Do you have a habit of keeping your lips closed when you smile or covering your mouth when you laugh? If it’s
because you aren’t happy with the alignment of your teeth, then we have a solution: Invisalign. Unlike
traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t use metal brackets and wires; a series of custom-made, see-through aligners are used to transform
the look, health, and function of your smile. To learn more, reach out to our Castle Rock dental team or read
on!
Use the Arrows to Explore Our Services
How Invisalign Works

While traditional braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, Invisalign takes a completely different
approach. Instead, a series of custom-made clear aligners are made. You’ll wear each one for one or
two weeks, allowing your teeth enough time to move incrementally closer to their ideal positions. Each new
aligner will pick up where the last one left off, and you’ll have a front-row seat to the entire
process since they are clear!
Invisalign Teen

Invisalign isn’t just a great option for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the metal;
it’s a great option for teens who want to straighten their teeth without drawing unwanted attention to
their
smiles. So, if your child is dealing with overcrowding, an overbite, or another common orthodontic problem,
don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! In the meantime, you can read on to learn a little more
about this innovative solution, starting with how Invisalign Teen is different from Invisalign.
How is Invisalign Teen Different?
There are two ways Invisalign Teen is different:
- There is an indicator dot: In order to stay on-track with their treatment plan,
your teen needs
to wear their aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day. But how can you make sure they are
meeting the daily
wear time if they spend the majority of their day at school or with friends? Don’t worry
–
that’s why Invisalign Teen aligners have an indicator dot.
- There are a few replacement aligners: Even if your teen is typically pretty
responsible, they
may accidentally lose or break one of their trays during their teeth-straightening journey with
Invisalign. The
good news is that Invisalign Teen comes with a few replacement aligners so you don’t have
to stress about
added costs or significant treatment plan delays.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?
There are several factors we consider when determining if a patient is a good candidate for Invisalign,
starting with
the health of their smile. After all, if their teeth are decayed or there is an active infection in their
gums, then
the necessary restorative care needs to be provided first. The severity of their case of misalignment and
their
willingness to commit to good habits, like brushing and flossing consistently, also need to be considered.
Remember, even though clear aligners don’t come with the same rules and restrictions, there is still a
level of
responsibility that comes with orthodontic treatment. So, before signing on the dotted line, it’s
important to
have a conversation with your teen about the expectations, like wearing the trays for 20+ hours a day.
The Benefits of Invisalign Teen
Parents often assume that the benefits of Invisalign Teen begin and end with the discreet appearance of the
aligners.
That’s not the case! In fact, this popular orthodontic treatment comes with several perks, including:
- A shorter average treatment timeline
- Improved comfort
- No dietary restrictions
- Hassle-free dental care
- The ability to play sports and instruments
Ultimately, if your teen is interested in clear aligner treatment, there’s only one thing left to do:
schedule
a consultation at our Castle Rock dental office. That way, we can learn about their dental needs, their
smile goals,
and, ultimately, if they are a good candidate.
Who Can Invisalign Help?

To date, Invisalign has helped more than 17 million patients around the world with everything from small
spacing
issues to more moderate overcrowding and bite problems. So, if you are interested in straightening your
teeth the
metal-free way, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to find out if you’re a
candidate! In
the meantime, here’s a little more information on each:
Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding typically occurs when there simply isn’t enough space in your mouth.
Unfortunately,
this
orthodontic issue can dramatically increase your risk of tooth decay as well as take a toll on
the look
and function
of your smile. That’s why we recommend exploring your treatment options, including
Invisalign. If
you’re
a candidate, then we can improve the alignment of your teeth and bite – no metal
necessary.
Gaps Between Teeth
Spaced-out teeth are usually the result of the opposite problem: there is too much space in your
mouth.
The good news
is that Invisalign may still be an option, especially if your case is relatively mild. The best
way to
find out for
certain is to schedule a consultation. If we determine that clear aligners are the ideal
solution for
you, then the
teeth-straightening process will officially begin!
Overbite
Although your upper teeth should sit in front of your lower ones, they shouldn’t protrude
significantly. If
that’s the case for you, then you likely have an overbite, which is a common bite problem
that can
result in
everything from difficulty chewing properly to low self-esteem. Fortunately, Invisalign is often
an
option for
patients with mild to moderate cases!
Underbite
Even in mild cases, underbites are quite noticeable, which can take a serious toll on a
patient’s
self-esteem.
However, that’s not the only reason we recommend exploring your treatment options. In
fact, this
bite problem
can lead to dental damage, trouble enunciating clearly, difficulty chewing properly, and several
other
serious
issues. So, don’t put off scheduling a consultation with us.
Crossbite
Crossbites don’t just impact your self-esteem, they increase your chances of premature
wear, TMJ
dysfunction,
chronic jaw pain, and other unpleasant consequences. Fortunately, rubber bands, buttons,
attachments,
and the like
can be added to your clear aligner treatment to straighten your teeth and improve the alignment
of your
bite
simultaneously.
Open Bite
If you have an open bite, then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! Once we
know more
about your
dental needs, your smile goals, and the severity of the orthodontic issues present, we can
review your
treatment
options and decide together if Invisalign is the best solution. If that’s the case, then
we can
gently align
your teeth and bite without any metal brackets or wires.
Benefits of Invisalign

Oftentimes, patients find out that Invisalign uses basically invisible aligners and are sold. While
that’s certainly a noteworthy benefit, it’s actually just one of many. So, if you ultimately end
up choosing this innovative orthodontic treatment, read on to learn a few additional perks!
You Don’t Need to Buy Special Dental Care Products
It’s true! While patients with traditional braces need to buy special products to clean their teeth,
like interproximal toothbrushes and pre-threaded floss, that’s not the case for patients with
Invisalign. In fact, since the aligners are removable, you don’t need to make any changes to your
dental care regimen (outside of brushing your teeth after each meal and snack).
The Average Treatment Timeline Is Shorter
Typically, patients achieve the results they desire in about two years with traditional braces. Invisalign,
on the other hand, has an average treatment timeline of just 12-18 months. That’s another reason
patients love clear aligners: they deliver results relatively quickly. So, if you have a wedding, a
vacation, or another event coming up, consider Invisalign!
There Aren’t Any Dietary Restrictions
To prevent broken brackets, loose wires, and other common orthodontic emergencies, patients with traditional
braces are asked to eliminate certain foods from their diet, like popcorn, tortilla chips, and pretzels.
With Invisalign, the same dietary restrictions aren’t necessary because the aligners are removable.
All we ask is that you take your trays off first!
There Are Fewer Follow-Up Visits
To ensure continuous pressure is being placed on your teeth, monthly adjustment appointments are necessary
with traditional braces. Invisalign works a bit differently because patients are given several sets of
aligners at once. So, they can progress through portions of their treatment plan at home, requiring them to
only come in every 6-8 weeks.
The Aligners Are Basically Invisible
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without touching on the aesthetic benefits of clear aligners.
Since they are crafted from see-through plastic and custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly,
they don’t draw unwanted attention like metal brackets and wires do. The key to keeping them
stain-free is adopting good habits, like rinsing them with clean, cool water when you take them off.
There Aren’t Any Metal Components
Naturally, metal-free braces come with cosmetic benefits. However, there’s another considerable perk
that comes with using smooth plastic instead of metal brackets and wires: the teeth-straightening process is
considerably more comfortable. In fact, many patients don’t experience any soft tissue irritation (and
the same cannot be said for patients with traditional braces).
Living with Invisalign Aligners

Although Invisalign is hassle-free (especially compared to traditional braces), there are some rules you need
to
follow to stay on-track with your treatment plan. If you’re interested in learning what they are
before
signing on the dotted line, read on!
Wearing Your Trays
In short, you need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day, every day. One of the easiest ways
to make
this goal a reality is by only removing them when it’s absolutely necessary and putting them back on
ASAP. If
you’re still having trouble, try using the stopwatch on your phone as a guide! That way, you can see
where
improvements can be made.
Tip: Try designating a certain amount of time to each meal, like 30 minutes for breakfast, 40 minutes for
lunch, and
50 minutes for dinner.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Like many other patients, you may be drawn to Invisalign because the aligners are basically invisible. While
that’s true, they won’t stay that way if you don’t take care of them. In other words,
it’s
crucial that you rinse them with clean water every time you take them off and that you use a soft-bristled
toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to clean them before putting them back on.
Tip: Check the temperature of the water first! If it’s too hot, it can cause the plastic to warp.
Eating & Drinking
Since the aligners are removable, there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign. That said, we
do have
a few recommendations for our patients, starting with eating mostly healthy, well-balanced meals. We also
encourage
exercising caution with crunchier foods, like raw almonds, since they increase the likelihood of an
attachment
breaking or a tooth chipping.
Tip: Take your trays off before eating or drinking anything other than water, including iced coffee!
Losing or Damaging a Tray
If you look down and your trays aren’t where you thought, or there is a large crack running down the
middle
after a bad fall, do your best not to panic. Instead, call our Castle Rock dental team ASAP. Once we know
more about
what happened and where you are in your treatment plan, we can determine what to do next, like having you
move onto
the next set in the series a bit early.
Tip: Anytime you aren’t wearing your aligners, place them in their designated case so they don’t
accidentally get thrown away or damaged.
Attending Routine Check-Ins
Routine check-in visits are crucial because they allow us to monitor the movement of your teeth, ensuring
you’re on-track with your treatment plan. The good news is that these appointments are usually every
6-8 weeks
(they are every 4 weeks with traditional braces). Plus, since we offer essential preventive care as well, we
can
schedule some of them with your routine checkups and cleanings, making the teeth-straightening process even
more
convenient.
Tip: Always wear your aligners to your appointments!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign

If you’d like an estimate of the cost of Invisalign, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment
with our Castle Rock dental team. That’s because we can’t provide you with a number – or
even a general price range – without learning more about your case. After we complete a comprehensive
exam, we will create your custom treatment plan, review the factors that impact the price, and share all of
the financial solutions available to you.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign
At your consultation, we will cover a lot of ground, which includes a comprehensive oral exam. Our goal is to
determine important information about your treatment plan, including:
- How many clear aligners are needed
- If rubber bands or any other orthodontic accessories are necessary
- The type of retainer needed
The complexity of your case is important to consider as well. Plus, there are things that will impact your
treatment plan over time, such as how well you follow the treatment guidelines. Rest assured, we will review
all of this information with you at your appointment so you know exactly what to do to stay on-track with
your plan.
Are Mail-In Aligners Cheaper Than Invisalign?
Usually, mail-in aligners are cheaper than Invisalign. Of course, they also rely on DIY impressions and
aren’t overseen by licensed dental professionals, which means that they aren’t as reliable
either. In fact, many patients who have chosen this route have ended up experiencing worsened misalignment,
requiring them to get Invisalign anyway. Simply put, if you want to straighten your teeth while preserving
the health of your smile and wallet, it’s best to go with a professional orthodontic treatment, even
if other options seem more budget-friendly upfront.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Dental insurance doesn’t always cover Invisalign. There are some plans, however, that include a
once-in-a-lifetime orthodontic benefit. So, it’s definitely worth taking the time to familiarize
yourself with your coverage. If you need any help, you can always contact our Castle Rock dental team too!
We’re proud to accept all PPO dental insurance plans, and we have the knowledge and experience needed
to make navigating the ins and outs of your coverage a breeze.
Options for Making Invisalign Affordable
Are you currently uninsured? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that dental insurance isn’t the only
way to save on the cost of Invisalign. CareCredit flexible financing is a popular option because it allows
you to space out the price of your teeth-straightening treatment into smaller, more manageable monthly
chunks (sometimes with little-to-no interest attached!). You can also join our Sweet Smiles Club to save on
essential preventive and restorative care, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses overall. Simply put, there
are several ways to save at our Castle Rock dental office, so don’t hesitate to ask us about the
financial solutions available to you.