Invisalign – Bakersfield, CA
Discreet & Fast Orthodontic Treatment
Many adults and teens are hesitant to have their orthodontic issues fixed because they don’t want to commit to having metal brackets and wires in their mouth for years at a time. Unfortunately, when these problems aren’t addressed, it could put patients at a higher risk of oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. With Invisalign in Bakersfield, CA, Dr. Carlson’s patients can correct bite problems and address misalignment with a discreet and more comfortable alternative.
Why Choose Dominic Carlson, DDS for Invisalign?
- We Accept Dental Insurance
- Warm & Welcoming Dental Office
- We See Patients of All Ages
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that utilizes customized, clear aligners to gently and strategically shift teeth into their ideal alignment. Every two weeks, you’ll progress to a new series of trays that will allow your teeth to continue shifting. After about six to eight weeks, you’ll come back into our dental office to pick up your new trays and receive a quick follow-up appointment to make sure that you’re staying on-track with your treatment timeline.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Not every patient with orthodontic issues can benefit from Invisalign treatment. In more severe cases, traditional braces may even be the most efficient and effective option. However, Invisalign in Bakersfield can address a wide array of issues, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
The best way to learn whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carlson today.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign
Invisalign is such a popular orthodontic treatment because it has several unique benefits to offer patients, including:
- The clear aligners make it hard for others to spot that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
- Because your aligners are removable, they’re simpler to clean and make it easier to prevent oral health problems as you’re undergoing treatment.
- Eat What You Want. Since your trays are removable, you can eat whatever you’d like while you’re undergoing treatment, just make sure to take out your trays beforehand.
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Although some treatments have a flat fee, Invisalign doesn’t. While that makes it difficult to get an estimate of the price without a consultation, it ultimately benefits you because your treatment plan will be completely tailored to your specific dental needs and smile goals! In short, if you’re interested in getting an estimate of the cost of your Invisalign treatment, then you should schedule an appointment with our Bakersfield dental team. If you want to learn more on the topic until then, you can read on!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
Now that you know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of Invisalign, you might be wondering, “What factors impact the price of my treatment? Well, there are a few, starting with how many aligners you need and extending to how severe your case of malocclusion is. As you’re undergoing the treatment, you’ll need to remain diligent about keeping tabs on your trays and making sure they remain clean too. This will prevent you from needing to order a replacement, which may cost extra. As long as you stay on-track with your treatment timeline, the price that we quote during your initial consultation shouldn’t change.
Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?
If you’ve seen the commercials and social media ads for mail-order clear aligners, you might be wondering how the price compares to Invisalign. Simply put, mail-order clear aligners cost less, but they aren’t reliable or backed by professional organizations, like the American Dental Association. Plus, they don’t conduct a thorough exam and rely on DIY impressions, which are two reasons patients have experienced worsened misalignment and even tooth loss! These are just a few of the many reasons you should use a safe and professional orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
For some patients, the answer is “yes!” That’s why it’s worth taking the time to review the fine print on your dental plan or call your provider directly to see if your benefits will cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign. At Carlson Dentistry of Bakersfield, we welcome several of the nation’s leading providers, including Guardian, Humana, and MetLife. As a result, utilizing your available benefits is a breeze!
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
If you currently don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry – our team would be more than happy to review the other financial solutions available. Our in-house membership plan is a great example! If you’d like to learn more about how joining can help you save, then give us a call, schedule an appointment online, or ask our team during your consultation. Remember, we’re here to help make every step of the treatment process smooth, from scheduling your first appointment to navigating the financial side of Invisalign.
Invisalign FAQs
Dr. Carlson, your cosmetic dentist in Bakersfield, and our team want you to feel confident in your decision to move forward with Invisalign treatment, which is why we’ve taken the time to answer several of the most common questions that we receive from our patients below. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for, please feel free to contact our office directly so we can get you the answers you need.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
There are several different factors that will play a role in how long you’ll need to be undergoing Invisalign treatment for. Some of them include:
- Whether you stay on-track with your treatment timeline
- If you lose or damage an aligner during your treatment
- How severe your orthodontic issues are
- Whether you need to correct bite misalignment
- If you want to straighten both or one of your arches
We’ll discuss all of these details with you during your initial consultation and walk you through your treatment timeline so you know what to expect throughout the process. The average Invisalign case takes between 12 and 18 months, while more drastic cases can take longer.
Does it hurt to wear Invisalign aligners?
When you first get your Invisalign aligners in Bakersfield, you’ll need to undergo an adjustment period while you get used to how they feel. Most patients say that they experience little to no discomfort throughout their treatments, with the exception of whenever they switch out their trays for the next ones in their series. These are made to adjust your teeth even more, so they may make your gums and teeth feel sore and tender for a day or so. If this happens to you, you can take an over-the-counter medication to help, like ibuprofen. Or, we recommend switching to the next series in your treatment at night so you sleep through most of the adjustment period.
What should I do if my aligners get damaged or become lost?
If your aligners become lost or damaged, the first step you should always take is to contact our office so we can determine whether you need a replacement pair. If you do, we’ll order them immediately so you don’t fall behind on your treatment plan. In some cases, you may be able to advance to the next series of aligners in your treatment without any issues.
Can I eat with my Invisalign trays in?
You should never eat with your Invisalign trays in because you could accidentally damage them. However, unlike with braces, you’re able to eat whatever foods you’d like throughout your treatment. All you need to do beforehand is remove your trays from your mouth and store them in a hard protective case.