Invisalign in Bargersville, IN | Modern Roots Dental

Invisalign in Bargersville: Straighter Teeth, Without the Metal

If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth but are not excited about metal brackets and wires, Invisalign may be worth a closer look. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into a better position. You wear each set for about one to two weeks, take them out to eat and brush, and most people around you will not even notice them.

Beyond the appearance, there are real oral health reasons to consider alignment. Crowded or overlapping teeth can make it harder to clean between them, and an uneven bite can put extra pressure on certain teeth over time. At Modern Roots Dental, Dr. Holly Austgen looks at both the cosmetic and health side of your alignment to help you decide if Invisalign is the right fit for your situation.

Call us at (317) 885-6400 or learn what to expect at your first visit.

Quick Takeaways

• You can see your projected treatment plan before anything begins. We use a digital scan to map out the sequence of movement and walk you through what to expect.
• Wear time matters. The aligners work on a schedule, so consistency throughout treatment is what keeps things on track.
• Retainers come after. Once your active treatment is done, a retainer helps protect the results you worked for.

How Invisalign Works at Our Office

1. Consultation and a Look at the Whole Picture

   We start with an evaluation of your teeth, gums, and bite. Dr. Holly Austgen will talk through what you want to change and whether Invisalign is the right fit. When relevant, we also look at airway and jaw function as part of the bigger picture. New patients are always welcome.

2. A Digital Scan Instead of Traditional Impressions

   We use an iTero digital scanner to create a detailed 3D model of your teeth using a small handheld wand. No impression trays needed. We can walk you through the model together before anything is finalized.

3. Your Treatment Plan

   From your scan, we map out how your teeth need to move and in what order. We can show you a projected outcome before your aligners are made so you can ask questions upfront. Keep in mind that tooth movement can vary, so the projection is an estimate, not a guarantee.

4. Wearing Your Aligners

   Your aligners come as a numbered series, worn around 22 hours per day. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. Some people need small tooth-colored attachments to help guide certain movements. If that applies to you, we will walk you through what to expect.

5. Check-Ins and Retainers

   We schedule regular visits to track your progress and make adjustments if needed. Once treatment is complete, we take a final scan and set you up with retainers to keep your results in place.

What Invisalign Can Help With

Invisalign can be used to address a variety of alignment concerns, although treatment options depend on your individual teeth and bite.

• Easier cleaning. Straighter teeth may have fewer areas where food and plaque become difficult to reach. Improving alignment can make daily brushing and flossing easier for some people.
• More balanced tooth contact. When teeth do not meet evenly, certain areas can experience more pressure or wear than others. In appropriate cases, improving alignment can help create a more balanced bite.
• Removable treatment. You can remove Invisalign aligners when you eat and when you complete your normal brushing and flossing routine.
• A discreet appearance. Clear aligners are designed to be less noticeable than traditional braces. Small tooth-colored attachments may be visible in some cases.
• A treatment plan you can see ahead of time. Before your aligners are made, we can show you a projected outcome so you know what to expect and can ask questions before anything is finalized.
• A focus on comfort. Invisalign does not involve brackets or wires, although you should expect some pressure or tightness as you begin wearing a new set of aligners.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign works well for a wide range of people. Some of the most common concerns it can address:

• Crowded teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Certain mild to moderate bite issues
• Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment

Most adults are good candidates, and older teens can be too as long as they are ready to commit to wearing the aligners consistently. The best way to know for sure is a one-on-one evaluation. Dr. Holly Austgen will look at your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health before making any recommendations.

Invisalign is not the right fit for everyone, though. If wearing aligners for about 22 hours a day would be difficult to stick to, another option may serve you better. Cases involving more complex movements or jaw concerns sometimes call for traditional braces or a referral to an orthodontist or oral surgeon. We are happy to help coordinate that if needed.

Timeline and What to Expect

There is no single Invisalign timeline that applies to everyone. Many cases take around a year, while minor concerns may take only a few months, and more involved cases can extend beyond 18 months. Dr. Holly Austgen will estimate your timeline based on your individual evaluation rather than a generic average.

During Treatment

• First week: Your speech may feel slightly different at first. Most people stop noticing it within a few days.
• With each new aligner: Expect some tightness or pressure for the first day or two. That is a sign the aligners are working.
• During the first few months: You may start to notice visible changes, especially in the position of your front teeth.
• Progress visits: We check in at scheduled intervals to make sure your teeth are moving as planned.
• At the end of treatment: Once your planned movements are complete, we take a final scan and set you up with retainers to keep your results in place.

Getting Ready for Invisalign and Caring for Your Aligners

We may recommend a cleaning before you start, and if you grind or clench your teeth, let us know. That can be important context when planning your treatment and thinking about your overall oral health.

Once you have your aligners, a few simple daily habits go a long way toward protecting your teeth and keeping treatment on track.

• Rinse your aligners when you remove them and clean them regularly following the care instructions we provide. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic.
• Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in whenever you can. Trapping food and plaque against your teeth for hours at a time raises your risk of decay.
• Stick with water while your aligners are in. Coffee, tea, and other drinks can stain them, and sugary or acidic beverages can sit against your teeth longer than usual.
• Keep your aligner case with you so your aligners always have a clean place to go when they are out of your mouth.
• Wear your retainer as directed once active treatment is done. It is the step that keeps your results in place for the long term.

Cost and Payment

The cost of Invisalign varies based on the amount and type of tooth movement needed, the number of aligners required, and the expected length of treatment. A minor alignment concern can require a very different treatment plan from more comprehensive correction. After evaluating your teeth, we can provide the specific cost for your case in writing before you decide whether to move forward.

Dental insurance plans differ in how they cover orthodontic treatment. We can review your benefits with you and explain what your plan may cover. We can also discuss payment options so you understand how the cost can be handled. If you do not have dental insurance, ask us about our membership plan. For new patients, your first visit is a good opportunity to talk through your oral health, treatment options, and what Invisalign might cost for your specific case.

Why Choose Modern Roots Dental for Invisalign?

We look at alignment as part of your overall oral health, not just how your teeth look. That means your gums, bite, hygiene, and other relevant factors are all part of the conversation.

A few things shape how we approach Invisalign treatment:

• Dr. Holly Austgen's background. Dr. Austgen graduated from IU Dental Hygiene in 2001 and the IU School of Dentistry in 2011. She completed a general practice residency at the Roudebush VA Medical Center and has owned her practice since 2018. Her background in dental hygiene means gum and tissue health stay front of mind throughout your treatment.
• Technology that supports your care. When additional imaging is needed, we use CBCT technology for a more complete picture. We also repeat digital health scans annually so we can track changes in your oral health over time, similar to how you might review bloodwork year to year.
• Comprehensive care, all under one roof. Invisalign is one part of the broader dental care we provide. If you need other services, such as a crown, whitening, or gum therapy, we can coordinate that care within our practice.
• A judgment-free approach. People come to us after different lengths of time away from the dentist and with different concerns. We focus on understanding where you are now, explaining your options clearly, and helping you decide what makes sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Invisalign hurt?

Some pressure or tightness when you switch to a new set of aligners is normal. That feeling means your teeth are responding to the planned movement. It usually fades within a day or two as you settle into each new set.

Will people notice I'm wearing Invisalign?

Most people will not. The aligners are clear and fit closely to your teeth. If your treatment includes small tooth-colored attachments to help guide movement, those may be slightly visible up close, but they tend to go unnoticed in everyday conversation.

Can I drink coffee with my aligners in?

Take them out first. Coffee and tea can stain the aligners, and hot drinks can warp the plastic. Stick to water while your aligners are in, and you will be fine.

What happens if I lose an aligner?

Call us at (317) 885-6400 right away. Depending on where you are in your sequence, we may have you go back to the previous aligner, move ahead to the next, or order a replacement. Just do not change anything on your own without checking with us first.

How long do I have to wear a retainer?

For most people, retainers are a long-term commitment, typically worn at night on an ongoing basis. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift, and your retainer is what keeps them where you worked to put them. We will walk you through exactly what to expect based on your results.

Is Invisalign as effective as braces?

For many cases involving crowding, spacing, and certain bite concerns, yes. But Invisalign is not the right fit for every situation, and some movements are better handled with traditional braces or a referral to an orthodontist. Dr. Holly Austgen will give you an honest read on which option makes the most sense for your teeth.

Let's Take a Look at Your Smile

If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth, whether you noticed a recent shift or have wanted to address your alignment for years, a consultation is a good place to start. We can evaluate your teeth, talk through what you would like to change, and use a digital scan to map out what treatment could look like for your situation. Dr. Holly Austgen will walk you through your options, expected timeline, and cost so you can decide with confidence.

Contact Modern Roots Dental at (317) 885-6400 to schedule your Invisalign consultation. We look forward to meeting you.