The Types of Braces Your Orthodontist Uses Matters

Kelly Orthodontics

Your smile has an effect on your whole life. At Kelly Orthodontics, we offer three types of braces to help transform your smile.

Victory Series Braces Low Profile Braces - Metal braces are the most common type of braces used in our practice because they are robust and remarkably effective. However, unlike earlier metal braces, the Victory SeriesLow Profile Braces System incorporates a low-profile approach that enhances both aesthetics and patient comfort. Since the brackets and tubes come with a pre-applied, light-sensitive adhesive that enables patients to have controlled, efficient bonding with less waste, trouble and time, the Victory Series is popular with our patients. The bonding pads curve to match the shape of your tooth to provide exact results. The brackets are also color-coded to help your Dr. Kelly quickly and effectively treat each tooth individually.

Clear Aligners - Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear trays that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional braces. With Invisalign clear aligners there are no metal brackets or wires to detract from your smile while undergoing treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are often more comfortable than traditional silver braces. Clear aligners are used to close gaps between teeth, as well as treating overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, and overcrowded teeth. However, certain types of orthodontic problems still require braces on the teeth to be corrected. Children, teenagers, and adults can wear Invisalign.

Clarity Ceramic Braces - Ceramic braces work just like traditional silver braces, however, they are made of a tooth-colored ceramic material and are nearly invisible. Clarity Ceramic Braces offer the ultimate combination of aesthetics and performance to our patients. They are ultra-small translucent brackets, made of an innovative ceramic material for an attractive appearance. They are designed to blend with your natural tooth color and are resistant to staining and discoloration throughout treatment. Clarity Ceramic Braces also have dome-shaped design to aid in patient comfort.

At Kelly Orthodontics we are serious about getting the best possible result with the least amount of discomfort in the fastest time possible. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and smile with confidence tomorrow.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

Kelly Orthodontics

A variety of orthodontic options exist today for people looking to correct their smile. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign aligners, it can be a challenge to decide which choice is the best. At Kelly Orthodontics, we know about all of the treatment options on the market, and which is the best option for your specific orthodontic problem.

Metal Braces - Metal braces are the most common type of braces because they are robust and very effective. Metal braces are made of sleek surgical steel and titanium and are comfortable to wear. Metal braces are bonded to the teeth and connected with a metal archwire brought into place with tiny elastic bands. Metal braces require periodic tightening every 4 to 6 weeks. The steady pressure will gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw over time. Metal braces can correct a wide variety of issues, including jaw problems,crooked teeth, and bite misalignments. Silver braces are a proven method for getting a lifelong, healthy bite.

Ceramic Braces - Clear ceramic braces are a popular choice for teens who want to make a lasting impression and adults who want to make a less noticeable statement during treatment. Ceramic Braces work like metal braces only better, because they blend in with your natural tooth color for a great look. Ceramic Braces are similar to Silver braces in their application, duration of treatment, and removal and are used to correct the same dental issues as metal braces and invisible aligners. Since ceramic braces are designed to blend seamlessly into your smile, Dr. Kelly will select the perfect shade to match your natural tooth color. For those with naturally whiter teeth, a clear ceramic is used to render the brackets almost invisible. Those with darker tooth shades have the option to select colored ceramic matched to their teeth for best aesthetic results. The metal archwire is similarly colored to complement your teeth, and the elastic bands are typically clear.

Clear Aligners - Unlike silver and ceramic braces, clear aligners, like Invisalign, use clear trays to help you achieve a straight smile. The clear aligner trays are removable, which means that when you need to take them out, you can. It also means that you can continue to take care of your teeth normally, and continue to eat the wonderful foods you love. Typically, clear aligners work faster than traditional braces, meaning that you can effectively straighten your teeth faster. Each set of aligner trays are designed to fit your mouth and your teeth comfortably. Clear aligners have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Which orthodontic treatment option is best for you?

Dr. Kelly uses of the full range of orthodontic appliances to get you a great outcome in the shortest possible amount of time. Based on his specialty education in orthodontics, Dr. Kelly will recommend the treatment option he believes is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

 

Book an initial consultation with Kelly Orthodontics to talk about your options regarding orthodontic treatment. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

 

Selfies 101

Kelly Orthodontics

Selfies have been popular for years now…but do you know how to take the perfect one? At first it may have seemed a little ridiculous, all these people taking photos of themselves and posting them online. But did you know that taking selfies is a fantastic way to show off your personality and confidence…not to mention your Kelly Orthodontics smile?

Taking a selfie is an art form. A great selfie is more than just a quick camera click, it actually takes a level of skill to capture and edit the perfect picture. After some practice (using our tried-and-true techniques below) we know you will be a selfie master in no time at all.

5 Tips for the Perfect Selfie

1. Have Expression. You can never go wrong with smiling…but don’t fake it. Think about something that really does make you smile. Pull out a wonderful memory, relive it, and we promise that you’re going to have a beautiful facial expression in your selfie. Play around with different smiles and expressions and have fun! No matter what, a smile is the best expression you can wear.  
2. Capture Your Best Angle. We all have a particular side or angle that we feel looks much better in selfies. If you haven’t yet found yours, try moving the phone around your face and snapping a ton of photos. Instead of taking pictures head-on, turn your head a little to the right or left, or hold your camera a little higher…try different angles to show off your best features. Then pick the photos that you like most and remember the way you placed the phone and the way you turned your face. 
3. Focus on Lighting. Lighting is everything. They say that taking selfies using natural light is great. But the truth is that sometimes the rays can be too harsh on the face, so avoid snapping a shot during midday. You can always find a light source inside, just make sure that it’s not located behind you and that there are no shadows on your face. 
4. Show Off Something New. If you decide to take a selfie to show off something new, like…oh we don’t know, maybe your braces, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new accessory that has you so excited. 
5. Don't Use a Mirror. Just stretch your arm out, point the camera toward your face and click. You can use your front facing camera to make it easier!

Ok, now you’re ready! Upload those selfies to all of your feeds…Instagram, Facebook, anywhere and everywhere. Are you a patient of Kelly Orthodontics? Then tag us in your selfies, we would love to see your smiling faces!

 

 

Benefits of Early Treatment

Kelly Orthodontics

Together with the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Dan Kelly recommends that your child’s first check-up with Kelly Orthodontics be performed no later than age 7. By age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. Kelly to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws to spot potential problems.

There are generally three outcomes from this first check-up:

1. No treatment is expected to be necessary. 
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so your child will be monitored by Dr. Kelly periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow. 
3. There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that Dr. Kelly agrees are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in your child’s best interests. The goal of early treatment is to intercept developing problems, eliminate the cause, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth.

Orthodontic Issues that Dr. Kelly May Recommend Treating Early Include:

• Crossbites – Usually the result of a narrow upper jaw or abnormally wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a child to move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodating position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth.

• Crowding - Crowding of the teeth is one of the most common orthodontic problems. Crowded teeth typically stem from a discrepancy between space in the jaw and the size of the teeth. Crowding can be the cause of, or the result of other problems such as impacted teeth, retained primary teeth, or teeth that do not naturally fall out.

• Spacing - Spaces between teeth is another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Tooth size discrepancies, such as smaller teeth or abnormally shaped teeth, can also create abnormal spaces between the teeth.

• Openbite - An anterior open-bite is the lack of vertical overlap of the front teeth and can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or habits such as thumb sucking or the thrusting of the tongue against the front teeth.

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. But…regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit Kelly Orthodontics. No referral needed! Dr. Kelly will provide an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation. He will alert you to potential problems and recommend treatment when it is most appropriate for your child.

For additional information, visit our website. Then, give our St. Charles office a call to schedule your child’s initial consultation.

 

5 Reasons to Love Your Braces

Kelly Orthodontics

Your braces are an investment in your smile, your health, and your overall well-being. Braces can transform your teeth, give you a more comfortable bite, and give you a beautiful smile that will boost your confidence.

Braces can solve almost any orthodontic issue. Braces are customized to suit your needs and can help to improve a wide range of orthodontic issues. Whether you have a crossbite, crowding, or an overbite, braces treatment can help. Therefore, if you would really like to straighten your teeth, braces are your best option.

Braces enhance your natural teeth. Rather than covering your smile with veneers, braces can fix your natural teeth. Not to mention, braces are cheaper than most of these transformative cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Straight teeth are healthy teeth. Braces don’t just enhance your smile; they can improve your oral health too. Straight teeth are easier to clean. When your teeth are easier to brush and floss, you are less likely to develop cavities or infections. Oral health problems like worn enamel, gum recession, and side effects of grinding and clenching your teeth are also eliminated when teeth are shifted into proper alignment with braces.

Braces can be discrete. If you would like to avoid the metal brackets on your teeth, you have options. For example, Ceramic braces, work like metal braces…only better. Ceramic braces blend in with your teeth for a great look. You’ll be able to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.

The results are incredible! With braces, you can get the beautiful straight smile you’ve always wanted. Not to mention, having straighter teeth can improve your facial profile, align your jaw, and fix your bite…drastically improving your appearance.

Remember, braces are temporary. If you want to learn more about how braces can improve your smile, call Kelly Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. From conventional metal braces to Invisalign Dr. Kelly and his team have you covered!

 

Smile...It's 2022!

Kelly Orthodontics

It’s a new year! What better time than the New Year to focus on your well-being. This includes your orthodontic care. Addressing your orthodontic concerns in the new year not only leads to a new smile, but carries a host of other benefits, too.

For many adults and teens, crooked or imperfect teeth can have a negative impact on their self-confidence. If you are embarrassed by your smile, chances are the people around you are missing out on how approachable, confident, and knowledgeable you really are. By fixing your smile, you can boost your self-esteem and be more open and engaged with the people around you.

Moreover, what’s going on in your mouth is connected to your overall physical health. Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and poor oral hygiene increases the risk of bacterial infections in the blood. The American Dental Association reports that misaligned teeth are also linked to strokes, pneumonia, and diabetes.

When your teeth are spaced correctly, those nooks and crannies that once were more prone to harboring bacteria are now more easily reached. With straighter teeth, you can more effectively clean against toothdecay, gum disease, and cavities.

At Kelly Orthodontics, we practice the most innovative orthodontic care with amazing results. We make the process of getting straight teeth as quick, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. Our orthodontic services include:

Invisalign - This popular orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners that change the position of your teeth through steady pressure. The aligners are clear and difficult to detect during wear, perfect for adults and teens who want a subtle treatment solution. Invisalign can be used to treat some of the most common cosmetic dental problems, such as gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, and mouth crowding.

Traditional Braces - Metal braces are the most common option for a variety of reasons, including durability and cost. While they have been around for decades, constant innovation means that metal braces are more advanced than ever before and are a great option for straightening teeth, especially in severe cases.

Ceramic Braces - While they work similarly to metal braces, ceramic braces are a popular choice among many patients because they are less visible due to their clear color. If you want spectacular results without the aesthetic concerns caused by metal braces, ceramic braces may be a great option for you.

When you look good, you feel good. It’s no secret that straight, properly spaced teeth help you face the world with more confidence. The team at Kelly Orthodontics knows that making the decision to have a healthy smile is a great start to the new year! Don’t let anything hold you back from achieving your dreams, especially not your less-than-perfect smile. Take the first step towards your New Year’s resolution by scheduling a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Dan Kelly! Contact us today and start your journey to a beautiful new smile!

 

Handle Your Retainer with Care

Kelly Orthodontics

Like most patients at Kelly Orthodontics, you are probably counting down the days until you get your braces off. It’s no question that when that day comes, it will be exciting. But…it is important to remember that just because your braces have been removed, that doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is over.

Retainers will need to be worn following the removal of your braces to prevent the teeth from shifting. It is vital to follow Dr. Kelly’s instructions carefully after you have had your orthodontic treatment completed to ensure long-standing results.

Unfortunately, braces do not guarantee that your orthodontic treatment results will be permanent. In fact, teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original place after the forces holding them have been removed. Without a retainer, it is likely that the teeth will go back to their prior misalignment shortly after having your braces removed. A retainer helps to keep your teeth aligned until they have set firmly into place.

Retainer use will continue indefinitely. The amount of time that you must spend wearing your retainer will depend on how long it has been since you had your braces removed. In most situations, you will be required to wear your retainer as often as possible for the first 3 to 6 months after your braces have been removed. After this, it is recommended that you wear your retainer nightly for the next 1 to 3 years. Failing to wear your retainer for a day or two won’t cause significant issues but failing to wear your retainer for extended periods of time will cause your teeth to move out of alignment.

There two main types of retainers and our team will discuss the best solution for retaining the alignment of your teeth with you.

Removable Retainers – These are retainers that you can remove and store when they are not in your mouth. This kind of retainer is often much easier to keep clean, because you can remove your retainer whenever you eat or brush your teeth. Removable retainers allow you to be more efficient with your oral hygiene routine. However, the main drawback to removable retainers is that you must remember to wear it according to Dr. Kelly’s specifications. Removable retainers are also easier to lose and damage, because they can be taken out of your mouth and misplaced.

Fixed Retainers - A fixed retainer is adhered to the teeth in much the same way as your braces. Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire that is positioned and bonded to the back surface of your teeth. Fixed retainers effective at keeping the teeth in place, but they can be more difficult to keep clean.

It is important to keep your retainer clean and in good condition. Remember to rinse your removable retainer in cold water before and after use. If you have a fixed retainer, you will need to follow the same processes to clean it as you did with braces. Store your removable retainer in a plastic case whenever it is not in your mouth. You will also need to wash your retainer with a specialized cleaner every few months.

At Kelly Orthodontics, we are passionate about your smile. To learn more about how to keep your smile straight and beautiful, visit our website or give one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members a call.

 

 

Affordable Orthodontic Care

Kelly Orthodontics

If you recently learned that orthodontic treatment is in your or your child’s future, remain calm and rest assured that Kelly Orthodontics will help you each step of the way.

Dr. Dan Kelly and his team are aware that people have finite budgets. Juggling expenses is a fact of life. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make orthodontic care affordable and budget friendly.

First…make an appointment with our St. Charles, Illinois office. New patient exams are always complimentary. During this initial exam, a comprehensive clinical examination will be performed to determine the need for orthodontic treatment. If Dr. Kelly feels treatment is necessary, he will explain appropriate recommendations and answer any questions you may have. One of the things that make Kelly Orthodontics unique is that the doctor performs this initial examination himself. We feel that this personalized approach makes our office very approachable and responsive to your questions.

It may be a pleasant surprise to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. Monthly payments can be no more than the cost of your mobile phone plan…but the benefits last a lot longer. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance, and payment plans make care quite manageable.

Do you have insurance to help pay for treatment? For your convenience, we assist you by verifying insurance coverage and submitting insurance claims pertaining to charges for care rendered in our office. Orthodontic insurance differs from general dental insurance in that each insured individual has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee and can offset the total treatment cost. We can even help you strategize how to maximize your benefits so you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How can you afford braces without insurance? When it comes to paying for braces, you have options.

Choose a low-cost option. At Kelly Orthodontics, we offer affordable braces. Meaning, we have braces that require fewer office visits and braces that are made with more cost-effective materials. These more affordable options will help reduce the cost of your treatment overall.

Ask for a payment plan. We offer several payment programs including interest-free financing, prepayment discounts, and extended third party financing. We also have a multiple family member discount policy. These types of plans help tremendously when investing in affordable braces for you or your child.

Use your Flexible Spending Account. Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further. Contribute the maximum amount and use these funds to pay for expenses not covered by insurance, including braces.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. Start by having a conversation with Dr. Dan Kelly…then begin your journey toward an improved smile.

 

 

Are You Suffering From a TMJ Disorder?

Kelly Orthodontics

As a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics, Dr. Dan Kelly doesn’t just make amazing looking smiles, he also deals with the bite as a whole…including the jaw. If you touch your face right in front of your ear while opening and closing your jaw, you will feel your temporomandibular joint at work. When your temporomandibular joint working as it should, you can yawn or take a big bite of your favorite food without thinking twice. When your temporomandibular joint is off, yawning and opening your mouth wide can cause serious pain.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on either side of the face. The temporomandibular joint is capable of both hinge and sliding motions, allowing us to shift the jaw side to side and forward and back to do things like chew, yawn, and talk.

While people often refer to problems with the joint as TMJ, that is the name for the joint itself and TMJ pain is actually a TMJ disorder and part of a larger category of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD involves the temporomandibular joint or its associated structures, such as the discs, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments.

The most common TMD symptoms include:

• Popping, clicking, or a grating sensation when you open and close your mouth 
• Pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders 
• A decrease in jaw mobility leading to trouble opening the mouth fully 
• Muscle spasms around the jaw 
• Frequent headaches, earaches, pressure, and pain behind the eyes

If TMD is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation, swelling, or chronic pain. It can also contribute to progressive dental problems, such as premature tooth wear and periodontal disease.

Treatment of TMJ disorders depends on the cause. Custom nightguards or oral splints can be an excellent way to get relief without medication. If TMD is due to malocclusion or an imbalance in bite forces, braces or Invisalign can align the teeth and jaws, which repositions the TMJ and surrounding structures.

There are other issues that can cause the symptoms most experienced with TMD, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even medical conditions like arthritis. That’s why it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment from experienced orthodontist like Dr. Kelly. If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMD, give Kelly Orthodontics a call. 

 

Scheduling Orthodontic Appointments With Kelly Orthodontics

Kelly Orthodontics

For many of us, making doctor appointments is a troubling task. Easily forgotten and always hard to fit into our busy weeks, especially with schedules that seem to change frequently.

If you are trying to schedule your initial appointment with Kelly Orthodontics but aren’t sure about the specifics, such as how to request an appointment or what exactly you need to be seen for, don’t worry…these are common concerns that many of our patients share. At Kelly Orthodontics, we want to make every step as simple as can be.

Whether you need to schedule an appointment for braces, a retainer, or other orthodontic issues, Dr. Dan Kelly will investigate any abnormalities that you or your dentist may have noticed to give a better vision for the future of your teeth. Visiting our office should be done anytime you have a concern or issue with the placement of your teeth, jaw, or general alignment within your mouth. Keeping your teeth healthy, straight, strong, and beautiful is a joint effort between you and Dr. Kelly, so it’s important to be sure you are on the right track moving forward with your oral health.

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your or your child’s orthodontic treatment.

Our team believes each smile is unique and feel that it is especially important to listen to your concerns, your specific needs, and your preferences. This is just part of what makes us one of the best orthodontic offices in the St. Charles, Illinois area. Kelly Orthodontics has been a respected provider of orthodontic care in our community for over 40 years and is looking forward to educating you on your best options for creating your new smile.

At Kelly Orthodontics, you have a few options for requesting your appointment. Below are the ways you can do this:

Call Our Office. Give us a call and discuss how to set up an appointment with Dr. Kelly. Calling our St. Charles office is one of the easiest ways to get your appointment finalized and is an effortless way to find a time that works with your schedule.

Request Online. Requesting an orthodontic appointment online via our website is another easy way to fit an appointment into your schedule. Simply fill out the form on our request page and one of our team members will contact you to finalize and confirm your appointment.

Stop By. If you’re in the St. Charles, Illinois area, stop in and set up your appointment in person. You can get a feel for the office when you're inside, and it makes it quite easy to ask any questions you may have about the appointment that you’re requesting to schedule.

Always remember…you are never too old for orthodontic treatment as long as you have healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Kelly is an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He possesses the skills and experience needed to give you your best smile.

Dr. Dan Kelly and the Kelly Orthodontic Team have a mission to not only give you a more beautiful smile but to also provide an extremely pleasant experience in our family-friendly environment. Visit us today!

 

Handling Orthodontics Issues at Home

Kelly Orthodontics

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your braces or orthodontic appliance. While there are steps you can take to temporarily fix or alleviate discomfort and prevent additional damage, you should always notify our office if you have any issues or concerns. 

At Kelly Orthodontics, we want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office. With the tools and supplies listed below, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues at home.

• Orthodontic Wax
• Dental Floss 
• Tweezers
• Q-tips 
• Salt 
• Interproximal Brush 
• Toothpicks 
• Non-prescription Pain Reliever  
• Topical Anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)

Below are some typical orthodontic issues and how you can solve them:

Discomfort - It’s normal to have some initial discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may alleviate this discomfort.  If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple days, be sure to call our office.

If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call your family dentist or our office.

Minor irritations and canker sores will heal more quickly if you apply Zylactin or Orabase according to the manufacturer's directions. You can purchase it over the counter at most pharmacies and convenient stores.

Loose or Poking Archwires - If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see us for an adjustment.

If the main wire has come out of the tube on the back tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers. If the wire is sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. As a last resort, if you cannot come into our office, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or fingernail clippers close to the back of the last brace.

Loose Brackets or Bands - If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little colored rubber ring or a small steel ligature tie. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office and inform us of the problem. If a piece of your braces break, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit.

There will be normal, day-to-day discomfort associated with wearing braces, if you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or if you think you may have a true orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to call our St. Charles orthodontic office…We are here help!

Is Invisalign Expensive?

Kelly Orthodontics

Orthodontics may seem like a purely aesthetic treatment for a more attractive smile, but that’s not the case. Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, which puts you at risk of decay and periodontal disease.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment options, many people have a hard time deciding between Invisalign and 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 just how expensive is Invisalign treatment?

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

1. 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, Invisalign is covered by a wide variety of companies and plans. Double check your insurance plan to see if Invisalign treatment is covered.

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

3. Patient Compliance: Invisalign’s efficacy depends almost entirely on whether you actually wear your aligners. The treatment itself recommends that the aligners be worn all day, every day. If you can't 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.

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.  

At Kelly Orthodontics, we believe that every patient deserves a beautiful smile, and we will make every effort to make your Invisalign treatment affordable. We offer several payment programs including interest-free financing, prepayment discounts, and extended third party financing. We also have a multiple family member discount policy. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express and can easily arrange for automatic payment from your credit or debit card.

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