What is Invisalign and how does it work?

Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic treatment that gradually straightens teeth using custom-made, removable trays. Your treatment begins with a detailed 3D scan and personalized plan from a qualified orthodontist, and you’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before switching to the next set until your smile goals are achieved.

Who provides Invisalign treatment in St Louis?

Expert Invisalign treatment in St Louis is provided by experienced orthodontic professionals, including the team at McDermott Orthodontics, led by Dr. Richard McDermott, an orthodontist committed to high-quality personalized care.

How long does Invisalign treatment typically take?

Treatment length varies by individual case, but Invisalign treatment plans generally last several months up to about 18 months depending on your specific orthodontic needs and commitment to wearing the aligners as prescribed.

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

To achieve the best results, Invisalign aligners should be worn for approximately 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

Will Invisalign affect my daily routine?

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can continue eating your favorite foods and maintain your normal oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing without brackets or wires in the way.

Is Invisalign right for every orthodontic issue?

Invisalign is an effective option for many alignment concerns, especially mild to moderate cases, but your St Louis orthodontist will help determine whether it’s the best approach for your unique smile.

Are Invisalign aligners noticeable when worn?

Invisalign aligners are made from transparent material designed to be discreet and much less visible than traditional metal braces, making them an appealing choice for teens and adults alike.

How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?

Care is simple: rinse them regularly, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, and keep up with good oral hygiene. Proper care helps maintain comfort and effectiveness throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Will I need a retainer after Invisalign treatment?

Yes, like most orthodontic treatments, a retainer is recommended after Invisalign to help maintain your new smile and prevent teeth from shifting back.

Invisalign St. Louis - McDermott Orthodontics

Invisalign in Arnold & Florissant for Kids, Teens & Adults

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an FDA-approved orthodontic system that uses clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires. Made from patented SmartTrack thermoplastic, the aligners treat everything from mild crowding to complex bite issues. You wear each set 20-22 hours daily and swap to a new aligner every one to two weeks.

The aligners are removable, so you can eat, brush, and floss normally. At Mcdermott Orthodontics, Dr. McDermott creates personalized Invisalign plans for patients of all ages across St. Louis, Arnold, and Florissant. With extensive orthodontic experience, our practice has helped thousands of local patients straighten their smiles using clear aligner technology.

Busy professionals, self-conscious teens, and parents exploring options for their child all find that Invisalign offers a flexible path to a perfect smile. The clear aligners fit your life without the look and feel of metal braces, letting you move forward with confidence at every appointment, presentation, and family photo.

Why Retainers Are Important After Orthodontic Treatment

The Benefits of Invisalign Treatment

Clear aligners have changed how people think about orthodontic care. Here's why so many local families choose Invisalign:

Nearly Invisible Appearance

The clear plastic blends with your teeth. Most people won't notice you're wearing them. This makes Invisalign popular with adults who want to maintain a professional image and teens who feel self-conscious about their smile.

Eat What You Love

Pop out your aligners for meals and snacks. No food restrictions. No worrying about popcorn kernels stuck in brackets or breaking a wire on crusty bread.

Easier Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss like normal, no special tools or techniques required. Just remove your aligners, clean your teeth, and put them back in.

Fewer Office Visits

You'll check in with Dr. McDermott every six to ten weeks instead of monthly adjustments. That means less time away from work or school.

No Orthodontic Emergencies

Without brackets or wires, there's nothing to break or poke.

See Your Future Smile First

Before treatment starts, you'll see a digital preview of your smile reveal. This ClinCheck technology shows exactly how your teeth will move from start to finish.

Comfortable Fit

Smooth plastic sits against your cheeks and gums without irritation. Most patients adjust within a day or two of starting a new aligner set.

The Invisalign Process at Mcdermott Orthodontics

Your smile story at Mcdermott Orthodontics follows a clear, straightforward path. Here's what to expect:

Step 1: Free Consultation and Digital Scan

Your first visit is completely free. Dr. McDermott will examine your teeth and discuss your goals. We use iTero digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D map of your mouth. No messy putty impressions. The scan takes just a few minutes and feels comfortable.

Step 2: Your Custom Treatment Plan

Using the digital scan from your first visit, Dr. McDermott designs a treatment plan built around your specific needs. A ClinCheck preview shows how your teeth will shift week by week. This gives you a clear picture of your smile reveal before you commit to treatment.

Step 3: Receive Your Aligners

Once you approve your plan, we order your custom aligner series. Each set is manufactured specifically for your teeth using SmartTrack material, and our team will walk you through proper wear and care when your aligners arrive.

Step 4: Wear and Progress

Each aligner set is worn for one to two weeks before moving to the next in your series. Check-in appointments happen every six to ten weeks so Dr. McDermott can monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments. As your orthodontist with specialty training, Dr. McDermott personally reviews tooth movement at every visit.

Step 5: Maintain Your New Smile

After your final aligner comes off the rotation, you'll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. Dr. McDermott will explain exactly how to protect your investment long-term so your results last for years to come.

Treatment Timeline: Most patients complete Invisalign in 6 to 18 months, depending on case complexity. Dr. McDermott will give you a personalized estimate during your free consult.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Good Invisalign candidates are patients of all ages with mild to complex orthodontic concerns, including crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. The best candidates commit to wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily and attending check-ins every six to ten weeks. Dr. McDermott confirms candidacy during your free consult using a digital scan.

Conditions Invisalign Treats

Crowding: Teeth that overlap or twist due to limited space
Gaps: Spaces between teeth that affect appearance or function
Overbite: Upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth
Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
Crossbite: Some upper teeth close inside lower teeth
Open bite: Upper and lower teeth don't touch when biting down

Invisalign First for Kids (Ages 6-10)

Children with developing smiles can benefit from early intervention. Invisalign First addresses growing jaws and emerging teeth with aligners designed specifically for mixed dentition. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age seven, and Dr. McDermott can determine if Invisalign First is appropriate for your child.

Invisalign Teen

Designed with teenagers in mind, Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators that fade with wear, so you know your teen is keeping aligners in. Eruption tabs accommodate teeth that haven't fully come in yet.

Invisalign for Adults

More adults are choosing Invisalign because it won't interfere with their professional image. The discreet treatment fits into work presentations, client meetings, and social events.

The Best Candidates

Invisalign works best for patients committed to wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily. You'll only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing. Your free consult with Dr. McDermott will determine if Invisalign fits your situation.

Why Choose Mcdermott Orthodontics for Invisalign in St. Louis

Not all Invisalign providers are the same. Here's what sets Mcdermott Orthodontics apart:

Experienced Invisalign Provider

Dr. McDermott is an elite Invisalign provider with extensive experience treating clear aligner cases across all complexity levels, from minor crowding to full-arch corrections.

Specialized Orthodontic Training

Dr. Richard McDermott is a specialty-trained orthodontist focused exclusively on orthodontic care. This means you're getting treatment from an orthodontist, not a general dentist offering aligners on the side. Our team has deep familiarity with the system at every level.

Advanced Digital Technology

Our iTero digital scanner captures precise impressions without uncomfortable putty. This technology produces more accurate aligners and better results.

In-Office Care from Start to Finish

Unlike mail-order aligner companies, we monitor your treatment in person. Dr. McDermott personally crafts each treatment plan and tracks your progress at regular appointments. If something needs adjustment, we catch it early.

Local Roots in Arnold and Florissant

Local families across Arnold, Florissant, and greater St. Louis choose Mcdermott Orthodontics for orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults. Dr. McDermott personally greets patients by name, knows their hobbies, and follows up after key appointments to make sure everyone is comfortable with their progress.

Invisalign FAQs

How much does Invisalign cost in St. Louis?

Invisalign costs vary based on your specific treatment needs. Many cases fall within the same range as metal braces. At Mcdermott Orthodontics, we offer no-interest in-house financing and work with most insurance plans. Your free consult includes a personalized cost estimate and easy financing options that fit your family's budget. Most patients are surprised to learn that monthly payments can be lower than expected once insurance benefits and flexible spending accounts are applied.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Most Invisalign treatments take 6 to 18 months. Simple cases involving minor crowding may finish faster. Complex bite corrections typically take longer. Dr. McDermott will provide a specific timeline during your consult after examining your teeth.

Does Invisalign hurt?

You may feel mild pressure for the first few days after switching to a new aligner set. This is normal and means your teeth are moving. Most patients describe it as tightness rather than soreness. Over-the-counter relief helps if needed, and the sensation fades quickly as your teeth settle into their new positions.

Can I eat with Invisalign?

Remove your aligners for all meals and snacks. You can eat anything you want. Just brush your teeth before putting aligners back in. Drink only water while wearing aligners to prevent staining.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover metal braces. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your coverage during your consult. We also offer easy financing to make treatment affordable regardless of insurance.

Invisalign vs. metal braces: Which is better?

Both options effectively straighten teeth. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, treatment needs, and preferences.

Factor	Invisalign	Metal Braces
Appearance	Nearly invisible	Visible metal brackets
Removability	Yes, for eating and brushing	Fixed throughout treatment
Food restrictions	None	Avoid hard, sticky foods
Oral hygiene	Normal brushing and flossing	Requires special tools
Office visits	Every 6-10 weeks	Every 4-6 weeks
Compliance	Requires 20-22 hours daily wear	Always working

Dr. McDermott offers both options and will recommend the best approach for your case during your free consult.

How often do I need to wear my aligners?

Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours daily for best results. Remove them only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and brushing your teeth. Consistent wear keeps your treatment on schedule and helps you finish on time without setbacks.

Schedule Your Free Invisalign Consultation in St. Louis

Ready to start your smile story? Mcdermott Orthodontics offers free, no-obligation Invisalign consults that include a complimentary iTero digital scan. You'll see a preview of your future smile before making any decisions.

Dr. Richard McDermott, our specialty-trained orthodontist, and our team welcome patients at our Arnold and Florissant offices. We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to fit your budget.

Take the first step today. Call us at (636) 296-6332 or book your free consult today. Your perfect smile is closer than you think.