Published Invalid Date·Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ariana Merchi, DMD·Florida License DN26187·Last reviewed Invalid Date
If you've been thinking about straightening your teeth but the idea of metal braces feels like a step backward, you're not alone. Invisalign has become the preferred orthodontic treatment for adults and teens who want straighter teeth without the brackets, wires, and dietary restrictions that come with traditional braces.
Dr. Ariana Merchi is a certified Invisalign provider at Omni Dental Studio in Riverview, FL. Here's everything you need to know before booking a consultation.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks before moving to the next set in the series. You wear them 20–22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss. Every 6–8 weeks, you check in with Dr. Merchi to monitor progress and receive your next sets of aligners. Treatment length varies by case complexity — mild cases may take as few as 6 months; more complex cases typically run 12–18 months.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: The Real Differences
The most obvious difference is aesthetics — Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, while metal braces are highly visible. But the practical differences go further. With Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want (just remove the aligners first). Brushing and flossing are normal — no navigating around brackets and wires. There are no emergency appointments for broken brackets. And many patients find the aligners more comfortable than braces, with no sharp metal edges. Traditional braces have advantages too: they're often more effective for very complex cases, and compliance isn't an issue since they can't be removed. For most adults and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign delivers equivalent results with significantly more convenience.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign is effective for crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. It works best for mild to moderate cases. Severe skeletal discrepancies or very complex bite issues may still require traditional braces or orthognathic surgery. The only way to know if Invisalign is right for your specific situation is a consultation — we'll take digital scans of your teeth and show you a 3D simulation of your projected results before you commit to anything.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Riverview, FL?
Invisalign treatment at Omni Dental Studio typically ranges from $3,500–$6,500 depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Many dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits cover a portion of Invisalign — often $1,000–$2,000 of the total cost. We verify your benefits before your consultation so you know exactly what to expect. For the remaining balance, we offer Cherry and CareCredit financing with low monthly payment options.
Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for adolescent patients, with compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade with wear) and replacement aligners for the inevitable lost or damaged set. Many teens prefer Invisalign over braces for obvious reasons — no visible hardware during school photos, sports, and social events. The key requirement is discipline: the aligners only work if they're worn consistently. Teens who are motivated and responsible are excellent candidates.
What to Expect at Your Invisalign Consultation at Omni
Your consultation starts with a conversation about your goals and concerns. We take digital impressions using our intraoral scanner — no messy putty molds. We then use Invisalign's ClinCheck software to create a 3D simulation showing the projected movement of your teeth from start to finish. You'll see your expected results before you commit. If you decide to proceed, your custom aligners are fabricated and typically arrive within 2–3 weeks.
Start Your Invisalign Journey in Riverview
Omni Dental Studio is a certified Invisalign provider serving patients in Riverview, Brandon, Apollo Beach, Fishhawk, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Merchi has helped patients of all ages achieve straighter, healthier smiles with Invisalign.
Book your free Invisalign consultation online or call (813) 586-1990. Your 3D smile simulation is included at no charge.