Can You Switch from Braces to Invisalign?

Invisalign® has a very high patient satisfaction rating. So, it is not uncommon for patients who started with the more affordable traditional braces to decide to switch to invisalign at the middle of their treatment. But is this possible?

Yes. It is possible for patients to transfer from wearing traditional braces to finish their orthodontic treatment using Invisalign, but you must take your orthodontist’s advice into consideration and weigh it against your personal circumstances.

Implications of the Switch

Although switching from braces to Invisalign is not quite “starting over’, it can be very costly for two key reasons. First, the cost associated with removing braces is quite high; and second, ordering Invisalign aligners for the different treatment stages is also quite expensive.

• Higher switching costs – Compared to starting with Invisalign, it will cost you more to switch treatments. If you are on a budget, it may be better to stick with the braces until the treatment is complete and your teeth look perfect. Invisalign requires you to get new impressions of your mouth fabricated, which your insurance company may object. If you don’t mind paying out-of-pocket, you can proceed.

• Removing traditional braces – If you are planning on switching to Invisalign for a special event, you may get your orthodontist to remove the metal braces for a day. This process is costly, so you should consider switching completely to invisalign. Invisalign should not be removed very often. But since these clear plastic braces are nearly invisible, you can leave them on when attending events and still not look like you are wearing braces.

Consult With Your Orthodontist

If you have braces, it will cost you a lot to start over with Invisalign. So, speak with your orthodontist or dentist and ask him/her to be honest with you on what can be done if you are dissatisfied with the results of metal braces, or if the irritation is worsening. Some braces are very hard to take off, and your orthodontist may not agree to remove the braces anyway.

The switch process usually involves the following steps:

1. Discussing your treatment options with a qualified Invisalign provider.

2. Creating a customized treatment plan, whereby your orthodontist takes x-rays, pictures, and impressions to help create your customized treatment plan.

3. Receiving aligners and starting your treatment plan.

4. Changing your aligner after every two weeks as your teeth get fixed.

5. Completion of treatment. There is no recovery time, so you can go on with your activities after the treatment with a bright smile.

The fee to switch is usually between $2,000 and $5,000. If your case is not too intricate, and you have the money, there should be no problem. Switching can dramatically improve your quality of life - which should not be overlooked!

Dr. Steve Ngo is a certified Invisalign® provider in Orange County catering to Newport Beach residents and surrounding areas. If you are in the area and looking for orthodontic treatment, then consider Image Dental Orange County.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup and Cleaning

Did you  know that in 2009 there were over 830,000 visits to emergency rooms in the United States for preventable dental conditions? Those who visit their dentist every six months have significantly better oral health than those who do not. With regular check ups and a good hygiene routine, many costlier procedures are never needed, saving you money in the long run and allowing you to enjoy healthier teeth for a longer period of time.

You may be wondering- Why not stick to just my at home care? While a good home care routine is absolutely necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums, a cleaning by a certified dental hygienist will always be more thorough than your home care routine due to the special tools used to get rid of tartar and plaque. Plus, it is easier for the hygienist to see back into the hard to reach areas of the mouth to clean spots you normally miss.

The biannual check up and cleaning recommended by the American Dental Association is covered by insurance, but if you do not have insurance, it doesn't hurt to call and ask for an estimate or appointment. So if you have missed your six month cleaning, call and schedule an appointment today! If you're curious as to what's going on during your checkups and cleanings, visit our page for more specifics.

Same Day Porcelain Crowns in California

Like many dental procedures, crowns and veneers typically take multiple trips to the dentist over several weeks. But at Image Dental OC, you don’t have to wait. Instead of dealing with irritating temporary crowns and veneers while your permanents are made, you can walk into the office with a damaged tooth and walk out with a permanent crown on the same day porcelain crowns procedure.

These speedy procedures are accomplished using the E4D System, a state-of-the-art computer system that precisely scans your smile and develops a custom crown or veneer that will fit perfectly on your teeth.