Thursday, August 26, 2021

Can You Afford Invisalign?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment options, many people have a tough time deciding between getting Invisalign or traditional braces. Ultimately, every patient is different and the best option comes down to your lifestyle, your preferences, and your orthodontic needs. If you want a treatment option that doesn’t draw attention to the fact that you’re straightening your teeth, Invisalign is the clear choice for you. But can you actually afford Invisalign treatment?

There are a number of factors that contribute to the amount you might pay Invisalign. Factors include:

1. The Severity of Your Orthodontic Problem - Invisalign can treat almost the entire spectrum of teeth and jaw misalignments. However, more acute conditions take more time and supplies to correct. Therefore, a severe orthodontic problem might end up with higher overall costs.

2. Insurance - When Invisalign was first introduced, it wasn’t covered by insurance companies, making it a very expensive option for anyone who wanted it. Today, it is covered by a wide variety of companies and plans.

3. Patient Compliance - Invisalign’s efficacy depends almost entirely on whether or not you actually wears your aligners. The treatment itself recommends that the aligners be worn all day, every day. The you cannot leave your Invisalign trays in because of an activity like playing a sport or playing an instrument, your teeth are not going to move as quickly. This means that your treatment time will take longer than originally planned, which could make your entire treatment more expensive.

At McClellan Orthodontics, the cost of any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, depends on the severity of the patient’s problem. In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:

  • If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a fee discount. 
  • To fit your individual needs, financial arrangements can be made to extend your payments over a period of months. 
  • We offer a unique program where we create a payment slider. You pick the down payment and you pick how many payments you would like to make.

Effective for a wide range of smiles. The Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by most insurance companies, if cost is a concern, we can provide you with estimates based on your exact treatment plan.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. McClellan to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.

 

 

Friday, August 6, 2021

More Than a Pretty Smile

McClellan Orthodontics

The benefit of straight teeth is not only for aesthetics.

Straight teeth are easier to clean. When teeth are rotated and overlapped, more nooks and crannies exist where plaque bacteria can build up. Even with proper brushing and flossing, some areas may be difficult to clean and will have a higher risk of forming a cavity. Straighter teeth allow for easier cleaning and lower cavity risk.

Because misaligned teeth are more difficult to keep clean, the build-up of plaque bacteria can cause gum inflammation that may potentially lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Also, gum recession can occur in areas with crowding due to difficulty with brushing.

Even if your teeth appear straight, there can be a problem with your bite. Added wear of teeth, chipping of teeth, and teeth grinding are very common problems when an improper bite is present. Jawbone and joint problems can also develop, leading to breakdown of the bones that support your teeth as well as TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines.

When teeth are crooked or the bite is off, it can change the shape of the face. Teeth with extreme overbite can make the lower jaw and chin look unpronounced, and underbite can make the chin look overly pronounced.

The benefits of straight teeth and jaw alignment are important to your overall well-being. If you are interested in straightening your teeth or have any questions about your options, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. At McClellan Orthodontics, our team can develop a plan to ensure your teeth are not only straight, but a healthy bite is achieved.