Why Choose Dr. Richard Carlson for Invisalign?
- Advanced, Modern Technology Available
- Increased Patient Comfort using SmartTrack Material
- Highly-qualified and Trained Dental Professionals
The idea of wearing traditional metal braces may cause you to rethink your desire for a straighter smile, but what if there was an alternative solution that offered a more discreet way to achieve a healthier, more beautiful aesthetic? Dr. Richard Carlson and his team at Carlson Advanced Dentistry & Facial Esthetics are pleased to offer Invisalign. Using clear, plastic aligners customized to fit your smile comfortably, you can spend less time focused on your braces and instead, enjoy the subtle process that will have you seeing results in 12-18 months! If you’re ready to say yes to a fully transformed smile, contact us today!
Invisalign clear braces are made using what is known as SmartTrack material. Created by Align Technologies, these clear, plastic aligners are custom-created to fit comfortably in your mouth and gently apply continuous pressure to keep your teeth shifting in the right direction. Depending on the severity of your initial case, you will receive a designated number of sets, which you will wear throughout treatment.
Invisalign is an extremely versatile orthodontic solution that can address issues of overcrowding, gapped teeth, and even misaligned bites (i.e. underbite, overbite, crossbite, open bite). Their transparent look allows for increased subtly, allowing you to go on about your day without anyone noticing them! You can enjoy treatment with Invisalign without compromising your daily appearance.
On average, most patients see results in 12-18 months; however, this can vary from patient to patient. This is what makes Invisalign such an appealing option to self-conscious teenagers and adults. Unlike traditional metal braces that require you to undergo treatment for 2-3 years, you’ll achieve a healthier smile in less time with Invisalign.
While you will be required to wear your trays for at least 20-22 hours each day, you can remove them to eat, drink, and clean them. You will also be expected to keep regular dental appointments with our team to ensure everything is moving along smoothly.
This clear alternative to traditional orthodontics continues to gain popularity as a more comfortable and discreet way to straighten smiles. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best solution to meet everyone’s unique needs.
Before proceeding, you must consult one of our providers in Jacksonville to determine that you’re a good candidate. Continue reading to learn more about who this treatment can potentially help, and please don’t hesitate to contact the office if you’re ready to schedule an appointment!
Even those who have historically had perfectly even teeth might eventually experience overcrowding because daily factors, such as sustaining pressure from biting and chewing, can cause them to shift over time.
If they overlap, it can be more challenging to thoroughly brush and floss all their surfaces, which increases your vulnerability to oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease. Our team can use Invisalign to gently move everything back to its rightful place.
Plenty of people feel self-conscious about wider spaces in their smile that detract from their appearance. Unfortunately, gaps in your grin can also trap food or other particles that attract harmful germs that contribute to common dental concerns. Clear aligners can pull your teeth closer together to prevent potential damage while simultaneously boosting your confidence.
It’s considered natural and normal for your top arch to slightly overlap your lower one when you chomp down. But if your upper teeth stick out too far, you might experience jaw pain, speech impediments, or uneven wear and tear to your enamel. These plastic trays can help correct mild to moderate overbites and restore your dental health.
If your upper teeth rest behind your lower ones when you close your mouth, you have an underbite. This type of malocclusion can be caused by oral trauma, such as a jaw injury, or non-nutritive habits, like sucking your thumb too much as a child.
Whatever the reason, it can restrict your airways and nasal passages, contributing to mouth breathing and struggles speaking and chewing. Our team may be able to use these transparent trays to fix the misalignment with the help of rubber bands and other accessories.
If your bottom teeth are positioned in front of your top ones in specific places along your arches, then you may have a crossbite. This might occur due to genetics, poor oral habits, or premature loss of baby teeth that impacts how the permanent ones grow in.
Leaving it untreated results in long-term concerns, such as an increased risk of gum disease, cavities, TMJ disorders, headaches, or teeth grinding. Invisalign can move everything to its ideal place to prevent potential issues.
People whose front teeth don’t come together at all when they close their jaw have what’s called an open bite. This sometimes happens if your bones don’t develop properly or excessive thumb-sucking as a child, and can lead to difficulties with speech development. It can also prematurely wear down the backs of your enamel, causing cavities or other injuries. Invisalign can be used to bring your top and bottom teeth together to help protect your grin.
At Khoi Dental Group, patients are discovering how Invisalign in Jacksonville can transform smiles without the hassle of traditional metal braces. These clear aligners are made for comfort, convenience, and confidence. Whether you’re a busy professional, a teen going through school, or someone who simply wants straightened teeth without big lifestyle changes, Invisalign makes treatment easy. Read more below to see the many advantages that set Invisalign apart from more traditional orthodontics.
Invisalign trays are easy to remove when you eat, brush, or floss, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and activities without restrictions. This non-invasive approach to orthodontic treatment offers plenty of flexibility while delivering excellent results. In short, Invisalign conforms to your lifestyle, not the other way around.
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is its subtlety. The clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, so you can go about your day without drawing unwanted attention. Whether at work, school, or out with friends and family, most people won’t realize you’re straightening your smile at all!
Unlike traditional braces with abrasive metal wires and brackets, Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. This reduces the chances of sores, poking wires, or irritation against your cheeks and gums, making your orthodontic treatment much more comfortable.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, brushing and flossing your teeth remains simple and effective. You won’t need special techniques or tools to work around brackets or wires, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, gum disease, or cavities. Keeping your teeth clean and feeling fresh during orthodontic treatment has never been easier.
Because Invisalign works under the radar, patients often tell us they feel a noticeable lift in their self-esteem throughout their treatment. Instead of hiding your smile, you can show it off while watching your teeth gradually shift into alignment. It’s a confidence boost you can see every time you look in the mirror, even before your treatment is complete.
With Invisalign, your appointments at our Jacksonville dental office are shorter and more convenient when compared to traditional orthodontic visits. Instead of lengthy wire adjustments, you’ll simply touch base with our team, get a quick progress check, and receive your next set of trays. This means less time in the dental chair and more time enjoying life.
The cost of Invisalign is different for each person. Although it might seem more expensive than traditional braces, the only way to know for sure how much you can expect to pay is to schedule a consultation with our doctors. It is during this visit that he will consider various factors pertaining to your oral health as well as develop a thorough plan that goes over how long you can expect your Invisalign aligners. Based on what kind of treatment he builds as well as how you plan to pay (i.e., dental insurance, financing, etc.), you can expect to make a well-informed decision about the future of your smile.
The cost of Invisalign can vary from person to person based on a couple of different factors:
Several patients looking for a “quick fix” to straighten their teeth have asked us about Smile Direct Club. If cost is the only thing that matters to you, then Smile Direct Club is the winner. Invisalign typically costs anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000, while Smile Direct Club is a little under $2,000.
However, it’s important to remember what you are missing out on with a “do it yourself” clear aligner kit like Smile Direct Club. Basically, you will be trying to straighten your smile with little to NO oversight from a professional. Plenty could go wrong, from having to make impressions yourself to not correctly following the treatment process, which could lead to serious issues for your smile that need to be corrected by a professional anyway.
If you want to ensure a smoother, more successful treatment process, opt for Invisalign. One of our expert Invisalign dentists in Jacksonville will craft professionally made, highly accurate impressions and will provide oversight every step of the way. The peace of mind that comes with a quality cosmetic service is worth it!
Only some dental insurance plans include coverage for orthodontic treatment, and Invisalign is usually left out. However, that’s not always the case! Before choosing Invisalign, be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you understand the details of your dental insurance and maximize your benefits. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those funds to help cover the cost of Invisalign.
Even if your dental insurance doesn’t cover Invisalign, there are other payment options you can take advantage of to make clear braces affordable. For example, you can join the in-house dental membership plan at Khoi Dental Group - Formerly Carlson Dental Group! One low, flat fee covers checkups, cleanings, and X-rays for the whole year and unlocks sizeable discounts on a long list of additional treatments. Plus, when you join our in-house membership plan, you don’t have to deal with annoying deductibles, yearly maximums, or waiting periods.
Qualified patients can also take advantage of flexible financing through CareCredit. They offer low-to-no interest payment plans that can break up the cost of Invisalign in Jacksonville in whatever way best suits your personal budget.
At Khoi Dental Group - Formerly Carlson Dental Group, we believe every patient deserves the beautiful straight smile of their dreams. Schedule an initial consultation at our office to learn more about affordable payment options for Invisalign.
Invisalign in Jacksonville is the preferred orthodontic system among teens and adults interested in fixing bite and alignment problems. However, it is a big investment, and it's normal to have some concerns. Your dentist will explain everything during your Invisalign consultation. Here are the answers to the most common questions about clear aligners while you wait for your appointment.
You don't have to worry about brackets or wires drawing attention to your teeth. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners, so you don't have to compromise your appearance or confidence. Although you'll see your aligners while holding them in your hands, they are very difficult to detect when they are in your mouth. Your aligners will stay transparent by taking them out when eating or drinking anything except water to prevent stains. Committing to your oral hygiene and keeping your aligners clean will protect against discoloration.
Many people say Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces because there aren’t any wires or brackets irritating the insides of your lips and cheeks. However, no orthodontic system is 100% pain-free. Your aligners will apply continual pressure to your teeth to move them slowly. Your mouth may be a little tender when first wearing your aligners or switching to the next set in your series, but that's a sign your treatment is working. Your discomfort will improve as each day passes and will become less frequent. You can manage it with an OTC pain reliever and eat soft foods for a few days.
Believe it or not, Invisalign and metal braces can cost about the same. There's no flat fee for either method because many things will affect the amount you'll pay, like any preparatory procedures, the number of arches you're treating, and the complexity of your treatment plan. We strive to keep a straight smile affordable for everyone. After examining your mouth, your dentist will create a personalized strategy to improve your smile. A member of our team will review your estimate and payment options, like your dental insurance. Many dental plans can be used to lower the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket. You can use a monthly payment plan for any remaining balance through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. You’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay before committing to anything.
Invisalign often takes less time than traditional braces. Various factors influence the length of your treatment, like the severity of your alignment issues and complying with the instructions given by your cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville. On average, most patients are finished with their series in 12 to 18 months. You can ensure nothing delays your journey to a straight smile by wearing your aligners for 22 hours per day and changing to the next on time. Your dentist will explain how long your treatment will take during your consultation. Don't forget to maintain regular check-ins to monitor your treatment's progression.
Invisalign doesn’t come with the same dietary restrictions that traditional braces do. However, it is still a good idea to take certain precautions, like limiting your intake of crunchy and sugary foods. After all, hard pretzels, raw almonds, and other crunchy snacks can cause your attachments to break. Sweet treats, on the other hand, can cause cavities to form and lead to frustrating treatment plan delays.
Let’s start with what you should NOT use: toothpaste, mouthwash, and bleach. Instead, you should rinse your aligners with clean, cool water each time you take them off. Then, before you put them back on, use a damp, soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to gently scrub the surface. If needed, you can soak them for about 15 minutes or so in a dentist-approved clear aligner cleaner, too!
First, pinpoint the last place you know you had them. Then, carefully retrace your steps. In the process, look in your pockets, the waste bin in your kitchen, and other “random” places they could’ve ended up. If your attempt to find them is ultimately unsuccessful, then call us ASAP. That way, we can determine if you can move on to the next set in the series or if we need to have a replacement made.
You cannot drink coffee while wearing your aligners (yes, even iced coffee!). There are several reasons for this, including that doing so consistently can cause your trays to stain and your teeth to decay. So, it’s important that you get in the habit of taking them off, rinsing them with clean water, and placing them in their designated case beforehand.
After you’ve worked your way through every set of aligners in the series, we will shift our focus to the retention phase of your orthodontic treatment. This involves our cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville taking impressions of your teeth, having a custom retainer made, and giving you specific instructions on when to wear it. For most patients, it’s each night while they sleep, but there are some cases when it’s recommended to wear them as much as possible for the first few weeks or months.
Important reminder: If you accidentally lose or break your retainers, you should call us right away. The sooner you do, the sooner we can have it repaired or replaced, reducing your risk of orthodontic relapse in the process.