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Searching for the best Invisalign in Des Moines? Straighten your teeth with Iowa’s favorite Invisalign provider

Everyone wants a straighter smile, but some people are hesitant to use traditional metal braces. Metal braces are very noticeable and require a lot of maintenance. Invisalign is a discreet way to straighten your teeth and give you the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of having. If you’re looking for the best Invisalign provider in Des Moines, we’re here to help your smile reach its fullest potential.

Invisalign: The Clear Alternative to Metal Braces

If the idea of having a mouthful of metal has put you off of the idea of straightening your smile, Invisalign is the perfect alternative. From a distance, no one will be able to tell that you’re working towards a perfect smile with Invisalign clear aligners. You’ll experience the same results you would from traditional braces without the bulky metal dental gear.

What is Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatments do the same thing that braces will do. They just achieve the goal differently. Invisalign treatments gradually straighten your teeth with a series of clear aligners. Throughout the duration of your treatment, you’ll use several custom aligners designed to slowly move your teeth into the perfect position. The length of your treatment will depend on your unique needs and the amount of correction necessary to achieve proper alignment of your teeth.

clear teeth aligners

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Treatment?

The most obvious benefit of Invisalign treatment is straighter teeth. Proper alignment of your teeth will make you feel more confident in your smile, but the benefits are more than just cosmetic. It’s easier to chew, talk, and clean your teeth when they’re aligned properly.

Invisalign is Nearly Invisible

Many people feel self-conscious at the thought of getting braces because they’re very noticeable. While it’s common to see braces on young teens, many adults feel they’re too grown to be seen with braces. Invisalign is very difficult to see from a distance. Most people you talk to will have no idea that you’re wearing your aligners because they’re completely clear.

Invisalign is Comfortable

There’s always going to be slight discomfort when you’re aligning your teeth. Your teeth are slowly moving, and this can lead to increased sensitivity. Braces come with additional discomfort. Many people are constantly aware of the metal in their mouth. It brushes against the inside of their cheeks and lips when they talk. Dental hygiene may be uncomfortable. You might even have a hard time sleeping if your braces if your cheek rests on your pillow. 

Invisalign is flat and smooth. You’ll hardly be aware of it in your mouth. There are no sharp surfaces or bulky pieces that lift off the surface of your teeth. Invisalign aligners fit more like a mouthguard and they won’t irritate the inside of your mouth.

Dental Hygiene is Easier

Dental hygiene is extremely important to your overall health. Many people find that it’s easier to floss and brush hard to reach areas when their teeth are aligned correctly. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, you’re able to take them out to brush, rinse, and floss. Metal braces are much more difficult to keep clean because food and debris often get caught in the metal components.

You Can Eat Whatever You Want

When you have metal braces, there are many foods you have to avoid. There are no food restrictions with Invisalign. You can have foods like popcorn, bread, nuts, and apples as long as they don’t cause discomfort when you eat them.

Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces?

The length of your treatment depends on the amount of correction your teeth need. This will vary from person to person. Usually, Invisalign treatments are slightly shorter in duration than using traditional metal braces.

The average Invisalign user will wear their aligners for about 12 months. For minor corrections, treatment duration may be as short as 6 months. Metal braces are typically worn for between 12 months and 24 months.

If you’re concerned with the timeframe, your dentist may be able to give you an estimate at your Invisalign consultation.

How Long Do You Wear Invisalign?

You’ll wear your Invisalign aligners for anywhere between 20 and 22 hours a day for the whole course of your Invisalign treatment. You’re supposed to sleep with your aligners in place.

Can You Eat With Invisalign In?

You shouldn’t eat with your Invisalign in. You can drink room temperature or chilled beverages while wearing your aligners, but you should avoid hot drinks. Heat can warp your aligners, changing the way they fit and making them less effective.

You can take your Invisalign out to eat or drink hot beverages. When you’re done, it’s very important to brush your teeth and remove any food debris before you put your aligners back in. . If you don’t, that debris will be stuck to your teeth within your aligners all day. It’s important to be mindful of your dental hygiene while using Invisalign.

While this may seem like a disadvantage, there is a silver lining. Many people say that Invisalign keeps them from mindlessly snacking between meals, since it adds a few more steps to the process. If you’re trying to cut back on your snack habit, Invisalign might be a blessing in disguise.

Why Is Invisalign Treatment Used?

Invisalign treatment is used to correct malposition of your teeth. If your teeth aren’t lined up the way they’re supposed to be, you may be more susceptible to things like tooth decay or gum disease. You can’t brush areas where teeth overlap or sit together at a difficult angle. By straightening your teeth, you’re better able to care for your mouth.

As a bonus, you’ll also have a smile you can feel confident about. You deserve to love the way you look, and Invisalign can help.

clear teeth aligners

Invisalign Treats The Following Concerns

In addition to improving general dental alignment, Invisalign can address many common dental concerns.

Gaps Between Teeth

Invisalign treats gaps between teeth by aligning teeth together. Over time, Invisalign treatment will cause your teeth to move closer together. This can make it easier to bite and chew.

Mild to Moderate Overbite

An overbite occurs when the top teeth rest in front of bottom teeth when the mouth is closed. This can make it difficult to chew.

Mild to Moderate Underbites

An underbite is when lower teeth rest in front of upper teeth when the mouth is closed. Someone with an underbite may have difficulty chewing tough foods. They might also have difficulty pronouncing certain consonant sounds.

How Do I Get Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment cannot be ordered online. It’s a custom solution that requires regular monitoring by a dental professional. You’ll need to have an in-person consultation with an Invisalign dentist to begin Invisalign treatment.

Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Insurance companies treat Invisalign the same way they’d treat traditional braces. If you have orthodontic coverage through your insurance or a separate dental insurance plan, you’ll likely pay much less out of pocket for Invisalign treatment.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

Invisalign costs will vary. Insurance coverage, financing, and the down payment you provide will determine the final cost of your treatment. You can also use FSA or HSA funds to pay for Invisalign treatment.

The duration of your treatment will also affect the cost because the amount of appointments and amount of aligners you’ll need to achieve your goals are a major factor of your treatment.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about total cost and payment options at your Invisalign consultation.

Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?

Metal braces are the economy option for dental alignment. They’re often a little less expensive than Invisalign. It also depends on how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket and what your insurance will cover. It may work out to be a similar price.

Is Invisalign Cheaper At A Dentist?

Treatment providers set their own prices. Some traditional dentists may charge just as much as cosmetic dentists. Some cosmetic dentists are more affordable than you may expect. Dentists in big cities often charge less than dentists in rural communities. It all depends on where you go, who you ask, and the standard of care you’d like to receive.

Is Invisalign Less Expensive Than Smile Direct?

Smile Direct is less expensive than Invisalign, but that isn’t always a good thing. Many professional dental associations highly advise their patients against using “aligner by mail” companies like Smile Direct because the treatment process doesn’t involve exams or close monitoring by a real dentist. This can lead to issues and significant concerns during the treatment process.

It may not be worth saving a few dollars for mail order aligners when it means sacrificing the personalized care of a dentist who can examine your progress, answer your questions, and monitor your dental health in person.

What Don’t They Tell You About Invisalign?

Invisalign is a commitment. You’ll need to regularly visit your dentist and receive new aligners. Invisalign works by moving your teeth a little bit at a time. When they’ve moved a very small amount, you need another set of aligners to keep the progress moving.

You also need to be mindful of how often you’re wearing your aligners. Although Invisalign can be taken out, you shouldn’t take it out for more than 2 to 4 hours every day. You need to use your aligners consistently in order to experience the treatment outcome you want. If you forget to wear your aligners or if you take them out all the time, you’ll be setting your progress back.

Why Should You Choose Invisalign?

You should choose Invisalign if you want to experience the cosmetic benefits of a perfect smile and the health benefits of properly aligned teeth. If Invisalign is a more appealing option to you than metal braces, it’s worth it. You have to be comfortable with the choice that you make, and many people feel more comfortable committing to Invisalign.

Book Your Invisalign Consultation Now

If you’re ready to learn more about what Invisalign can do for your smile, contact us today to schedule an Invisalign consultation. We’re ready to explain how Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and answer any questions you might have about the process.