First and foremost let me start by saying I actually had braces in high school and my teeth weren’t extremely crooked (thankfully!!). I completed my braces treatment at the ripe age of 16, was given a removable wire retainer to wear at night, and I wore it every single night like the responsible angel I was. HA! OK Jk… I WISH I had worn it every night but alas I was young & irresponsible and never wore it so my teeth shifted over time until the retainer no longer fit in my mouth (yikes). Major yikes knowing my parents spent so much money on something I unknowingly didn’t take seriously!
At the start of 2020 I decided to do something about my shifting teeth. I decided this because 1. I wanted perfectly straight teeth (duh!) and because 2. I felt bad that my parents had shelled out so much cash for me to not follow through on my end. So I did some research and discovered a company local to the DFW area (also Houston!), Clearsmiles.
Who are they?
Clearsmiles is an Invisalign provider local to the DFW metroplex (& Houston). They have several locations in the area which make it extremely easy to get in to see an Doctor! Offices are located in Houston, Dallas, Frisco, Irving, and Plano.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular alternative to normal braces. Invisalign consists of a series of clear trays fitted to your teeth that help to gradually move your teeth each week. You receive a set of 13-26 (sometimes even more) clear trays that you switch out once a week. Each tray pushes for very small adjustments so the process is not uncomfortable and very effective as long as you are diligent about wearing them all hours of the day and night (only removing to eat).
The Costs
Clearsmiles Invisalign is super up front with their pricing- it’s actually written on their website home screen! A simple treatment plan is $2,499 ($150 off your treatment with code “Lauryn150”). This might sound like a pricy treatment, but thankfully Clearsmiles is In-Network and works with many dental plans so your insurance might cover some of the costs! They also offer payment plans so they don’t require all payments up front. Do a free insurance check here!
The Process
First you’ll start by taking the Clearsmiles “Smile Quiz.” This quiz will determine whether or not Invisalign is right for you. Once you determine you’re ready to move on to the next step, book a consultation at a Clearsmiles location. They even offer virtual consultations if you prefer!
At your first appointment, the team will take photos and 3D scans of your teeth (PTL for zero teeth uncomfortable impressions!). They will show you before and afters of what your teeth could look like once completing your treatment. The technology is extremely high-tech and blew my mind! From there, your photos and scans will be sent off and clear aligners will be created for your teeth. You can pick up the aligners after 2 weeks and start your treatment that day!
You will receive your first 13 trays to complete and then they’ll have you come back in for a mid-treatment check up to make sure everything is moving correctly. Then they send you home with the next 13 trays. The process is super quick, easy, and pain-free!
After completion of the treatment, the team will fit you for a retainer. You’ll start by wearing this all day/ night for the first few weeks and then gradually you can move to just wearing it at night.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Invisalign
Pros: Painless, less appointments, nearly unrecognizable, eat whatever you’d like (remove them to eat), don’t require any “emergency appointments” due to poking wires/ lose brackets
Cons: Can be pricey if insurance doesn’t help pay some of the price, have to be diligent about wearing them 24/7 (can’t be lazy!)
Braces
Pros: don’t have to remember to put them in everyday, very effective
Cons: Pricey, painful, lots of appointments, not discreet, can’t eat whatever you want, will likely have to schedule an emergency appointment at some point to fix a broken wire/ bracket
Final Thoughts & My Personal Results
Before Invisalign:
After Invisalign:
I am SO glad to have completed my Invisalign treatment! I am so much more confident in my smile and so thankful to have corrected the minor mistakes braces had ALREADY corrected before I stopped wearing my retainer (I know my parents are please too LOL). I would highly recommend using Clearsmiles as your Invisalign provider. They are quick, knowledgeable, and will have you feeling confident in your smile in no time. I would do it a million times over if I had to.
Use code “Lauryn150” to receive $150 off your Invisalign treatment with Clearsmiles! Click here to schedule your consultation today!
Hope this post helps- let me know if y’all have any questions that weren’t answered and I’ll be happy to answer!