If you always wanted straighter teeth, but wanted something invisible, removable, and comfortable, then your time has come. Invisalign is your clear alternative to a healthier more beautiful smile. Introduced to the market in 1999, Invisalign has continued to improve and decrease in price. During this time thousands upon thousands of cases have been successfully completed in under 12 months using Invisalign. Will you be the next person to choose to better your life with an Invisalign smile? Contact us today for your free Invisalign consult.
About Invisalign
Invisalign braces are a series of clear plastic trays (aligners) that are worn approximately 21 hours a day and each aligner is worn for about two weeks. It can take anywhere from 10 to 30+ trays to complete an Invisalign case, with most cases being around 20 trays. To learn more about the Invisalign product, check out the Invisalign website.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Pros
- Virtually invisible.
- Most hygienic form of braces.
- Can take them out for eating, brushing and flossing.
- No negative impact on speech.
- Can even be worn by by clenchers and grinders.
Cons
- Not suitable for all cases.
- Rely heavily on patient compliance.
- Can be lost or broken more easily than conventional braces, resulting in added cost.
Sample Cases and Photos, Treated by Dr. Schau
Case #1- Spacing Between Teeth – Teenager
When it comes to closing spaces and being virtually invisible, Invisalign is a prime choice. This patient had spaces between her teeth that she wanted closed. Although conventional braces could have been used, they where not an option here as they would interfere with the patient’s modeling career. Good thing there is Invisalign. Check out what was done in as little as 7 months.
Before Invisalign Photos
After Invisalign Photos
Case #2 – Spacing Between Teeth – Adult
This individual also had spaces between her teeth that she wanted closed up. Being older and in the work force, she did not feel comfortable with conventional braces, so was attracted to the idea of Invisalign braces. Thankfully, this is what Invisalign excels at and treatment was pretty quick and easy.
Before Invisalign Photos
After Invisalign Photos
Case #3 – Crowded Teeth – Adult
Depending on the severity, Invisalign can be used to treat cases of crowded, and crooked teeth quite effectively. In many cases, it can be done as quickly and effectively as conventional braces, and in other cases it can take longer and result in a compromised result.
This patient had crooked teeth and decided it was time for change. He was an ideal candidate either conventional or Invisalign braces, and based on his lifestyle, he chose Invisalign for both its cosmetic and hygienic appeal. Check out the difference Invisalign has made for him.
Before Invisalign Photos
After Invisalign Photos
Retainers
After orthodontic treatment is complete, it is important to hold the teeth in place to prevent future drifting of the teeth, or Orthodontic Relapse. At Schau Dental, it is our policy that retainers be worn for a minimum of 6-12 months full time (minus when eating), and then slowly tapering down to nightly use for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. To help keep the teeth in place indefinitely, all our Invisalign patients are provided with four sets of Invisalign Vivera Retainers. With this approach, our patients have the opportunity to experience straight teeth for life.
General Dentist Vs Orthodontist
Some may be thinking, if I am going to have orthodontics done, why not see an Orthodontist? An excellent question. For some cases, the complexity of the case is so severe that the added training and experience of an Orthodontist is a real asset (E.g. cases where jaw surgery or major growth modification is required). Other cases can be a fare bit simpler and easy for a General Dentist to treat with the same level of quality. A General Dentist also has the ability to perform any required extractions or modifications to the teeth (E.g. bonding, veneers) that may be required, which may open up other treatment options potentially overlooked by an Orthodontist. The General Dentist can also combine visits between regular cleanings and checkups with your orthodontic visits (something an Orthodontist cannot do).
Dr. Schau has taken numerous courses in Orthodontics both during and after Dental School. He knows his limits and works closely with several Orthodontists in the city and will not hesitate to refer a case that would be better treated by an Orthodontist. As there are multiple options with Orthodontics, as well as alternatives, Dr. Schau recommends you see him for a consult before starting any treatment with an Orthodontist.
Costs for Invisalign Braces
At this point you are probably thinking “OK, I’m interested, but how much?”
The cost for braces will vary from dentist to dentist, and case by case depending on the length and complexity of treatment. When comparing prices, be sure to keep in mind what all is included in that price relative to the treatment being offered. At Schau Dental we endeavor to keep our prices competitive, affordable, and reasonable.
At Schau Dental conventional braces have a range in cost. For cases that can be completed in under six months of treatment, the cost is $3500. For cases that take longer and are more complex, the cost is $5,500. Included in these prices is the cost for orthodontic records as well as a temporary set of clear retainers and four sets on clear Invisalign retainers.
To help with these costs, Schau Dental offers interest free payment plans on all orthodontic cases. The fees are split over multiple visits with the initial no obligation consultation visit being free. If you decide after the consultation to proceed, a final records visit will be scheduled, and the first payment of $400 will be due at that time, with no obligation to proceed beyond this point. The third visit is scheduled a few weeks down the road at which time your treatment will start and the braces will be placed. For shorter cases, a cost of $1,000 will be charged at that appointment with the remainder of the costs being spread out over six monthly payments of $350 each, bringing the total cost to $3,500 and spreading it out over 8 months. For longer cases, a cost of $1,020 is charged at the braces appointment with the remainder of the costs being spread out over twelve monthly payments of $340 each, which brings the total cost to $5,500 and spreading it out over 14 months.
If you have orthodontic coverage with your insurance, all fees will be submitted to your insurance company first, and the remainder amounts charged to you.
For those who would rather pay us the full amount and not do a payment plan you will be eligible for a discount of up to $500. A further $200 discount can be earned for each friend you refer that enters into active orthodontic treatment at our office.
Please note that these fees may change at any time. However, once an individual has begun the records part of treatment, prices will be set for course of treatment without any increases along the way.