Invisalign in Waterford: How Long It Takes, What Affects the Cost and Who It Works For

Most Invisalign treatment takes about 12 to 18 months, and minor corrections can take less. Your cost depends on how much your teeth need to move, and dental plans with orthodontic coverage often help pay for it. The way to know your own timeline and cost is a visit to Waterford Dental Team on Highland Road, where we start with a digital scan of your teeth.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made trays called aligners. Each set moves your teeth a small amount. You wear each set for about two weeks before moving to the next, and over time your teeth shift into place. There are no brackets or wires, and you take the aligners out to eat, brush and floss.

Treatment starts with a digital scan of your teeth instead of the goopy impression trays many adults remember from childhood. Your dentist uses that scan to build a treatment plan made for your smile.

How long will it take for me?

It comes down to what you're fixing.

• Small gaps or a tooth that has drifted (common for adults who wore braces as teenagers and stopped wearing their retainer): often on the shorter end.

• Mild to moderate crowding, spacing or bite issues: typically 12 to 18 months.

• More complex bite problems: can take longer, and some cases are better suited to traditional braces. We'll tell you honestly if that's you.

The biggest factor you control is wear time. Aligners only work when they're in, so plan on wearing them most of the day and night, about 20 to 22 hours. Patients who stick with that tend to finish on schedule.

What affects the cost of Invisalign?

Every case is different, so there's no one price. Your cost depends on:

• How much your teeth need to move, and how many aligners that takes

• Whether you need extra refinement aligners at the end

• Whether any dental work, like a filling, needs to happen first

We'll go over your cost with you before you start, so there are no surprises along the way.

Does insurance help pay for Invisalign? If your dental plan includes orthodontic coverage, it often applies to Invisalign the same way it applies to braces, up to your plan's orthodontic maximum. Some plans only cover orthodontics for children and teens, so it's worth checking. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits. We accept most major plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Guardian, MetLife and Careington. We do not accept Medicaid.

We also offer flexible payment plans and financing, and many people use HSA or FSA funds toward orthodontic treatment.

Is Invisalign right for me?

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate alignment issues, including:

• Crowded teeth

• Gaps between teeth

• Bite concerns

It's a great fit if you want something most people won't notice at work or school and you can commit to wearing the aligners nearly all day. Teens can do very well with Invisalign; it just takes a little parent follow-up on wear time.

What's it like to live with aligners?

Lake season in Waterford means swimming, boating and a lot of time outdoors, and aligners fit right in. Take them out to eat or drink anything but water, rinse them, and brush before putting them back in. Most people feel some pressure for a day or two when they switch to a new set. That's a sign the aligners are doing their job.

When treatment ends, you'll wear a retainer to keep your teeth from drifting back. Plenty of adults come to us for Invisalign because they skipped that step the first time around.

Quick answers

Do I have to come in often?

You'll have regular check-ins so your dentist can make sure your teeth are moving on plan. They're usually quick visits.

Can I whiten my teeth during Invisalign?

Many patients wait until treatment ends so the shade is even once teeth are in their final position. Ask about teeth whitening when you come in.

Can adults get Invisalign?

Yes. We see teens and adults for Invisalign. It's never too late to straighten your smile.

How do I get started?

Book an appointment or call (248) 682-6010. We see patients from Waterford, Clarkston, Pontiac, White Lake and West Bloomfield. New to the practice? Here's what to expect as a new patient.