Invisalign: Are They Right for You?
Learn about Invisalign and discover if this revolutionary teeth straightening system is a good fit for you! See five advantages of removing metal braces in favor of Invisalign.
Are you interested in a beautiful smile without the hassles of metal braces? Invisalign may be the answer you’re looking for. This revolutionary teeth straightening system replaces metal braces with nearly invisible aligners. This makes it easier and more convenient to maintain oral health while improving your smile. Discover the five major advantages of using Invisalign instead of traditional braces.
What is Invisalign? How Does It Work?
Invisalign is made from a durable thermoplastic called SmartTrack. SmartTrack is gluten, latex, and BPA free, which means it is safe for all kinds of people, including pregnant people and people with allergies.
Invisalign offers a more comfortable and discreet orthodontic treatment experience than traditional metal braces. It employs a customized sequence of clear, removable aligner trays to correct the position of a person’s teeth and jaw progressively and safely.
During a consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will review your dental history, perform an oral exam, take oral X-rays, and take a 3D digital scan of your teeth to develop a bespoke teeth-aligning plan.
They use digital imaging to show you how your teeth will shift from their current alignment to their optimum alignment.
Your dentist or orthodontist will also inform you how many sets of trays (and weeks of wear) you will require for the duration of your treatment plan.
Your dental professional will advise whether your treatment plan should include clear “buttons” on the front of specific teeth. The ‘buttons’ help anchor and pivot your aligners over time to obtain the best outcomes.
Invisalign can help correct the following depending on the individual delivering treatment,
- Uneven teeth
- Teeth overlapping
- Crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Jaw misalignment and malposition
Following your agreement to the treatment plan, the dentist or orthodontist will order a set of plastic aligner trays that will gradually reposition the teeth depending on your digital scans. Except for meals, you should wear trays every day.
Depending on the intricacy of your case, your treatment plan could last as long as six months. Having said that, most patients notice effects within a few weeks. Request a consultation with your dental care professional to estimate your completion time.
A Quick Overview of Invisalign
Cost: The average person in the United States should expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for Invisalign treatment.
Treatment duration: The length of time it takes to complete a patient’s treatment plan relies heavily on the original state of their teeth alignment and how well they adhere to treatment standards. A typical treatment plan lasts six to twelve months, while more intensive regimens may take longer.
Results: Teeth become aligned in a visually beautiful way and safe for one’s oral health. This is easily noticeable when the client uses the aligners appropriately and attends regular progress appointments.
Why Should You Use Invisalign?
Discreet Teeth Straightening.
With Invisalign, you no longer have bulky metal braces strapped to your teeth throughout the entire treatment. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners comprise clear, medical-grade plastic that is almost invisible when worn. This allows for discreet teeth straightening so you can feel confident and self-assured with every smile.
Removable Aligners.
Another benefit of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are removable. You can remove them and go about your day as usual—eating what you want, flossing, and brushing your teeth more easily. After every two weeks, you will receive a new set of aligners to continue straightening your teeth.
This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Comfortably Custom Fitting System.
Invisalign uses 3D scanning and printing technology to create custom, comfortable aligners. Unlike metal braces, their custom-made shape doesn’t press on your lips, cheeks, or gums for a more comfortable experience. Plus, the smooth plastic aligners can be changed quickly and efficiently compared to the regular visits and adjustments needed with traditional braces.
Enhanced Oral Hygiene & Whole Mouth Health Benefits.
Brushing and flossing with Invisalign aligners is much easier without metal brackets and wires. You can remove the aligners to clean your teeth properly, reducing the risk of oral health complications.
Additionally, Invisalign tends to focus on moving just the front teeth. Thus, avoiding potential risks associated with more complex orthodontic treatment plans that could cause added stress to other areas in your mouth.
Treatment Time is Shorter Than Traditional Braces!
Compared to metal braces, treatment time with Invisalign aligners is significantly shorter! This is excellent news if you are looking to have straighter teeth quickly! Generally, metal braces require 18 months to two years of treatment, depending on the complexity of your case, while Invisalign typically takes between 6-12 months for adults.
Comfort
Metal brackets and wires feel alien against the texture of your natural teeth, unlike Invisalign. Traditional braces might irritate your cheeks by rubbing against them. Many prefer the at-home biweekly clear aligner changes over orthodontists’ often painful wire tightening.
Fewer orthodontic appointments
Traditional braces necessitate having your wires tightened every six weeks. That’s a lot of meetings. And if you don’t have dental insurance, any or all these appointments can be costly.
There is no need for repairs.
A bracket or wire may become loose with traditional braces, necessitating yet another orthodontic visit. If there is any damage to a clear aligner, you can move on to the next aligner in your series.
The Cost of Invisalign
The cost of an Invisalign treatment plan is determined by the dental practitioner who provides the quote and how minimal or aggressive the advised treatment plan must be.
Having said that, the Consumer Guide to Dentistry reports that the average national cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $5,000.
Reach your dentist for more information on how much Invisalign can cost you. They may also provide discounted discounts or financing options.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
If your dental insurance plan covers orthodontic coverage, check with your provider to determine if Invisalign is included.
If your plan does not include orthodontic coverage, it is not likely that you will be able to use insurance to cover some of the costs of Invisalign.
The Drawbacks of Invisalign
Not suitable for Complex Corrections
Transparent aligners are not suitable for everyone and are best suited to patients requiring modest straightening.
You must Remove it Before Eating
When wearing Invisalign trays, patients may drink water but must remove them when eating or drinking anything other than water.
Food can quickly damage the delicate plastic. Furthermore, the clear plastic stains readily and warps when heated; therefore, users should remove the aligners before drinking hot or colorful liquids.
You Need Discipline with Invisalign
You must wear the Invisalign aligner for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. Clear aligners should be used only by disciplined people to wear them for the required number of hours each day. Wearing them less frequently may hinder or even harm growth.
Another problem, particularly for children, is losing Invisalign, which increases treatment expenses and lengthens treatment time.
Brushing your teeth more frequently
People with poor oral care should not wear Invisalign aligners since they can cause foul breath and cavities.
Wearers should ensure that they rinse their teeth thoroughly after eating or drinking. Because most individuals nibble throughout the day, utilizing Invisalign may raise your daily brushing time twice or more.
You may Need Visible Attachments.
Some patients require little tooth attachments that, like buttons, connect to the transparent aligners. These attachments aid in controlling tooth movement and must be attached and removed by an orthodontist.
People who require these ‘buttons’ may require more consultations than others, and the attachments are apparent through the clear plastic.
Is it better to go to a dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign?
People who want to improve their smile can benefit from Invisalign, but choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist for Invisalign treatment can be challenging.
Although orthodontists have experience in cutting-edge technology, many patients prefer to see their conventional dentist.
You can get Invisalign treatment from your dentist or an orthodontist. Still, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the two dental professionals.
If you are unsure whether you should see an orthodontist or a dentist for Invisalign, your best choice is to schedule a consultation with each to weigh the benefits and drawbacks thoroughly.
Here’s some more information on the main differences to help you decide:
- A dentist can provide initial consultation and evaluation for Invisalign.
- An orthodontist has more experience in teeth straightening and can treat more complex cases with Invisalign (but they cost a lot more).
- See an orthodontist if you have a complicated dental problem.
- General dentists can help you if you need general treatment or wish to improve the aesthetics of your smile.
We believe scheduling a consultation with a general dentist is preferable to address your dental health. Once you have a comprehensive treatment plan, the general dentist assesses whether they can provide the patient with optimal Invisalign care.
If the condition is more complicated, a referral to an orthodontist or oral surgeon is made, depending on the circumstances. You should see a general dentist first before proceeding with any other procedures.
At A-Dental center, we believe that we must consult with you before making your Invisalign aligners. We assess whether you are a great fit and what treatment is ideal for your teeth and lifestyle.