Invisalign Treatment

How Do Invisalign Aligners Work

Invisalign Aligners are an orthodontic treatment that is used to help straighten misaligned or crooked teeth. They help to create a more even smile that is both aesthetically pleasing and orally sound. Invisalign treatment is best suited to those who have either mild or moderate misalignments among their upper or lower teeth. Invisalign works through the use of several sets of clear aligner trays. These trays will gradually push your teeth into their proper alignment. Typically, the dentist will take a set of x-rays to determine your current teeth alignment and then create a treatment plan to achieve a specific result.

Your orthodontist will print out a 3D map of your teeth and then uses that to create a step-by-step Invisalign treatment plan for your straightening. Invisalign treatment trays will be created a few batches at a time. These trays will be customized to fit your teeth exactly. Every few weeks you will receive a new set of Invisalign treatment trays that have been adjusted slightly to force your teeth into a new setting.

The Invisalign must be worn at least 22 hours daily in order to be effective. They are easy to clean and easy to remove so maintaining oral hygiene is easy. Most patients will use Invisalign aligners on both the top and bottom teeth at the same time, it is possible to treat only the top or bottom with clear aligners.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign treatment is a great way to straighten your teeth, however, just like any medical procedure, there are pros and cons. It is important to weigh both when considering if this is the best option for your situation.

Advantages of Invisalign Treatment

Some of the advantages of Invisalign clear aligners are easy to notice. They are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces. With no metal brackets or wires, it is often impossible to tell someone is wearing Invisalign orthodontics. They are also much more comfortable than traditional braces. There are no brackets or wires to cut your mouth or gums which also means fewer trips to the dentist. Invisalign features a smooth surface that prevents irritation of the gums and inner cheeks.

Invisalign treatments are much easier for working adults because they are convenient and easily accessible. They can also be removed during meals which allows you to keep eating most of your favorite foods. Cleaning your teeth is as easy as before sine your Invisalign trays simply need to be removed before flossing and brushing. Taking care of your Invisalign clear aligners is also simple. All you have to do is remove them and clean them with warm water and a toothbrush. This will get rid of any bacteria or stains on the surface of the trays.

Disadvantages of Invisalign Treatment

The disadvantages of Invisalign clear aligners are few, but still worth mentioning. To start, Invisalign’s costs is much higher than traditional braces. While any type of teeth straitening treatment is expensive, clear aligners tend to cost even more than most options. Dental insurance will cover some or all of the cost of traditional braces, however, they won’t cover the cost of Invisalign treatment.

The Invisalign trays must be worn for at least 22 hours a day in order to be effective. This can be difficult for some patients. They should only be removed for cleaning and meals. There is also some mild discomfort when wearing Invisalign treatment trays. There is pressure and sometimes sharp pain as the teeth are moved into their new alignment. The same pain is present with traditional braces.

Most patients who use Invisalign do so because they are virtually invisible. They must be removed before eating, and you must also brush them after each meal before replacing them. This can make them mildly incontinent or embarrassing to use for some people. Though not technically a disadvantage, there have been some additional attachments made for Invisalign users. These attachments help the trays to fit more effectively, but the downside is that it can make the aligners more noticeable.

How Long Do Invisalign Treatments Take?

Every tooth straitening treatment will vary depending on the patient. Factors that can affect treatment length are the complexity of the treatment and the actual type of clear aligners used. Your orthodontist will evaluate your needs and then create a customized plan that will provide an end result of the beautiful smile you deserve. Most patients will wear Invisalign aligners for a minimum of one year, though some may need a longer treatment plan that can last as long as 18 months. When worn correctly, a minimum of 22 hours a day, you will be able to start viewing results in a matter of weeks.

What Does Invisalign Treatment Cost?

Traditional braces have an average cost of $2,500 to $5,000 for a full course of treatment. This cost is often covered by most dental insurance plans. Invisalign is an equally effective tooth straitening treatment, but it has a higher cost than traditional teeth straightening options. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on the complexity of your treatment, dental office cost, and your location. The number of aligner sets you need over the course of your treatment will also play a role in determining the final cost. Unfortunately, dental insurance rarely covers the cost of clear aligners or Invisalign treatment.

Why Choose Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners is a great way to straighten your teeth discreetly. The trays are made from a clear BPA-free plastic that allows you to maintain your confidence during the entire process. If you are seeking to correct an underbite or an overbite, Invisalign treatments are an effective option. If you are ready to uncover your beautiful smile, contact your orthodontist today to find out more about available Invisalign treatment options.