligners can be removed, so teeth and the aligners are easier to clean properly. Patients can floss and brush as they normally would since there are no brackets or wires to deal with.
- Most patients don’t like the look of traditional braces since they can change a person’s appearance and tend to attract attention. When a person uses Invisalign aligners, no one will know they’re wearing them.
- Wearing Invisalign can easily boost a person’s confidence, allowing them to smile again
- A major issue with traditional braces is how uncomfortable they are. Aligners do not cause any discomfort and don’t require constant tightening.
Dr. Curry has over 10 years of experience helping your friends and neighbors improve their smile. If you’d like to straighten your teeth, talk with his experienced staff about scheduling a free consultation with him today. At that appointment, he will help you understand the process so you can decide if Invisalign is right for you.
Whether we are in your network or not, we will work with your insurance company to get you the best coverage possible.
Invisalign® Vs. Traditional Braces
This form of braces has several advantages over traditional metal braces. The main advantage is that you can take the aligners out yourself anytime you want a break from wearing them. Having the ability to take out the aligners to floss, brush your teeth, eat all the foods you love, and receive normal periodic dental cleanings, is a major plus compared to metal braces that are cemented onto your teeth.
Another side-effect of regular braces is that a small white circle of stained enamel will appear due to wearing the braces for long periods of time. You might even know someone who has these circles on their teeth from the cement of regular braces. Invisalign will not cause this type of discoloration because the aligners are removable.
Common Questions About Invisalign®
- Will insurance cover the cost of Invisalign®? Most insurance companies will cover the cost of Invisalign treatment, the same as they would traditional braces. Contact your insurance carrier to learn more.
- How much does Invisalign® cost without insurance? Between $3,500 to $5,000.
- Is better than traditional braces? This can depend on the condition of your teeth. For severely crooked teeth, traditional braces are a better option.
- Is Invisalign treatment painful? No. However, it can cause mild soreness the first week you start wearing them.
- Is Invisalign faster than braces? The average time a person will need to use Invisalign is 12 months. The average amount of time a person will need to have traditional braces ranges between 18 and 24 months.
- How long will Invisalign® results last? Invisalign results are permanent
- Will it work for adults as well as teens? Yes, Invisalign will work for teens and adults, but not small children since their teeth are still growing and moving.
- Can invisible braces close up gaps in teeth? Invisalign can close mild gaps.
- How long does clear braces take to straighten teeth? This will depend on the condition of your teeth and may take three to twelve months.
- Do you wear them all day? Invisalign must be worn for 22 hours a day but can be removed before meals.
- How is Invisalign different from Smile Direct Club? Invisalign offers in-person treatment, Smile Direct Club offers remote treatment only.
How Treatment Works – What to Expect
If you’re interested in Invisalign or one of our other popular cosmetic dental treatments, the first step is to contact Stuart Curry Dentistry to schedule an appointment. At a consultation, Dr. Curry can examine your teeth to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign or if traditional braces would be the best option.
If Invisalign is right for you, we will take upper and lower impressions, a bite registration, and pictures. This takes 20-30 minutes at the most.
Dr. Curry will be able to show you, using a computer-simulated model, exactly what your teeth will look like at the end of treatment, and we will know how long it will take to achieve these results. Next, we order the trays, and when they come in, you start getting straight teeth!
Your Custom Invisalign Treatment Plan
After sending these impressions and pictures to Invisalign, about a week later you can come in for your “Clin-Check” treatment plan.
You’ll need to meet with one of our dentists to pick up your new set of aligners every few weeks.
Invisalign Care
To get the best results from using this system, you must take good care of your aligners and follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
Aligners must be removed before you eat, but should be worn throughout the day and when you’re sleeping.
To clean your aligners, use sensitive toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush
More Questions Our Patients Have About Invisalign
Who’s a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Whether Invisalign is right for you can depend on several factors, but most patients can benefit from using this innovative teeth straightening system.
Invisalign can be a perfect option for teens and adults who want a beautiful, more radiant smile, without the high-maintenance needs of traditional braces. People who have teeth that are slightly overlapping or crooked, or those with gaps between their teeth can be great candidates.
How Often Do I Need to Have New Aligners Fitted?
How Effective are Invisalign Aligners?
Is Invisalign Recommended for Everyone?
Invisalign is not recommended for younger teens or children, since their teeth are still moving and growing. Invisalign also isn’t recommended for patients that have bite alignment issues or teeth that are severely rotated or crooked.
For some patients, Invisalign cannot provide the appropriate level of pressure that’s required to make adjustments. In these cases, traditional braces will be more effective and will have more of an impact on the growth and the direction of teeth. In other cases, veneers or surgery may be a better option.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
We're accepting new patients from Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights, and the surrounding area. We work with most major dental insurance plans, and our front desk verifies your benefits before your visit so you know what's covered. For treatments that aren't fully covered or for patients without dental insurance, we offer transparent estimates upfront. No surprises.
Call or schedule online to book your first visit. New-patient appointments include a comprehensive exam, the X-rays we need to see what's going on, a cleaning where appropriate, and time to talk through anything you'd like to plan for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Invisalign different from traditional braces?
Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss normally, there are no food restrictions, and most people won’t notice you’re wearing them. They don’t cause the discomfort or the white enamel spots that cemented braces can leave behind.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Invisalign treatment length depends on your teeth, but the average is about 12 months, with most cases ranging from six months to two years. Traditional braces, by comparison, average 18 to 24 months. Dr. Curry estimates your specific timeline after examining your teeth and reviewing your digital treatment plan.
How many hours a day do I have to wear the aligners?
Invisalign aligners should be worn about 22 hours a day for the best results. You take them out only to eat and to brush and floss, then put them right back in, including while you sleep. Staying consistent with wear time keeps your treatment on schedule and avoids delays.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign works well for teens and adults with slightly crooked or overlapping teeth or gaps. It’s not ideal for young children, severely rotated teeth, or significant bite problems, where traditional braces may work better. Dr. Curry examines your teeth and shows you a computer-simulated preview of your results before you decide.
How much does Invisalign cost?
Most insurance plans cover Invisalign at the same level as traditional braces, so check with your carrier. Without insurance, treatment typically runs between $3,500 and $5,000 depending on complexity. Whether or not we’re in your network, our team works to maximize your coverage and offers payment plans. Call (205) 972-3831.
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