During the consultation, the dentist will discuss your dental goals and determine if Invisalign is a good fit. They will also assess your overall health and lifestyle.
The consultation will also include a digital scan and dental impressions. These will form a crucial basis for your Invisalign treatment plan.
Examine Your Teeth and Mouth
During the consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will examine the state of your teeth. This can involve standard photographs and x-rays of the mouth to get a better understanding of the state of your teeth and how they are misaligned.
The dentist or orthodontist will then evaluate your teeth and mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. If you are a candidate, the dentist will discuss the details of the treatment and how long it will take to complete.
The dentist or orthodontist will also give you oral hygiene instructions and recommendations to help you maintain proper dental health between visits. This can include proper brushing and flossing techniques, dietary advice, and tips for preventing gum disease.
Digital Scan
During your consultation, your cosmetic dentist will use an intraoral scanner to take high-detailed impressions of your teeth. This device is comfortable and convenient to use, unlike traditional dental impressions that require goopy materials. Once the scans are complete, your cosmetic dentist will be able to show you a computerized 3D model of your teeth and determine how severe your misalignment is.
Invisalign uses iTero digital scanning to create custom clear aligner trays that will gently and slowly straighten your teeth over time. This technology is also used to design a comprehensive treatment plan for your smile. Invisalign digital imaging helps patients visualize their potential outcomes, increasing their confidence and engagement in the process. Additionally, digital impressions provide more precise information than physical molds and eliminate room for error. Furthermore, they can be transferred electronically between the office and lab, reducing wait times. This efficiency makes a significant difference for patients and practitioners alike.
Treatment Plan
After a review of your medical history and a discussion around your goals, the orthodontist will create your customized Invisalign treatment plan. This will provide you with a visual representation of how your teeth will shift over time, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether Invisalign is the right option for you.
At this point, the dentist will also talk about the costs associated with Invisalign treatment, as well as available financing options. This transparency helps patients feel confident about their investment, as it allows them to plan ahead for any potential financial costs.
After creating a treatment plan, the orthodontist will place small buttons (resin) on your teeth to ensure that the aligners fit correctly. They will also schedule regular appointments at which they will give you new sets of aligners, check them for fit and provide oral health instructions. You’ll also be given retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position.
Cost
While the upfront costs of Invisalign might be a big investment, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. Many dentists and orthodontists offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, which can make the process more manageable and help you avoid financial surprises down the road.
The complexity of your orthodontic issues can also impact the cost of Invisalign treatment. For example, more severe misalignment or bite problems may require more aligners and a longer treatment plan, which can increase the overall cost.
Geographic location can also influence the cost of Invisalign treatments. The price of dental services tends to be higher in urban areas than rural areas, and the prices can vary between different providers within the same area.
Many dental insurance companies cover some or all of the cost of Invisalign treatment. However, it’s important to understand deductibles, co-payments, and annual maximums, which can impact your out-of-pocket expenses. If you have questions about your specific coverage, ask your provider before you start treatment.