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Invisalign  – Jacksonville, FL

A More Subtle Way to Straighten Your Smile

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!

A young woman with blonde hair preparing to begin Invisalign in Jacksonville

Why Choose Dr. Richard Carlson for Invisalign?

  • Advanced, Modern Technology Available
  • Increased Patient Comfort using SmartTrack Material
  • Highly-qualified and Trained Dental Professionals

How Invisalign Works

A digital image of an Invisalign aligner going on over the lower arch of teeth

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.

Indications for Invisalign

A young female with bangs inserting an Invisalign clear aligner into her mouth

Knowing whether you are eligible for Invisalign is ultimately up to our team of qualified professionals. During your initial consultation, we will examine your smile and determine if your orthodontic problem can be easily treated with Invisalign clear aligners. Should you show signs of overcrowding, spaces between teeth, crooked teeth, or have a mild bite alignment issue, you will likely be recommended for Invisalign treatment.

Crowded Teeth

When teeth have no ample space between them to make good cleaning possible, it is necessary to pursue orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, the clear aligners can shift teeth just enough to create adequate space so that proper brushing and flossing can occur. This also reduces the chances of developing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Gapped Teeth

Unlike crowded teeth, those with gaps can experience trapped food and growing oral health problems. With Invisalign, though, the aligners can bring teeth closer together through careful treatment planning, allowing for a more pleasing aesthetic and more importantly, a healthier smile.

Bite Misalignment

Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can all be remedied using Invisalign. With these clear braces, you can watch as your bite shifts and moves into proper alignment. This, in turn, will reduce the potential for jaw pain as well as worn-down tooth enamel.

The Benefits of Invisalign Clear Braces

An up-close look at a person’s smile that has been straightened using Invisalign

When it comes to choosing Invisalign, you may be comparing the pros and cons of it and other orthodontic solutions. However, it is difficult to overlook the number of benefits that come with choosing this unique method of treatment, such as:

  • Subtly and Discreetness: The trays are made of a clear, plastic material, allowing them to remain undetectable to others.
  • Faster Results: You can be finished with Invisalign in as little as 12-18 months.
  • Flexibility: Unlike traditional braces that are affixed to your teeth and cannot be removed, you can take out your Invisalign trays when eating and drinking (anything but water) and enjoy all the foods you love.
  • Increased Comfort: With Invisalign, there are no metal brackets or wires that rub against your soft oral tissues. Instead, you will be wearing a smooth material that fits securely against your teeth, allowing for a more comfortable treatment.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

A young female holding an Invisalign clear aligner in preparation for reinserting it into her mouth

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 Dr. Carlson. 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.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Two Invisalign aligners on blue background

The cost of Invisalign can vary from person to person based on a couple of different factors:

  • The overall complexity of the tooth movements needed. For example, closing a single gap between your front teeth will likely cost less than straightening several severely crooked teeth.
  • Whether you are straightening one arch or both. Logically, straightening both the upper and lower teeth often costs more than straightening one row of teeth.
  • The length of the proposed treatment. Longer treatment times will require more aligners and thus more cost.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

Woman removing Invisalign aligner from mouth

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!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Dental insurance paperwork on wooden desk

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.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Dentist examining woman’s smile after Invisalign treatment

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 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 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 FAQs

Questions about 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.

What Does Invisalign Look Like?

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.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

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.

Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Metal Braces?

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.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

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.