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Invisalign® – Jacksonville, FL

A Clear Way to Straighten Your Smile

Invisalign® in Jacksonville

Far too often, patients assume that the only way to straighten crooked teeth or realign a bite is with metal brackets and wires. While this remains an option for patients of all ages, most adults who require orthodontics prefer a more subtle solution. At Jacksonville Dental Specialists, our team of experts is pleased to provide Invisalign in Jacksonville. With clear plastic aligners that are customized to fit your smile, you can feel more confident in your daily appearance and avoid the embarrassment of shiny metal. Call us today to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.

Why Choose Jacksonville Dental Specialists for Invisalign®?

  • Expert Dentists Who Have Decades of Experience
  • We Welcome Your Insurance
  • Caring Dental Team Focused on Patients’ Needs

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Invisalign® aligners in Jacksonville

Made of clear plastic trays, Invisalign is worn 20-22 hours each day and applies gentle pressure to your teeth to shift them in the right direction. Every two weeks, you are required to swap out your existing trays for the next set. This will ensure that your teeth continue to move accordingly. Every few weeks, you’ll return to our office for a follow-up appointment so that we can check your progress.

When worn correctly, you will notice a dramatic change in your bite and teeth alignment within 12-18 months (on average).

Indications for Invisalign®

Dentist holding mouth mold and Invisalign® in Jacksonville

Not everyone needs Invisalign or is considered a good candidate for treatment. However, after a thorough consultation with our team, we will determine if these clear aligners can help to treat one or more of the following problems:

Crowded Teeth

When teeth erupt through the gumline, there should be just enough space to ensure that you can adequately brush and floss your teeth. If teeth sit too close together, decay, cavities, and gum disease can cause a serious problem. Fortunately, Invisalign can work to gently move teeth away from each other so that overcrowding is no longer a problem.

Gaps Between Teeth

Having too much space between teeth can be an equally serious problem that can result in food debris becoming trapped and bad bacteria accumulating. Gum disease and cavities can also develop as a result. With Invisalign, though, your teeth can shift closer together so that the space is eliminated, and your smile is more aesthetically pleasing.

Bite Alignment

When your bite is out of alignment, you’ll likely notice a problem with jaw pain and worn tooth enamel. If allowed to continue, you can face significant issues such as sensitivity and TMJ. With Invisalign, we can work to bring your overbite, crossbite, open bite, or underbite back into alignment so that your mouth works correctly moving forward.

The Benefits of Invisalign®

Woman holding Invisalign® in Jacksonville

When it comes to choosing between metal braces and Invisalign, the benefits that come with clear aligners tend to be more appealing to adult patients. The reasons are:

  • Invisalign is a flexible treatment solution that allows you to remove your aligners to eat the foods you love.
  • Clear aligners are easy to maintain, requiring no special products (if preferred), and can be cleaned using a soft-bristled toothbrush, clear soap, and lukewarm water.
  • Invisalign can produce faster results than metal braces (12-18 months versus 2-3 years on average).
  • Invisalign is unlikely to irritate soft oral tissues because there are no protruding brackets to rub against cheeks, tongues, lips, and gums.

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign®

Invisalign® aligner in Jacksonville

When it comes to fixing crooked teeth, Invisalign may be the recommended treatment option, but how much will it cost? These clear aligners might be what you prefer, but can you afford them? The good news is that no two cases will produce the same price tag. What you need may be vastly different than someone else’s, so the only way to determine your cost estimate is to schedule a consultation with our Jacksonville Dental Specialists team. You can also count on us to help maximize your dental insurance benefits so that you pay less when it comes to any out-of-pocket expenses you might incur.

Invisalign FAQs

Patient placing Invisalign aligner on top row of teeth

If you want to learn more about Invisalign – from the average treatment timeline to what happens after you’re done – you’re in the right place. In fact, we’re even addressing common myths about clear aligner treatment in this next section! So, don’t hesitate to read on to learn more about this discreet orthodontic treatment.

Does Invisalign Give You a Lisp?

There is a popular rumor that Invisalign changes the way you speak. In reality, the large majority of patients with clear aligners have shared that that’s not the case. Plus, the small percentage that do only experience a minor change while their tongue adjusts to the presence of their trays. In other words, Invisalign wouldn’t be one of the most sought-after orthodontic treatments if it resulted in a lisp. So, don’t let that rumor stop you from discreetly straightening your teeth.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Invisalign can take anywhere from 6 months to 24+ months – it really depends! The complexity of your case, the number of aligners needed to straighten your teeth, and how well you follow the treatment guidelines are just a few of the many factors that impact your timeline. With that said, we will provide you with an estimate at your initial consultation as well as share all of our tips for staying on-track with your treatment plan.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

Fortunately, Invisalign does not hurt. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you won’t experience some soreness from time to time. After all, your teeth are moving into completely new positions! For that reason, you can expect to feel some discomfort in the hours following your transition to a new aligner. It’s helpful during this time to stick to soft foods, sip on cool water, and take OTC pain medication as needed.

What Happens After Invisalign?

After your Invisalign treatment, our focus shifts from straightening your teeth to preserving the position of your teeth. That’s why we will provide you with a custom-made retainer! This orthodontic device plays a crucial role in preventing orthodontic relapse, which is the phenomenon where your teeth begin to drift back to their previously misaligned positions. For many patients, they only need to wear their retainer at night. However, we may ask that you wear it around the clock for the first few months if your teeth had trouble moving.

Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

There is a common misconception that you can’t drink coffee with Invisalign. While you can’t drink this (or any other) dark-colored beverage with your aligners in, you’re welcome to enjoy it after you’ve removed them! We recommend drinking your coffee alongside a meal for that very reason; it will help you meet the 20-22 hour-a-day wear-time.