The Skinny on
Here are the most common questions we hear from our Greater Omaha Invisalign patients. To begin your own Invisalign treatment and get even more in-depth answers, contact us at (402) 592-3200 or info@hawleyorthodontics.com and schedule your free exam.
Q: How does Invisalign work?
A: With Invisalign, Dr. Hawley customizes a series of clear, plastic trays that use gentle, steady force to shift your teeth into their ideal positions. He maps out your precise tooth movements on a 3D model of your mouth and the aligners are created based on this prescription. You wear a new set of aligners every week or so and as you move through your trays, your teeth straighten a little bit more.
Q: Does Invisalign have any food restrictions?
A: Nope! You’ll remove your aligners before every meal so you can eat whatever your heart desires.
Q: Does Invisalign hurt?
A: No. Invisalign doesn’t cause any real pain. You may feel some minor discomfort for a day or two after putting in a new set of aligners. This can easily be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever and it just means your Invisalign is working.
Q: Can I smoke while wearing Invisalign aligners?
A: No. We don’t recommend smoking in general and since nicotine will stain the aligners, they’ll no longer be clear. That pretty much defeats the purpose of invisible treatment. It’s the perfect opportunity to quit smoking!
Q: How often do I need to visit Dr. Hawley while I’m being treated with Invisalign?
A: You’ll swing by to see Dr. Hawley about every eight weeks or so. Invisalign doesn’t require any adjustments so it’s just a chance for us to make sure your treatment is on track.
Q: How long does Invisalign treatment last?
A: The length of your treatment will depend on how severe your bite issues are and how well you follow the instructions for wearing your aligners. It could be as quick as six months or about the same as braces. After Dr. Hawley has a chance to examine you and take a look at the 3D model of your mouth, he’ll be able to tell you exactly how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign to achieve the results you desire.
Q: How much does Invisalign cost?
A: At your consultation, we’ll chat with you about the cost after Dr. Hawley has a chance to check out your bite. We believe in complete transparency, so you’ll have the full picture before we start treatment and you’ll never be surprised with hidden fees. We accept most insurances and we can help you determine the amount of coverage available to you. We also offer low down and monthly payment plans as well as in-house interest-free financing. We’ll work with you to ensure treatment fits your budget.
The most common insurance companies are:
Aetna
Ameritas
Assurant
BCBS
Cigna
Delta Dental
Guardian
Lincoln Financial Group
Metlife
Principal Financial
Renaissance
TeamCare
United Concordia
United Healthcare
Nebraska Medicaid
We work with other insurance companies in addition to the ones listed. Please contact us to learn more.
Q: How often do I need to wear my aligners?
A: We recommend wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. You’ll take them out to brush and floss your teeth and to eat.
Q: Will wearing Invisalign interfere with my speech?
A: In most cases, Invisalign doesn’t affect your speech at all. Yet, as with any treatment, it may take a few days to get used to having something in your mouth. Some patients report a slight lisp until they acclimate to their aligners. If this happens, don’t worry, your speech will quickly go back to normal.
Q: Can I chew gum with my aligners in?
A: There are zero food restrictions with Invisalign so you can chew gum. However, you’ll want to take your aligners out of your mouth first. But remember, you need to wear them for 22 hours per day!
Q: How do I keep my aligners clean?
A: Simply brush your aligners with a toothbrush and some toothpaste and rinse them with lukewarm water.
Q: Do I need to wear a retainer after my Invisalign treatment is finished?
A: Yes. Regardless of whether you have braces or Invisalign, the only way to ensure your results last is to wear a retainer. The teeth have a habit of wanting to go back to their old places as soon as you finish treatment. A retainer prevents this. Eventually, you’ll only have to wear it at night though.
Q: How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Invisalign?
A: The only way to determine if Invisalign is right for your smile needs is to come in for a free consultation with Dr. Hawley so he can assess your bite. Instead of wondering, book your appointment today by giving us a call at (402) 592-3200 or emailing us at info@hawleyorthodontics.com.
