Invisalign Dentists Near Me: How to Get Started

Resources Aligners Invisalign Dentists Near Me: How to Get Started

Clinical Content Reviewed by Dr. Jay Khorsandi, DDS

Last Modified:September 22, 2022

Finding an Invisalign Dentist
What to Look For
In-Office Alternatives
Considering At-Home Aligner Treatment
The Right Choice for You
References

How do you choose the right dentist for your Invisalign treatment? Once you’re ready to begin the process of finding the right provider and aligners for your needs, there are many resources available to ensure your success.

If you’re looking for a dentist with experience in Invisalign, the Invisalign website is a great starting point.

Also, with a little research, you’ll learn that Invisalign isn’t the only in-office aligner option. There are now at-home clear aligners available to those seeking to straighten their teeth without in-office visits.

Finding an Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign’s website features a “Doctor Locator” search tool that allows you to enter your zip code and see a list of Invisalign providers in your area.

The “Doctor Locator” search tool not only provides a picture and contact information for the Invisalign dentists in your area, but also lists their Invisalign-specific specialties and technologies, such whether the dentist offers the following Invisalign-specific services:

Specialty in treating teens and/or adults
3D digital scanning, called iTero digital scanning
Overbite treatment, called Mandibular advancement features
Retainers, called Vivera retainers

Invisalign’s “Doctor Locator” tool also specifies which Invisalign “tier” a dentist is under, depending on how many Invisalign aligner treatments they’ve provided.

Invisalign providers who have a history of treating a higher percentage of patients with Invisalign aligners are given VIP (Valued Invisalign Provider) status, in conjunction with their other tier designation.

Invisalign provider tiers include the following:

Bronze
Silver
Gold
Gold Plus
Platinum
Platinum Plus
Diamond
Diamond Plus

What to Look For in an Invisalign Dentist

Now that you have a list of dentists in your area who provide Invisalign aligners, how do you choose which one to go with?

Here are some important considerations:

Expertise in treating your specific age group

If you’re the parent of a teen who is looking to get aligners, it may be beneficial to choose a dentist who is experienced and comfortable treating teenaged patients. This is also true for adults and older adults looking to straighten their teeth with aligners.

Selecting an Invisalign provider with experience in treating your age group ensures they’re familiar with any common tooth or treatment issues related to your (or your child’s) age bracket.

Specific technology and/or treatment options

Not all Invisalign dentists provide all Invisalign services. So, if there’s an aspect of Invisalign’s treatment that is especially appealing to you, make sure the dentist you go with offers it.

If you’ve read a lot about Invisalign’s digital scanning technology, for example, and consider it an important part of the process, confirm that the dentist you’re contacting has it.

Online Reviews

Invisalign’s website offers a dentist’s contact information and insight into how many Invisalign aligner treatments they have offered, but it does not offer any reviews from past or current patients. Online business review sites like Yelp or Google reviews are not perfect, but they can help paint a picture of the service or care you’re likely to receive from an Invisalign dentist.

Billing and payment options

If your Invisalign treatment is being covered by insurance, it’s of course important to confirm that your insurance is accepted by the provider of your choice and go over any copays and out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re paying out of pocket, having a clear understanding of all costs involved is paramount. Be sure to ask the Invisalign provider for a detailed explanation of the costs involved throughout the process.

Convenience

Choosing a dentist that’s close by can be helpful to make sure getting to your appointments isn’t a hassle, especially since many dentists may charge for patients who are late or a no-show for their scheduled treatments or checkups.

In-Office Alternatives to Invisalign

While Invisalign is the most well-known in-office clear aligner treatment, there are other options as well. ClearCorrect is another company that offers FDA-approved clear aligners.

In some cases, braces may be a more appropriate choice for a patient, particularly if there are severe misalignment and bite issues. While Invisalign and other aligners can address most issues of misalignment, certain cases may necessitate traditional braces.

Considering At-Home Aligner Treatment Alternatives

While choosing a nearby dentist for in-office aligner treatment can help cut down on travel time and make things easier, today’s technology also allows for at-home aligner alternatives that allow for even more convenience.

Depending on which at-home aligners you choose, you may not have to leave your house at all. Some aligner providers, like byte, will send you a kit to complete your impressions from the comfort of your own home. Those impressions are then used to create a custom clear aligner treatment plan that is approved by a licensed dentist or orthodontist.

Home aligner options include the following:

SmileDirectClub

With an average treatment time of four to six months, SmileDirectClub offers patients the option of in-person consultations and trademarked treatment technology that includes Smart Sculpt and Comfort Sense.

byte

This is a favorite among those who want the ease of at-home aligners but aren’t looking to sacrifice on cutting-edge technology or premium service. With fast results and a lifetime guarantee, it’s no wonder byte has top ratings on Forbes Health.

byte’s FDA-approved high-frequency vibration HyperByte device has also received positive reviews, and the research behind vibration devices for aligners is very promising.1

Candid Clear

Candid Clear clients are seen by a doctor for consultation, and their treatment is remotely monitored. Patients who are unhappy with their Candid Clear aligners can request additional aligners until they’re satisfied with the outcome of their treatment.

With today’s technology, someone seeking clear aligner treatment has more options than ever before. Invisalign’s website makes it easy to find providers in your area.

For those looking for the ultimate in convenience and comfort, at-home aligner options like byte offer the technology and results of in-office treatments without any hassle.

General References

Teens and Orthodontics – What Are Your Options? University of Illinois Chicago, School of Dentistry. Date Fetched: April 3, 2022.

How to Choose a Dentist (In Four Steps). Mouth Healthy, from the American Dental Association (ADA). Date Fetched: April 3, 2022.

Invisible Braces 2022: 5 Companies That Offer Them at Home Without a Dentist Visit. (January 2022). CNET Health. Date Fetched: April 3, 2022.

Best Teeth Aligners Of 2022. (January 2022) Forbes Health. Date Fetched: April 3, 2022.

I Tried Byte's At-Home Teeth Aligners, and I Never Thought I'd Be This Excited About Braces. (March 2021). PopSugar Beauty. Date Fetched: April 3, 2022.

Medical References

1 The Effects of Brief Daily Vibration on Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment. (November 2018). Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to serve as dental or other professional health advice and is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition or symptom. You should consult a dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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