Clear Aligners Holden
A Metal-Free Smile-Straightening Solution
Do you get frustrated when you see your smile in the mirror? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are unhappy with their teeth, and in many cases, it’s because they’re crowded or misaligned. Fortunately, you no longer have to deal with metal wires and brackets to get the straight grin you’ve always wanted. With our 100% made in-house clear aligners, our Holden orthodontist can discreetly and comfortably fix misaligned teeth. If you’d like to find out whether a metal-free smile-straightening solution is right for you, continue reading or give our office a call today!
Why Choose Witt Orthodontics, PC for Clear Aligners?
- Convenient In-House Orthodontic Lab
- Insurance Welcome & Financing Available
- Orthodontist with 25+ Years of Experience
How Clear Aligners Work
This modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of plastic clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired positions. Each set of trays is worn for a predetermined amount of time, usually about two weeks. One significant advantage of clear aligners is you don’t need to visit Dr. Witt as often as you would with traditional braces. You just need to see him every six weeks or so to pick up your new aligners and ensure everything is going according to plan.
Indications for Clear Aligners
Our clear aligners can correct multiple orthodontic issues, including:
Crowded Teeth
Do you feel like you have too many teeth in your mouth? If so, you may benefit from clear aligners. It’s crucial to fix crowded teeth as soon as possible because they make it difficult to brush and floss, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Crowded teeth can also get worse over time.
Gaps Between Teeth
Having gaps between your teeth doesn’t just affect your appearance – it has an impact on your oral health. Gaps allow food and bacteria to become trapped between the teeth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our clear aligners can gently bring your teeth closer together in the dental arch and minimize the open space.
Bite Alignment
A misaligned bite can cause speech issues or tooth damage due to uneven pressure, but it is also common that your temporomandibular (jaw) joints will feel strained. This can be painful to the point that it significantly impacts your quality of life. Our clear aligners can resolve a variety of bite issues like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
Counting on clear aligner treatment allows you to enjoy several benefits, including:
- Safety and Comfort – The clear aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they are one of the most comfortable orthodontic options available. They won’t irritate your soft oral tissues in the same way traditional metal braces can.
- Shorter Treatment Time – Metal braces usually take 2-3 years to align your teeth, while clear aligners only require 12-18 months.
- Discreet – Our clear aligners virtually invisible, meaning hardly anyone will notice you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance.
Understanding the Cost of Clear Aligners
For many people, the one thing standing in the way of them and scheduling a clear aligner consultation is the big question mark when it comes to the cost. Unfortunately, there isn’t a set cost for clear aligner treatment because it depends on different factors, like how many aligners you’ll need and whether your treatment gets set back if you lose a set. Once our team has a chance to examine your mouth, we’ll be able to provide you with a detailed cost estimate so you know exactly what to expect. At Witt Orthodontics, PC, we’re also proud to be an in-network provider with many dental insurance PPO plans.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Clear Aligners
There are multiple factors that can impact the cost of clear aligners. Here are a few that we’ll take into account when creating your estimate during your consultation:
- How many aligners you’ll need. This is often determined by the extent of your malocclusion or dental misalignment.
- Whether you are straightening one or two arches. In most cases, we recommend straightening both arches to prevent misalignment from developing. However, in some cases, it may make the most sense to just treat one row of teeth.
- If your dental insurance covers any portion of your treatment. In some cases, plans may cover a portion of clear aligner treatment, which can reduce your overall cost.
Our Clear Aligners vs. Smile Direct Club™
Mail-in orthodontic aligners systems like Smile Direct Club are more popular than ever, leading to many patients choosing the DIY method over visiting an orthodontist, who is professionally trained to provide these types of treatments. While Smile Direct Club may be cheaper because there’s little to no oversight from professionals, it’s often not the best value for patients.
Mail-in aligners are made from plastic, and you’ll need to take your own impressions at home. There’s a drastically higher risk of this going wrong than when you see an orthodontist, which can result in complications due to your teeth not being straightened properly. Ultimately, choosing Smile Direct Club or other mail-in options could end up being much more expensive than visiting to your clear aligner dentist.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Clear Aligners?
While some plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, benefits typically lean toward traditional metal braces, not clear aligners. However, more and more plans are covering the cost of clear aligners, so it’s worthwhile to call your provider directly to ask. Our team is proud to be an in-network provider with several PPO dental insurances, so you might be surprised at how much you’ll be able to save!
Options for Making Clear Aligners Affordable
We realize that dental insurance often doesn’t cover clear aligners, and in cases where adults need treatment, they often won’t cover any form of orthodontic treatment. That’s why we also offer in-house financing with zero percent interest. Don’t hesitate to ask us about this option during your clear aligner consultation!
Clear Aligners FAQs
Clear aligners are a great option to fix bite and alignment problems without brackets and wires, but it's normal to have a few concerns about the road ahead. Don't worry because Dr. Davis Witt will explain everything during your consultation. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about clear aligners while you wait for your appointment.
What Do Clear Aligners Look Like?
Clear aligners are made from a durable plastic material. Although you can see the aligners when holding them in your hand, they are virtually undetectable when wearing them. You don't have to worry about any unwanted attention brought to your smile. You can ensure your aligners stay transparent by caring for them properly, like cleaning them at least twice daily. Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything except water to prevent stains. While the aligners are clear, if you require any buttons or attachments, they can be a little more noticeable.
Do Clear Aligners Hurt?
No orthodontic system is completely painless. It's normal to have some tenderness after getting your aligners, but that's a sign your treatment is working. Clear aligners work by placing continual pressure on your teeth to move them gradually. The discomfort will improve within a couple of days but may return when switching to a new aligner in your series. As you progress through your treatment, any discomfort will lessen. You can manage any tenderness using an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods until it subsides.
How Long Does Treatment with Clear Aligners Take?
Every mouth and situation differs, but most patients are finished with clear aligner treatment in about 12 to 18 months. Your orthodontist will explain exactly how long you can expect your treatment to take at your consultation. Older patients and those needing complex tooth movements may require more aligners, so treatment can take longer. You can ensure there aren't any delays in the process by wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day and switching to the next set on time. Don't forget to visit your dentist regularly for checkups to keep your treatment plan on track.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance for Clear Aligners?
Many dental insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage. If your policy includes orthodontia, your benefits may cover a portion of the cost. After meeting your deductible, your insurance can pay a specific amount of your treatment, which can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on your coverage. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate benefits. They will explain how your insurance is being used and your payment options for any balance, like financing. Based on your credit approval, you can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. We will help you find the solutions you need to keep a straight, beautiful smile within your budget.
