Invisalign – Burlington, MA

Now, We Can Straighten Your Teeth Without the Metal

Woman in plaid shirt smiling while holding clear aligners

According to recent estimates, 9 in 10 people are struggling with at least minor malocclusion. So, if your teeth are crooked or spaced-out, you’re far from alone. The good news is that traditional metal braces aren’t the only solution anymore. With Invisalign clear aligners, one of our talented Burlington dentists can guide your teeth into their perfectly aligned positions in an incredibly discreet fashion. Want to learn more? Schedule an appointment with our team or read on to learn all about Invisalign!

Why Choose Derek Song, DMD for Invisalign?

Preferred Invisalign Provider
Convenient Appointment Times, Including Weekends
Affordable Financial Solutions, Like Special Offers

How Invisalign Works

Woman in white shirt placing Invisalign aligner on top teeth

Instead of guiding your teeth into place with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses innovative aligners that are as effective as they are discreet. At the beginning of your treatment, we will determine how many trays you need, and you will wear each one for one or two weeks. Meeting the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time is essential since the aligners only work while you’re wearing them, and we will monitor your progress at your check-in appointments (which typically happen every six weeks or so). Since the average Invisalign treatment timeline is just 12 to 18 months, it won’t be long until you have the gorgeous smile you’ve been wanting!

Indications for Invisalign

Illustration of Invisalign being placed on misaligned teeth

Since debuting its clear aligners more than 20 years ago, Invisalign has continued to advance. Today, patients with all different kinds of orthodontic issues can turn to clear aligner treatment, including those with crowded teeth, gapped teeth, and misaligned bites!

Crowded Teeth

This is one of the most common orthodontic issues that patients struggle with, and it has the potential to negatively impact the look and function of your smile as well as your oral health. The good news is that Invisalign clear aligners are capable of guiding your teeth into their properly aligned positions.

Gaps Between Teeth

Spaced-out teeth can be polarizing. While some patients love the gap between their teeth, others aren’t a fan of the look. If the latter is the case for you, then don’t hesitate to ask our team about Invisalign. After taking a look at your teeth, gums, and bite, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for clear aligner treatment.

Bite Alignment

Many patients associate braces with straight teeth. However, orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, can also improve your bite. So, schedule an appointment with our team if you have an overbite, crossbite, underbite, or another bite issue.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Woman giving thumbs up and holding Invisalign aligner

With 14+ million patients around the world, it’s safe to say that Invisalign is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments . There are several reasons it continues to be a sought-after service, including the fact that:

There aren’t any dietary restrictions.
The average treatment timeline is between 12 and 18 months.
There are fewer check-in visits.
The aligners are virtually undetectable since they are see-through.
There aren’t any complicated oral hygiene regimens.

Living with Invisalign Aligners

Are you curious how to stay on-track with your treatment plan, what the progress visits will entail, and how to navigate mealtimes with clear aligners? Good news: you’re in the right place! This next section is dedicated to covering helpful information about living with Invisalign. As always, if you want to learn more on the topic, you can reach out to our Burlington dental team too!

Wearing Your Trays

As you may already know, wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a crucial part of staying on-track with your treatment plan! To make this second-nature, we recommend creating a daily routine with the help of the stopwatch on your phone. That way, you can see how close or far you are to the mark before making the necessary adjustments.

Cleaning Your Aligners

In addition to taking good care of your smile throughout your teeth-straightening journey, you need to take good care of your trays. Fortunately, you likely have everything you need already: a soft-bristled toothbrush, a mild, clear dishwashing liquid, and clean, cool water. If you want, you can also buy a clear aligner cleaner; this will go a long way in preventing noticeable stains and an unpleasant odor.

Eating & Drinking

One of the many perks of Invisalign is that there aren’t any dietary restrictions. In other words, as long as you take your aligners out before eating or drinking anything other than water, you can eat all of your favorite foods! All we ask is that snacks that can have a negative impact on your oral health, like hard pretzels and ice cream, are kept to a minimum. That way, tooth decay and other problems don’t arise.

Damaging a Tray

You might be surprised to hear that very small, hairline cracks in your aligner don’t always warrant an immediate visit to our office. As long as you use the utmost care, you should be safe to continue wearing them. Of course, if there is a significant split down the middle or one of your trays has shattered into several pieces, then you need to contact us ASAP so we can advise you on the best way to proceed.

Routine Check-Ins

Another important component of life with Invisalign is the check-in visits. These routine appointments (which are usually every six or eight weeks) allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth. If necessary, we can adjust your treatment plan if they aren’t moving as anticipated. Or, we can simply provide you with your next set of aligners, answer any questions you have, and schedule your next visit!

Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

Patient holding Invisalign in black and blue storage case

If you’re currently in the process of researching the cost online, you might be wondering why you can’t find a precise answer. It’s because Invisalign doesn’t look the same from patient to patient! The good news is that getting a better idea of the cost is easy – all you need to do is schedule an appointment with our team! From there, we can conduct an oral exam, provide you with an estimate, and review dental insurance, our membership plan, and the other financial solutions available to you.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

Dentist placing clear aligner on patient's top teeth

We mentioned above that we will conduct an oral exam at your consultation. This is crucial because we need to determine factors specific to your case, including the severity of the orthodontic issues, whether both arches of teeth need to be straightened, if accessories like rubber bands need to be added to your treatment plan, and the type of retainer you need. Rest assured, we will review each of these factors at your visit, and we will also share important information relating to the cost along the way.

Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?

Most of the time, mail-in aligners cost less because they don’t have an initial visit, they rely on DIY impressions, and the treatment plans aren’t supervised by licensed dentists. Those are actually just a few of the many reasons why – even if they are cheaper – they are not better. If you’re ready to fix crooked teeth, gapped teeth, or another common orthodontic problem, then you should choose a professional orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Patient filling out dental insurance form on laptop

Some dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign! So, take a look at the fine print on your plan; you might have a once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit. Our dental team near Burlington would be more than happy to take a look at your coverage as well. We can also file the claims on your behalf, provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, and answer any questions you have along the way.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

Patient smiling in reflection of handheld mirror

Don’t have dental insurance at the moment? That’s okay – we have an in-house membership plan! To join, you pay the annual fee. Then, you’ll enjoy complimentary preventive care as well as 15% off of any dental work. One of the best parts is that there isn’t any red tape, like yearly deductibles and waiting periods. Simply join and save!

Still have questions about the cost? Ready to get an estimate from our team? The next step is simple: schedule a consultation with us!

Invisalign FAQs

Can You Get Invisalign After Braces?

Did you have braces when you were in elementary school, middle school, or high school? If you did, and you didn’t wear your retainer consistently, then you may have experienced orthodontic relapse, which is when your teeth move out of their perfectly aligned positions. If you want a straight smile again, you’ll be happy to know that Invisalign may be an option! To find out, schedule a consultation with our Burlington dental team so we can assess your case and learn about your smile goals.

Can I Drink Coffee with Invisalign?

You can as long as you abide by one rule: remove your aligners first! Outside of that, there are a few best practices that will go a long way in protecting your teeth from stains and enamel erosion, like keeping sugar and other additives, to a minimum, using a straw, and rinsing your mouth with clean water afterward.

Who is Not Eligible for Invisalign?

There are some patients who aren’t cand2dates for Invisalign – at least not right away. For example, if you have a severe crossbite, you might need traditional braces. Similarly, if you have several cavities or an infection in your gums, then we need to provide the necessary restorative care before we can discuss clear aligner treatment. The good news is that, in both cases, Invisalign can often be a part of your journey to your healthiest, happiest smile. So, don’t hesitate to talk to us about your treatment options. We’re here to help!

How Do I Clean My Invisalign?

In addition to rinsing your aligners with clean water when you take them out, you need to use a damp, soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to clean them each morning and evening. To prevent them from developing stains or an unpleasant odor, it’s also a good idea to soak them in a dentist-recommended cleaner while you’re enjoying your dinner.

Tip: Check the temperature of the water before rinsing your aligners! If it’s too hot, the plastic can warp, rendering them virtually useless.

Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign Treatment?

Yes! As we mentioned above, orthodontic relapse is common, and we want to prevent that from happening to you. So, we will give you a custom retainer and share instructions on when to wear it (typically every night while you sleep). We’ll also share what to do and what not to do to ensure it lasts.

Does Invisalign Hurt?

When you first put on your aligners, you may feel some soreness/pressure. The good news is that this is only temporary and, if it’s bothering you, you can take OTC pain medication (as directed). Avoiding crunchy foods, using a cold compress, and sipping on cool water will also help.

Note: If you’re experiencing soreness from the movement of your teeth, do NOT take off your aligners! The more you wear them, the quicker you adjust. Plus, if you don’t wear them for 20+ hours a day, there’s a good chance that you’ll fall off-track with your treatment plan.