Invisalign in Jacksonville

WE OFFER A FREE CONSULT TO ANY NEW INVISALIGN PATIENTS, UTILIZING OUR ADVANCED 3D IMAGING TECHNOLOGY

San Marco Smiles has been a leading provider of Invisalign in Jacksonville for over 20 years. You can trust Sharmilla Anand, DMD to help you subtly straighten your smile when you schedule with us today.  

What is Invisalign (Clear Braces/Clear Aligners)?

The invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces, faster. It’s that simple. 

• Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
• The aligners are made through a combination of Dr. Anand‘s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology.
• You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Anand has prescribed.
• You’ll visit Dr. Anand about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
• Total treatment time averages 9 – 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

When it comes to teeth straightening options at San Marco Smiles in Jacksonville, FL, both Invisalign and traditional braces offer unique benefits. With a commitment to affordability and comfort, our team is here to help you make the best choice for your smile.

1. Appearance

• Invisalign: Clear aligners offer a nearly invisible way to align your teeth. They’re made from BPA-free plastic and provide a more discreet look, ideal for adults and teens who prefer a subtle approach.
• Traditional Braces: These involve metal brackets and wires attached to each tooth. While ceramic options are available to reduce visibility, metal braces are generally more noticeable. 

2. Comfort

• Invisalign: Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable and gentle on the mouth. Although some patients experience minor pressure at the start of each new aligner set, there’s generally less irritation compared to metal braces.
• Traditional Braces: Metal braces may feel more intrusive and can cause some irritation to the gums and cheeks, especially right after adjustments. 

3. Removability

• Invisalign: One of Invisalign’s major perks is that the aligners are removable, making eating and oral hygiene easier. To be effective, though, they must be worn for 20-22 hours daily. At San Marco Smiles, we support patients in maintaining this commitment.
• Traditional Braces: Braces are fixed in place, which provides consistent alignment support around the clock. However, maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods, such as sticky or hard items, is essential.

4. Treatment Time

• Invisalign: Treatment times range from about 6 to 18 months, depending on your needs. New aligners are used every 1-2 weeks, gradually shifting teeth into place.
• Traditional Braces: Usually worn for 1-3 years, braces can address more complex alignment and bite issues. Monthly orthodontist visits are needed for adjustments.

5. Effectiveness

• Invisalign: Ideal for mild to moderate cases, such as crowding and gaps. Invisalign has advanced in handling more complex issues, though braces remain more suitable for severe cases.
• Traditional Braces: Effective for a wider range of cases, braces allow our orthodontists to make precise adjustments to treat even severe alignment issues.

6. Lifestyle Considerations

• Invisalign: Aligners should be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water. This means patients should clean their teeth before reinserting aligners, a commitment that pays off with a more comfortable and flexible treatment.
• Traditional Braces: Once attached, braces work continuously, and patients don’t need to worry about daily maintenance other than standard oral care and monthly adjustments.

7. Cost

• Invisalign: Typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on complexity. At San Marco Smiles, we work with patients to explore flexible payment options, making Invisalign an affordable choice.
• Traditional Braces: Often slightly less expensive, with costs around $2,500 to $7,500. Traditional braces remain a popular, budget-friendly choice.

The team at San Marco Smiles is well practiced and qualified to handle any patient that may want Invisalign to straighten their smile. 2 decades of experience prepares us to provide the highest quality of care to all of our Invisalign patients.