A Bryn Mawr dentist known for its quality dental services, Dillon Family Dentistry offers the latest advancements in clear aligner treatment, including Invisalign. Dr. David Dillon, a 3rd generation DMD, combines his expertise in Invisalign with his expertise in cosmetic dental procedures to provide adults and teens with faster results at a lower overall cost than traditional braces alone. Book a free consultation by calling 610-981-1997 or visiting us online.
As someone who has a conversation with patients every day on East Lancaster Ave in Bryn Mawr, I’ll be clear with you: Patients visit Dillon Family Dentistry for Invisalign because they want to stop hiding their smile; they’re self-conscious, whether they’re at a Villanova football game, having dinner during Wayne Restaurant Week, or in meetings in Philadelphia. After researching and asking Google and their Haverford and Ardmore neighbors, they come into our office and ask this same question, “Can I get Invisalign?”
Now let’s provide you with that exact answer as clearly and completely as possible, including every detail that you deserve! If you are doing a search for Invisalign on the Main Line (for you or your teenager), if you need information about what retainers you’ll get after treatment or how to keep your teeth from shifting back to the way they used to be, you will find everything you need right here; and it’s written by me, a dentist who has been practicing in Bryn Mawr, PA, for several years.
What Is Invisalign, and Why Does It Work Better for Main Line Patients?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system, a series of custom-fabricated, BPA-free plastic trays that gradually reposition your teeth. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks, and you progress through the series until your teeth have moved into their ideal positions.
Here’s what sets Invisalign treatment on the Main Line apart from a chain orthodontic clinic: at Dillon Family Dentistry, we don’t just hand you a box of trays. We look at your entire oral health picture. We consider whether bonding, enamel reshaping, or even porcelain veneers can be incorporated into your treatment plan to give you a result that’s not only straight but genuinely beautiful and one that’s easier to maintain long-term.
That’s the Dillon difference. We consider combined treatment modalities, and our patients routinely end up with shorter treatment timelines and lower total costs because of it.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: What Bryn Mawr Patients Actually Want to Know
Traditional metal braces are effective; nobody disputes that. But for working adults and teens navigating life on the Main Line, the commutes to Center City, the professional settings, and the social obligations, visibility matters. Here’s a side-by-side comparison our patients find useful:
| Feature | Invisalign | Metal Braces |
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Highly visible |
| Removable? | Yes for meals & brushing | No |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no wires | Metal brackets & wires |
| Oral Hygiene | Easy brush & floss normally | Difficult special tools are needed |
| Office Visits | Every 6 8 weeks | Every 4 6 weeks |
| Avg. Treatment Time | 12 18 months | 18 24 months |
| Diet Restrictions | None | Many (no hard/sticky foods) |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign Orthodontics on the Main Line?
Most adults and teens are strong candidates for Invisalign treatment, but candidacy does depend on your specific dental situation. At Dillon Family Dentistry, our Invisalign consultation in Bryn Mawr includes a thorough clinical evaluation and, where appropriate, 3D digital imaging so you can see your projected results before we even start.
Invisalign works exceptionally well for:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Spacing and gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, and crossbite (mild to moderate cases)
- Open bite correction
- Relapse cases: teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
More severe skeletal discrepancies may require a referral to an orthodontic specialist, and we will always be transparent about that. Our job is to give you the right treatment, not just the most profitable one.
Invisalign for Teens on the Main Line
Teenagers at Harriton High School, Episcopal Academy, or Agnes Irwin School often have different concerns than adults. They worry about appearance during treatment, they’re involved in sports and musical instruments, and compliance can be a real challenge.
Invisalign Teen addresses these concerns directly. The aligners include compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade with wear) so parents can verify their teen is wearing them enough. They’re fully compatible with mouthguards for contact sports, and there are no dietary restrictions, no skipping the soft pretzels at the Haverford Reserve.
The Invisalign Treatment Process at Dillon Family Dentistry in Bryn Mawr, PA
Here is exactly what the process looks like when you come to see us at 1084 East Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010:
Step 1: Free Invisalign Consultation in Bryn Mawr
Your first visit is a conversation, not a sales pitch. Dr. David Dillon will evaluate your bite, your tooth alignment, your gum health, and any existing dental work. We’ll discuss your goals and your timeline. We’ll also look at whether any complementary treatments like teeth whitening, bonding, or veneers make sense to combine with your Invisalign treatment, because often they do.
Step 2: 3D Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning
We use advanced digital scanning technology, with no messy physical impressions. Your 3D scan generates a precise digital model of your teeth, which is used to create a customised Invisalign treatment simulation. You’ll actually see a before-and-after preview of your smile before committing to treatment.
Step 3: Custom Aligner Fabrication
Your aligners are manufactured by Align Technology using SmartTrack material a patented thermoplastic that applies gentle, precise forces to specific teeth at each stage. Each tray in your series is slightly different, progressing your teeth incrementally toward the final position.
Step 4: Active Treatment Wearing Your Aligners
You’ll wear each set of aligners for 20 22 hours per day. Remove them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Every one to two weeks, you advance to the next tray. We’ll check in with you at scheduled appointments, typically every six to eight weeks, to verify progress and make any adjustments.
Step 5: Invisalign Retainers and Post-Treatment Care in Bryn Mawr
This is the part most patients don’t think about until it’s too late, but it’s arguably the most important phase. Finishing your active Invisalign treatment is not the end of the process; it’s the beginning of retention. Your teeth have memory. Without a retainer, they will drift back to the period. This is called orthodontic relapse, and it’s something we take very seriously.
Don’t Just Read About It—Discover a Healthier Smile Today!
Take control of your oral health at Dillon Family Dentistry. Book an appointment today!
Invisalign Retainers in Bryn Mawr: Why Post-Treatment Care Is Non-Negotiable
Let’s talk about Invisalign retainers because if you’re researching Invisalign in Bryn Mawr, this needs to be part of the conversation. After active treatment ends, the bone and soft tissue surrounding your teeth need time to reorganise and stabilise around your teeth’s new positions. A retainer holds your teeth in place during that stabilisation window and then indefinitely afterward on a maintenance schedule.
Types of Retainers After Invisalign Treatment
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you have a few retainer options:
- Vivera Retainers (Invisalign-brand): Custom-made clear retainers manufactured by Align Technology, the same company that makes your aligners. They’re 30% stronger than other clear retainer materials. These are our first recommendations for Invisalign patients.
- Essix Retainers: A generic, clear plastic retainer similar to an Invisalign tray. More affordable than Vivera but may not last as long.
- Hawley Retainers: A removable wire-and-acrylic retainer. Durable and adjustable, but more visible. Less common for Invisalign completions.
- Fixed (Bonded) Retainers: A thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth. Completely invisible and requires no effort on your part. Often used in combination with a removable retainer for comprehensive relapse prevention.
Orthodontic Relapse Prevention: What You Need to Know
Orthodontic relapse, or teeth shifting after braces or Invisalign, is one of the most common and preventable outcomes in dentistry. Studies suggest that without consistent retainer wear, most people will see noticeable tooth movement within one to two years of completing treatment.
Here’s our standard post-Invisalign care protocol at Dillon Family Dentistry:
1. Months 1 6: Wear your retainer full-time (20 22 hours per day), removing only to eat and brush.
2. Months 6 12: Nightly retainer wear as directed by Dr. Dillon.
3. Year 2 and beyond: Retainer wear a minimum of 3 5 nights per week, for life.
4. Annual check-in appointments to assess stability and retainer condition.
5. Replace retainers as needed. Vivera retainers typically last every 1 2 years with regular use.
If your teeth have already shifted after a previous course of braces or aligners, don’t panic; you may be a candidate for a limited Invisalign refinement course. Call us at 610-981-1997, and we’ll evaluate your situation.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost in Bryn Mawr, PA?
The cost of Invisalign treatment on the Main Line typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,500, depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. That’s a real number, not a teaser rate.
At Dillon Family Dentistry, we work to make Invisalign accessible. We:
- Accepts most PPO dental insurance plans, which may cover a portion of Invisalign as an orthodontic benefit
- Offer in-house financing and payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club
- Provide transparent, itemised treatment estimates at your consultation appointment
- Can reduce overall treatment costs by combining Invisalign with bonding or enamel reshaping, where appropriate
We’d encourage you to schedule a consultation, and you’ll leave with a specific, personalised cost estimate. No surprise fees. To review your financing options in detail, visit our dental financing page.
Why Choose Dillon Family Dentistry for Invisalign Treatment in Bryn Mawr, PA?
There are several Invisalign providers on the Main Line, and frankly, that’s fine. We believe patients should have options and should do their due diligence. Here’s what we bring to the table:
Combined Treatment Modalities: Our Signature Approach
This is genuinely our best differentiator, and it’s worth understanding. When Dr. Dillon evaluates an Invisalign case, he’s not just looking at how to move teeth; he