Your Invisalign® Questions, Answered
Thinking about clear aligners? You probably have questions, and we love them. It means you're taking your smile seriously.
Below, Dr. Manley and our team answer the questions we hear most at our Sammamish and Issaquah offices, from what Invisalign costs to whether it hurts to what happens after your last tray. Straight answers, no fine print. If yours isn't here, bring it to your free consultation, and we'll happily tackle it.
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Is Invisalign® Right for Me?
What is Invisalign, and how does it work?
Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-made aligners that move your teeth a little at a time. We start with a quick, mess-free 3D scan using our iTero scanner (no goopy molds here), and Dr. Manley plans the exact movement of each tooth.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Many people are. Invisalign can address crowding, spacing, and certain bite concerns like overbites and crossbites, and Dr. Manley can treat a wide range of cases with it. The other half of the equation is you: aligners only work when they're in your mouth, so Invisalign is a great fit for people who can commit to wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day.
If another option would get you a better result, we'll tell you. Our goal is the right treatment for your smile, not a particular brand of treatment.
What if Invisalign isn't the best fit?
You still have great choices. We also offer Damon metal braces and LightForce® clear braces, and you'll leave your consultation knowing exactly why we recommend what we do.
Invisalign® Cost, Insurance & Payment Plans
How much does Invisalign cost?
No two smiles are priced the same. Your cost depends on how complex your case is and how long treatment lasts.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
If your dental plan includes orthodontic benefits, it may apply to clear aligners as well as braces, though coverage varies by plan. We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and Guardian, and we'll contact your insurance company so you don't have to. Don't see your plan? Call us at 425-392-7533, and we'll check.
What payment plans do you offer?
We believe cost should never stand between you and a great smile. We offer flexible payment plans, full-payment discounts, and multi-family-member discounts.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take, and How Many Visits Will I Need?
How long will my treatment take?
Most adults complete Invisalign in about 6 to 18 months, and most teens in 12 to 18. Teen timelines tend to run a little longer because growing mouths and busy schedules add variables. The biggest factors are how complex your case is and how consistently you wear your aligners. Falling short of the recommended wear time can slow your progress and make results less predictable.
How often do I need to come in?
Plan on a progress check about every 6 to 8 weeks. We'll make sure your teeth are moving as planned and give you your next set of aligners if needed.
Can I check in from home?
Yes. With the DentalMonitoring® app and ScanBox Pro, you snap photos of your smile from home, and our team reviews them to confirm your treatment is on track, which can save you a trip to the office. It works with clear aligners and braces, and there's no extra charge.
Living With Invisalign®: Your Day-to-Day Questions
Does Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild pressure for a day or two each time you start a new set of aligners. That's a sign they're working. Most patients find Invisalign far more comfortable than traditional braces, since there are no brackets or wires to rub.
Can I eat and drink normally?
Almost. You'll take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything other than water, then brush before putting them back in. No more "no popcorn" rules, but also no snacking with your trays in.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
Brush your teeth before you put your aligners back in, and rinse your aligners and keep them in their case when they're out. Your team will walk you through cleaning tips when you pick up your first set.
What if I lose or break an aligner?
Call us right away at 425-392-7533. We'll tell you whether to go back to your previous set or move on to the next. Please don't wait: teeth can start to drift quickly.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
For many cases, yes. Invisalign uses SmartTrack™ aligner material and precise 3D planning to move teeth predictably. Dr. Manley will let you know if your bite would be better served by braces.
Does Invisalign take longer than braces?
In many cases, it takes about the same amount of time as braces, and sometimes less. Your estimate depends on your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.
What happens if I don't wear my aligners enough?
Your teeth move more slowly and less predictably, and treatment can take longer. If life gets in the way, tell us, and we'll help you get back on track.
After Invisalign®: Retainers and Keeping Your Smile
Do I really need a retainer?
Yes. Teeth aren't set in concrete; they're set in bone, and that bone is constantly remodeling. Without a retainer, teeth tend to drift back toward their old positions. When you finish Invisalign, you'll trade your last aligners for a custom retainer, and Dr. Manley will tell you how long to wear it. Many people wear removable retainers at night for life, and you can't wear them too long.
Ready for Answers About Your Smile?
Every smile is different, and the best answer to "Is Invisalign right for me?" comes from an exam. Book your free consultation at our Sammamish or Issaquah office, and Dr. Manley will look at your bite, talk through your goals, and give you a clear plan, timeline, and price.
Book Your Free Invisalign Consultation at Christian Manley Orthodontics in Sammamish or Issaquah, WA.
