Invisalign is a widely-known orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners rather than metal brackets and wires to straighten teeth. Invisalign gradually moves your teeth into place by using a series of clear, custom-made aligners. It is an alternative to traditional braces for adults and children who have mild to moderate bite or alignment problems. The following are some of the FAQs and answers about Invisalign.
How Much Will Invisalign Treatment Cost Me?
The Invisalign cost varies depending on your location and the severity of your misalignment. An entire course of treatment will typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 in most cases. On the other hand, many orthodontists offer flexible payment plans that make this treatment more affordable. If you have dental insurance, you may be able to get some or all of the cost of Invisalign treatment covered.
What are the Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces?
One advantage of Invisalign over traditional braces is the absence of metal brackets on the surface of your teeth, which can be unsightly or cause tooth sensitivity in some people. One more benefit is that you do not have to go to the dentist frequently.
It is because no wires or bands are holding your mouth open during treatment, as there would be with traditional braces. This means less time spent at the dentist! But the best part about Invisalign is that it is virtually invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing – ideal for people who are self-conscious about their smile.
How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?
Your Invisalign aligners are custom-made to perfectly fit your teeth. You’ll wear them for 22 hours a day, only taking them off to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and floss. Each set of aligners will gradually move your teeth into the proper position as you wear them. You must wear each set of aligners for two weeks before moving on to the next set. The average length of treatment is 6 to 18 months.
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?
It is best suited for people with mild to moderate misalignment and legal drinking age. In most cases, children must be 13 years old before receiving treatment.
Their current condition determines the effectiveness of Invisalign on your teeth; your orthodontist will make this determination during a consultation appointment. In case you have more than 45 degrees of misalignment in some of your back teeth, or if you’ve had previous jaw surgery, traditional braces may be a better option for you than Invisalign.
What Problems Can Be Addressed with Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective treatment for most misalignment issues, including:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Rotation
- Protrusion (teeth sticking out)
- Overbite (lower teeth covering too much of the upper teeth when you bite down)
- Underbite (upper teeth covering too much of the lower teeth when you bite down)
- ·Crossbite (teeth not lining up horizontally when biting down)
Invisalign also works well if you have sensitive gums because there are no metal brackets or wires to cause discomfort in your mouth. However, it is critical that people who wear braces use fluoride-containing whitening toothpaste to prevent cavities.
What Happens if I Lose or Damage my Aligners?
If you misplace an Invisalign aligner, notify your orthodontist right away. While you wait for more permanent replacements to arrive in the mail, you may need to wear a temporary replacement. Remember that, despite their invisibility, your aligners are critical to your treatment! When Invisalign aligner breaks, replacing it with a new one is usually necessary.
Because there is no way to reattach them once separated, try not to bite down on them or step on them with your shoes. If you break an aligner in this manner, save all the pieces and bring them to your next orthodontist appointment.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid While Wearing Invisalign?
Yes, there are some foods you should avoid while wearing Invisalign aligners. These include crunchy or sticky foods such as chips, candy, and gum, which can become lodged in your braces and cause damage.
You should also avoid drinking acidic beverages such as soda or orange juice, as they can wear down the enamel on your teeth. Finally, drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Bottom Line
For people who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional braces, Invisalign is a popular option. This article has answered some frequently asked questions about Invisalign treatment and provided additional information. In case you have other questions, don’t hesitate to see your orthodontist.
