There is nothing worse than looking into the mirror and being unhappy with your reflection. If you are unhappy about imperfections with your teeth, there are reliable ways to improve your smile. Clear aligners or Invisalign is an effective and safe way to straighten your teeth with little to no side effects. Compared with traditional braces, Invisalign is equally effective but far less painful. If the look of traditional braces is keeping you from correcting your smile, Invisalign is a great alternative. Not only are they comfortable to wear, but they are also virtually transparent. (company) has put together a guide about all you need to know about Invisalign so you can make an informed choice regarding your treatment.
How Do Invisalign Aligners Work
Invisalign clear aligners are a dental treatment used to treat underbites, overbites, and misaligned teeth. Invisalign works to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile that is also more efficiently balances. This can help make chewing easier, reduce tooth grinding, and help relieve strain on the muscles and bones in the jaw. Clear aligners can be used on the upper and lower teeth and are best suited to misalignments that are mild or moderate in nature.
The Invisalign is not much different than traditional braces. Instead of using metal brackets directly applied to the teeth, the process makes use of clear trays. These trays are customized to fit each tooth perfectly and will work to gradually guide the teeth into proper alignment. Traditional braces require manual adjustments, however, Invisalign works by using several aligner trays instead. Your dentist will take several x-rays which will allow them to create a unique treatment plan to meet your needs.
Instead of taking a mold of your teeth, a 3D map will be created that allows your dentist to create an Invisalign treatment plan that fits your mouth exactly. Typically you will get 6 weeks of work of Invisalign treatment trays which will gradually move your teeth into new positions. The trays will be changed every couple of weeks to help keep your teeth on track while moving into new positions. New Invisalign treatment trays will be issued every six to eight weeks until the treatment has been completed.
It is important to wear the Invisalign treatment trays for at least 22 hours each day. Cleaning is simple, all you have to do is remove them and wash them in warm water. Although most patients will wear Invisalign trays on both the upper and lower teeth, it is possible to treat only one set at a time.
Pros & Cons of Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment
Invisalign clear aligners are an effective and easy way to get straighter teeth. Any medical procedure, even cosmetics ones have their pros and cons. Before choosing a treatment plan, it is a good idea to understand both the good and the bad in order to make an informed decision.
Cons of Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment
Invisalign clear aligners don’t have many cons, but there are still a few things you should keep in mind. The cost of Invisalign treatment is higher than regular metal braces and are not usually covered by dental or health insurance policies. Traditional braces are covered by insurance which is often a deciding factor when choosing a straightening treatment.
Invisalign trays are clear and hard to spot, but unlike traditional braces, they must be removed prior to meals. You also must brush and floss your teeth following each meal or drink before replacing the Invisalign trays. This can become quite a chore for those who are on the go or often not in a position to brush their teeth while away from home. Some adjustment attachments may also make the Invisalign trays more visible to the naked eye.
The Invisalign trays much also be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day if you want to see results. While this is not hard for everyone, it can be difficult for some patients. There is less pain than traditional braces, however, there is pressure and discomfort as the teeth move into new positions.
Pros of Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment
Invisalign clear aligners offer a wide range of benefits. They are much easier to wear and care for than traditional braces, and also look better as well. There are no wires or metal brackets, and in most cases, it is impossible to tell when someone is wearing Invisalign trays. Though there is some discomfort, Invisalign trays are considerably more comfortable than regular metal braces. Thanks to the lack of wires, you will be able to skip out on cuts and bruises that come from regular metal braces. The smooth plastic surface also keeps the gums and cheeks from becoming irritated.
Working adults may find Invisalign treatments much more accessible than traditional braces. You won’t have to stop eating your favorite foods because the trays are removed during meals. Cleaning and maintenance of Invisalign trays are also very simple. The trays only need to be cleaned with warm water or toothpaste and your regular brushing and flossing routine will continue as usual.
What Does Invisalign Treatment Cost?
Invisalign clear aligners are just as effective as traditional braces, however, they do carry a higher cost. On average, the cost of treatment with Invisalign clear aligners will range from $3,500 to $8,000 for a full course of treatment. The location, dentist charges, and complexity of your individual case will also play a role in the overall cost of care. The longer it takes to straighten your teeth, the higher your cost will be due to the increased number of aligner sets. Dental checkups and adjustments are usually included in the total cost of care for treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatments Take?
The actual time of your Invisalign treatment will depend on a few factors. Mainly the current state of your teeth, the number of changes that need to be made, and the actual type of Invisalign clear aligners used for the treatment. Of course, actual adherence to the treatment plan will also affect how long it takes to see results on an Invisalign treatment plant. A dentist will first need to evaluate your oral health and create a unique treatment plan that will allow you to reach your goal smile. In general treatment with Invisalign can be completed as early as one year or as long as 18 months. Regardless of how long your treatment actually takes, results will be visible as early as a few weeks with proper usage.
Why Choose Clear Aligner Treatment
If you are ready to recapture your confidence and create the beautiful smile of your dreams, Invisalign clear aligners are a great option. This teeth-straightening method is safe, discrete, and highly effective. The Invisalign treatment trays are clear, made from safe BPA-free plastic, and easy to maintain. You can have the smile you dreamed of in less than 18 months. For more information about Invisalign clear aligners, give us a call today
