Invisalign Clear Aligners in Gainesville, VA
Invisalign at Lunar Dental is full clear-aligner orthodontic treatment from a certified provider, supervised by Dr. Zan in person every 6–8 weeks. Cases typically range $3,500–$6,500 depending on complexity and finish in 6–18 months (simple cases 3–4 months). We start with a digital scan (iTero Lumina, no impressions), preview the result on screen, and write a fixed-fee treatment plan before you commit. Cardinal Care does not cover Invisalign for adults.
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Invisalign Certified · Implant Provider · Oral Conscious Sedation · Dental Sleep Medicine · Owner, Lunar Dental
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Who it's for
Adults and teens with mild-to-moderate alignment issues — crowding, spacing, rotation, mild bite problems. Patients who skipped braces as a teenager and don't want metal as an adult. People considering veneers for crowding (we often recommend Invisalign first — cheaper, less invasive, better long-term result). We don't treat severe skeletal bite problems with aligners; those cases go to an orthodontist with traditional braces or surgery.
What it costs
Invisalign at Lunar Dental typically ranges $3,500–$6,500 for a full case, depending on case length and refinements needed. Simple cases (small spacing closures, minor crowding) sometimes finish in the $2,500–$3,500 range. The fee is fixed at consultation — we don't bill more if we need additional aligners ("refinements") to dial in the final result. Some dental insurance plans cover orthodontics for adults and children; we verify benefits before you commit. Cardinal Care does not cover Invisalign for adults; payment plans available (CareCredit or in-house split).
How it works
The invisalign clear aligners process at Lunar Dental.
- 1
Consultation + scan (45 min)
iTero Lumina scan captures your teeth in 3D — no goopy impressions. We preview a simulated final result on screen the same visit so you see what the case can deliver before you commit.
- 2
Treatment plan + fixed quote
Dr. Zan reviews the scan, designs the tooth-movement sequence, and writes a fixed-fee plan with the expected number of trays and the timeline. You take it home; we don't pressure orthodontic decisions.
- 3
Aligners arrive (~3 weeks)
Aligners ship to our practice from Invisalign's lab. We bring you in to deliver the first trays, place any "attachments" (small tooth-colored bumps that help certain movements), and confirm the fit.
- 4
Wear schedule (22 hours/day)
Trays come off only for eating, drinking anything but water, and brushing. Each tray is worn 1–2 weeks. We see you in person every 6–8 weeks for progress checks and to hand off the next batch.
- 5
Refinements (if needed)
Most cases need 1–2 rounds of refinement aligners at the end to perfect the result. Included in the fixed fee — no surprise charges.
- 6
Retainers (lifetime)
Once the case is done, you wear a retainer at night, forever. Teeth want to drift back; the retainer is the difference between a result that holds and one that doesn't. Replacement retainers are available at-cost.
Why it's different here
What Lunar Dental does that others don't.
Two things that matter clinically. First, every aligner check-up is with Dr. Zan in person — not a tech, not a video visit. Mail-order aligner companies skip this and patients sometimes finish with a worse bite than they started with. Second, we use iTero Lumina for the initial scan, which means no goopy impressions and a final accuracy that improves outcomes for complex cases. We can also integrate restorative work (a crown, a veneer, a missing-tooth implant) into the aligner plan so the cosmetic and orthodontic pieces sequence correctly.
When this isn't the right answer
If you have severe crowding, a major skeletal bite problem, or you're a teenager still in growth, traditional braces or orthognathic surgery may be a better answer — we'll tell you and refer to an orthodontist. If you only have minor cosmetic concerns about 1–2 teeth, bonding or veneers may give the same visual outcome faster (though without the bite-improvement benefit Invisalign provides).
Common questions
About invisalign clear aligners.
How long does Invisalign take?
Most cases finish in 6–18 months. Simple cases (small spacing closures, minor crowding) finish in 3–4 months. Complex cases with full bite correction can run 18–24 months. Dr. Zan gives you a realistic timeline after the scan, not before.
Will my insurance cover Invisalign?
Some dental plans cover orthodontics for adults and kids, usually 50% up to a lifetime maximum (commonly $1,500–$2,500). Other plans cover children's ortho only or none at all. We verify benefits during the consultation before you commit. Cardinal Care does not cover adult Invisalign.
How much does Invisalign cost at Lunar Dental?
Most full cases range $3,500–$6,500 depending on complexity. Simple short cases sometimes finish in the $2,500–$3,500 range. The fee is fixed at consultation — additional "refinement" aligners are included, not extra.
Is Invisalign painful?
Mild pressure for the first 1–3 days of each new tray is normal — that's the teeth moving. Most patients describe it as tightness rather than pain. Ibuprofen helps if needed. The trays themselves are smooth; no metal poking your cheek.
Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
You take the trays out to eat — anything you ate before, you can eat now. Tray-on, only water. Coffee and tea stain the trays and warm them out of shape; keep them in the case until you're done drinking.
Can I get Invisalign if I have crowns or implants?
Usually yes. We sequence the case so the aligners work around existing restorations. Implants don't move (they're fixed to bone), so the care plan accounts for them as anchors rather than teeth to reposition.
What if my teeth shift back after Invisalign?
They will, unless you wear your retainer. We make a retainer at the end of every case and recommend lifelong nighttime wear. Lost or worn-out retainers are replaceable at-cost — usually $200–$400 for a fresh set.
Is mail-order Invisalign as good as what you do?
No, and we'll be direct about why. Mail-order aligner companies skip in-person dentist exams. Cases occasionally finish with a worse bite, gum recession, or loose teeth — and there's no in-person dentist to catch problems mid-case. We see those revisions here. The savings don't hold up over a 10-year horizon.
Related at Lunar Dental