Skip to main content

Invisalign

Smiling woman holding a transparent dental aligner, ready to straighten teeth with comfortable, discreet orthodontic treatment. - Invisalign

Welcome to the world of straighter smiles with Invisalign! At MacPhail Signature Smiles, we understand that achieving a confident smile shouldn’t mean compromising your appearance or comfort during treatment. Invisalign clear aligners offer a modern approach to teeth straightening, using custom-made, nearly invisible aligners that gradually move your teeth into their ideal position. Dr. MacPhail, DDS and our team is dedicated to helping you transform your smile discreetly and effectively.

Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI

Handled By Our Experienced Dentist

If you have misaligned teeth but you don’t want to deal with the hassle of having braces, our Invisalign services might be the perfect solution for you and your teeth. At Dr. MacPhail, DDS’s office, our expert dental team is highly skilled and experienced in correcting patients’ smiles using this new technology. Backed by over 30 years of in-depth dental experience, we have a comprehensive understanding of this area of dentistry and we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign is a temporary and effective way to straighten your teeth, leaving you with a healthy and natural smile.

Young woman placing a clear aligner over her teeth, enjoying an invisible and convenient orthodontic solution. - Invisalign

Smiling couple proudly showing their clear aligners, highlighting a modern approach to achieving perfect smiles together - Invisalign

Benefits of Invisalign

Our Invisalign Treatment Process

Your Personal Smile Assessment

Dr. MacPhail, DDS personally conducts a comprehensive examination to determine if Invisalign is right for you. We take precise digital scans of your teeth to create a 3D model of your current smile. These detailed images allow Dr. MacPhail, DDS to show you what results to expect and develop a custom treatment approach specific to your dental needs.

Custom Alignment Strategy

Dr. MacPhail, DDS analyzes your digital scans to create a precise, step-by-step plan for moving your teeth into optimal position. You’ll see exactly how your teeth will shift with each set of aligners before treatment begins. Dr. MacPhail, DDS will explain your treatment timeline, answer your questions, and make adjustments to ensure your complete satisfaction with the projected results.

Starting Your Invisalign Treatment

Your custom-made aligners arrive at our office, where Dr. MacPhail, DDS ensures they fit perfectly before you start wearing them 20-22 hours daily. You’ll switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks, with each one applying gentle pressure to gradually move your teeth. Dr. MacPhail, DDS monitors your progress with brief check-ups every 6-8 weeks, providing you with multiple aligner sets to minimize office visits.

Aligner Care Instructions

Keeping your aligners clean requires daily maintenance with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush to prevent staining and odor. Dr. MacPhail, DDS recommends removing aligners when eating or drinking anything except water to avoid damage. Always store your aligners in their protective case when not in use and maintain thorough brushing and flossing before reinsertion.

Retention and Results

Dr. MacPhail, DDS provides custom retainers after your Invisalign treatment to preserve your newly aligned smile. You’ll initially wear retainers full-time, then transition to nighttime-only wear according to Dr. MacPhail’s specific instructions. Regular check-ups with Dr. MacPhail, DDS ensure your teeth maintain their new positions and your investment in a straighter smile lasts for years to come.

The Connection Between Your Health and Misaligned Teeth

Misaligned teeth can lead to premature wear, tooth loss, gum disease, and the buildup of bacteria associated with bigger problems, including heart disease. More than seven out of ten adults have some kind of issue with their bite, such as crowding, spacing, or overbites. It’s difficult to remove plaque from misaligned teeth, which can result in inflamed gums, soft tissue damage, receding gums, pockets between teeth and gums, as well as bone and tooth loss.

Read More

Poorly aligned teeth can put extra stress on your teeth and jawbone. This can cause, gum disease, indentions at the gum line, cold sensitivity, and chipped or fractured teeth. Studies have proven that your oral health affects your overall health. Problems that start in your mouth can spread to the rest of your body and result in heart disease, stroke, lung disease, problems in pregnancy, complications related to diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

There are various benefits to using Invisalign in Okemos with Dr. MacPhail:

  • Most importantly, the teeth and gums will be healthier
  • Oral hygiene will be improved
  • Less wear and trauma to your teeth
  • Reduced stress on your jawbone
  • Correcting overbites and underbites
  • Eliminating gaps between your teeth and crossbites
  • Properly spacing your teeth and eliminating overcrowded or gapped teeth
  • Placing your teeth into proper alignment and giving you the smile you’ve dreamed of

Young girl pointing to her clear aligner, showcasing a kid-friendly, comfortable solution for straightening teeth. - Invisalign

FAQs

How much is Invisalign?

The cost of Invisalign treatment typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of your case and treatment duration. Dr. MacPhail, DDS offers flexible payment plans to make treatment more affordable, and we provide detailed cost information during your initial consultation with no hidden fees.

How long does Invisalign take?

The average Invisalign treatment time ranges from 12 to 18 months, though simple cases may be completed in as little as 6 months. Most patients see noticeable improvements within the first few months of wearing their aligners, and Dr. MacPhail, DDS will provide a personalized timeline during your consultation.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that apply precise, controlled force to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. Each set makes slight adjustments to tooth position as you switch to a new set every 1-2 weeks, allowing your teeth to gradually shift until they reach their final, prescribed positions without metal brackets or wires.

Does insurance cover Invisalign?

Many dental insurance plans provide orthodontic benefits for Invisalign treatment, typically covering 25% to 50% of the total cost up to a lifetime maximum. Our office staff can help verify your specific insurance benefits and explain payment options, including flexible financing plans for patients without orthodontic coverage.

Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

Yes, Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate overbites using specialized attachments that work with elastic bands to gradually move the jaw and teeth into proper alignment. For more severe cases, Dr. MacPhail, DDS will evaluate your specific condition during your consultation to determine if Invisalign is the right solution or if additional techniques might be needed for optimal results.