COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT INVISALIGN
Invisalign continues to gain popularity as a treatment option for misaligned and crooked teeth. However, it is normal to be a bit skeptical and wonder if it is even an option for you. So if you are interested in getting Invisalign but are not sure about what to expect, this is the article for you. We have come up with answers to some of the common questions about Invisalign to help you get a better understanding of the treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign are clear teeth aligners that help with orthodontic problems such as; misaligned teeth, malocclusions, crooked, crowded, and separated teeth. They are usually made up of clear, plastic aligner trays (removable), each shaped differently to gradually help with the straightening of your teeth. Their clear colour gives them an almost invisible appearance making them a popular treatment choice, especially amongst teenagers and young adults.
How does Invisalign work?
In general, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist, after which X-rays, impressions, and photos of your teeth are taken and sent to the Invisalign company together with a dentist’s prescription. With this information, the company now proceeds to make custom-made aligner trays just for your teeth (this process typically takes four to six weeks). Once your set of aligners is ready and received by your dentist, you will be required to come back in for the delivery of your first aligners, and subsequently, you will be educated on how to change and care for your aligners properly. Most dentists will send you home with two sets of aligner trays which will be used over a period of a few weeks, after which you will return for your next set, and this process continues until you reach your treatment goals.
Costs and payment plans
The costs of getting Invisalign usually depend on factors like; the severity of your orthodontic problems, the complexity of the treatment, duration of treatment, patient cooperation, and provider experience. Usually, your health insurance will cover most part of the payment, especially if you have orthodontic coverage. Also, depending on the dental practice you go for, there are different payment plans available, from insurance coverage to interest-free options for when you are paying out of pocket. You can contact local Sutton Dentists, Sherwood Park Dental Practice to find out more about the various payment plans available for you.
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
This is another frequently asked question about Invisalign. While it is a great way to improve your smile, not everyone is suitable for Invisalign treatment as it may not work for certain cases of misaligned or crooked teeth. Some of those cases include:
- Large teeth gaps – Invisalign usually closes up to 6 millimetres of space/arch, so if the gaps between your teeth are wider, you may not be a good candidate.
- Tooth shape and position – Invisalign is usually not ideal for people with short, pegged, or round teeth. Also, if the position of your tooth requires a rotation of more than 20 degrees, the Invisalign aligners may not be able to move it to a new desired position.
- Having previous dental work done may also exclude you as a candidate in some cases
How long does Invisalign take to work?
Depending on the severity of your teeth condition, Invisalign aligners can be used anywhere between 6 to 18 months. However, getting the desired result also requires work on your part. Your aligner trays should be worn for at least 20 hours each day (only remove them when you want to eat, brush, floss, or drink liquids that might stain them like coffee, tea, or alcohol), and proper dental hygiene needs to be maintained.
Is Invisalign better than clear braces?
When it comes to choosing between clear braces and Invisalign, the major differences to consider are appearance, method of teeth straightening, and time taken to complete treatment. Clear braces straighten your teeth in the same way traditional metal braces do. The process is also exactly the same except that a clear material is used in place of metal. Although clear braces are not too visible, they can’t be removed when you eat or drink, so chances are the brackets will stain over time. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a completely different process where the clear plastic aligners are fitted over your teeth to move them towards the desired position, and, unlike braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating or drinking, so you don’t have to worry about stains overtime.
Conclusion
The above are just some commonly asked questions and answers about Invisalign to help you get a basic idea of the treatment. You will, however, still need to set up an appointment with your dentist to get a full dental exam and discuss if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you.
