Clear aligners have changed how people straighten their teeth. Invisalign in Lafayette is available at Balhoff Orthodontics, where Dr. Balhoff offers Invisalign® clear aligners for teens and adults looking for a discreet alternative to traditional braces. The system uses a series of custom-made, removable trays to shift teeth gradually into proper alignment, giving you a flexible path toward the smile you want.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using custom-made, removable plastic trays instead of metal brackets and wires. Each set of Invisalign® clear aligners is worn for one to two weeks, gradually moving teeth into proper alignment. Treatment is discreet, comfortable, and designed for both teens and adults seeking flexibility.
Each set of aligners is custom-made from SmartTrack thermoplastic material, designed to fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle, controlled pressure. The trays are fabricated based on a detailed 3D scan of your mouth, so every aligner is shaped precisely for your bite.
Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are completely removable. You take them out to eat, brush, and floss. That means no food restrictions and easier oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Several common orthodontic concerns respond well to Invisalign:
- Crowding: when teeth overlap or twist due to limited space
- Gaps: spaces between teeth that affect appearance and 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
- Mild relapse: teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Dr. Balhoff evaluates each member of our orthodontic family individually to determine if Invisalign can achieve the results you want.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign
Nearly Invisible Appearance
The clear plastic aligners are difficult to notice during normal conversation. That makes Invisalign popular with working professionals, college students, and self-conscious teens who want to straighten their teeth without the look of metal braces.
Removable for Your Lifestyle
Take your aligners out for meals, special events, or photos. You can eat whatever you want, including popcorn, apples, and chewy foods. Just brush before putting them back in.
Comfortable Fit
Smooth plastic aligners don't have brackets or wires that can irritate your cheeks and lips. Most members of our orthodontic family adjust to wearing them within a day or two.
Fewer Lafayette Office Visits
Digital tracking and remote monitoring mean you won't need to visit our Lafayette office as often as you would with traditional braces. Progress checks typically happen every six to ten weeks.
See Your Results Before You Start
Using 3D treatment planning software, Dr. Balhoff can show you a preview of your new smile before you commit to treatment. You'll know what to expect from day one. See real before and after results from past patients.
Efficient Treatment Timeline
For many cases, Invisalign treatment takes about the same time as traditional braces. The custom treatment plan keeps everything on track.
The Invisalign Process at Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette
Getting started with Invisalign at our Lafayette office is straightforward. Here's what to expect:
Step 1: Free Consult
Your first visit includes a thorough exam with board-certified orthodontist Dr. Balhoff. He'll assess your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine if Invisalign is right for you. The free consult also gives you a chance to ask questions about timeline, cost, and what daily life looks like with aligners. We want you to leave feeling informed and confident about the next step.
Step 2: Digital Scanning with iTero
Forget messy impression trays. Our iTero Element digital scanner creates a precise 3D model of your teeth in minutes. The process is quick, comfortable, and accurate, and it captures the detail needed for a custom-fit aligner set.
Step 3: Custom Treatment Plan
Using your digital scan, Dr. Balhoff designs your treatment plan. The ClinCheck software generates a simulation showing how your teeth will move at each stage, so you'll see your future smile before treatment begins. As an experienced orthodontic specialist, Dr. Balhoff personally reviews and refines every plan to ensure the movements support both function and aesthetics.
Step 4: Receive Your Aligners
Once your custom aligners arrive, you'll learn how to wear and care for them properly. Plan to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating and oral hygiene. You'll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks.
Step 5: Progress Appointments
Brief check-in visits every six to ten weeks allow Dr. Balhoff to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments. These appointments are typically quick, often just 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 6: Retention Phase
After your final aligner, you'll receive retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. Wearing retainers as directed protects the results you worked to achieve.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign works well for many cases, but it's not the best choice for everyone. Here's what makes a good candidate:
Ideal Invisalign Candidates
- Teens whose permanent teeth have fully emerged
- Adults seeking a discreet treatment option
- Those with mild to moderate crowding, gaps, or bite issues
- People committed to wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours daily
- Anyone who can attend regular progress appointments
Invisalign Teen Features
For younger members of our orthodontic family, Invisalign Teen includes built-in compliance indicators that fade with wear, helping parents and Dr. Balhoff track whether aligners are being worn enough. The program also includes replacement aligners in case any get lost.
When Braces Might Be Better
Severe skeletal issues or complex tooth movements may require traditional braces or a combination approach. Some prefer braces because they don't require the discipline of removing and replacing aligners multiple times daily.
The only way to know for certain is through an in-person evaluation. Dr. Balhoff will give you an honest assessment of which treatment will deliver the best results for your specific situation, including whether traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and self-ligating braces might be a better fit.
Why Lafayette Families Choose Balhoff Orthodontics for Invisalign
Balhoff Orthodontics has served the Lafayette and Acadiana community since 2004. Dr. Donald Balhoff brings specialized orthodontic training to every case. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and completed his orthodontic specialty certification at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.
Orthodontic Specialist, Not a General Dentist
A board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Balhoff brings additional years of training focused specifically on tooth movement and bite correction.
Advanced Technology
Our in-house iTero Element digital scanner provides precise imaging for your custom aligners. No goopy impressions, no gagging, just accurate digital scans.
Experienced Invisalign Provider
As a gold plus provider of Invisalign, Dr. Balhoff has treated many members of our orthodontic family with Invisalign over the years, giving him the experience to handle straightforward and complex cases alike.
Flexible Payment Options
We work with most orthodontic insurance plans and offer financing options to make treatment affordable. Our team will help you understand your coverage and payment choices during your free consult.
A Practice That Feels Like Family
Dr. Balhoff and our team focus on creating healthy, beautiful smiles in an enjoyable, caring, and energetic atmosphere. We deliver meticulous service and quality care for our entire orthodontic family.
Invisalign Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Invisalign cost in Lafayette?
Invisalign costs vary based on the complexity of your case and length of treatment. Many find Invisalign similar in price to traditional braces. During your free consult, we'll provide a personalized quote and explain financing options that fit your budget.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most Invisalign treatments take between 6 and 18 months, though this varies by individual. Simple cases may finish sooner, while more complex corrections can take longer. Dr. Balhoff will give you a timeline estimate based on your specific treatment plan.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces. Our team will verify your coverage and help you maximize your benefits. We also offer payment plans for any remaining balance.
Does Invisalign hurt?
You may feel mild pressure or tightness during the first few days of each new aligner set. That's normal and means the aligners are working. Most describe it as a brief snug sensation, and it typically fades within a day or two.
Invisalign vs. braces, which is better?
The table below summarizes the key differences. Neither option is universally "better." Invisalign offers discretion and convenience, while braces can address certain complex cases more effectively. The right choice depends on your orthodontic needs and lifestyle. Dr. Balhoff will recommend the option that will give you the best results.
| Factor | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets and wires |
| Removability | Removable for eating/cleaning | Fixed throughout treatment |
| Food Restrictions | None | Avoid hard, sticky foods |
| Compliance Required | Must wear 20-22 hours daily | Always working |
| Lafayette Office Visits | Every 6-10 weeks | Every 4-8 weeks |
| Best For | Mild to moderate cases, lifestyle flexibility | Complex cases, "set it and forget it" |
Can I eat with Invisalign in?
No. Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Hot beverages can warp the plastic, and food particles can get trapped and cause staining or decay. Brush your teeth before putting aligners back in.
Schedule Your Free Invisalign Consult in Lafayette
Ready to see if Invisalign is right for you? Book a complimentary free consult at Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette. During your visit, Dr. Balhoff will examine your teeth and bite, answer your questions, and show you a 3D preview of your potential results using our iTero digital scanner.
Call (337) 761-7070 or visit our online scheduling page to reserve your appointment.
Our Lafayette office at 3903e Ambassador Caffery Parkway offers convenient hours to fit your schedule. The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Start working toward the healthy, beautiful smile you've always wanted, just a phone call away.