Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning. They are also more comfortable than traditional braces and require fewer visits to the orthodontist. In this article, we’ll explore Invisalign, how it works, its benefits over traditional braces, the cost, and more.
What is An Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of removable clear aligners to straighten teeth. It is an alternative to traditional metal braces and is especially popular with adults who had braces when they were younger and didn’t wear a retainer to keep their teeth from shifting out of alignment. The aligners are made from a flexible material called SmartTrack and fit snugly over your teeth to gradually adjust their position. They are worn 24/7, except for when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Invisalign clear aligners are an option for children, teens, and adults, and studies show that they work to straighten crooked teeth, correct malocclusion (crowded teeth), and correct some underbites, open bites, and crossbites.
How Does an Invisalign Work?
- Invisalign aligners are custom-made for each patient using 3D imaging technology.
- The aligners are made from a flexible material called SmartTrack and fit snugly over your teeth to gradually adjust their position.
- They are worn 24/7, except for when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
- Every two weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners that are slightly different from the previous set.
- Over time, the aligners shift your teeth into the desired position.
- The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the case but typically lasts between 12 and 18 months.
- During treatment, you will need to visit your orthodontist every six to eight weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligners.
What the Benefits of Invisalign?
Here are some benefits of Invisalign treatment:
- Aesthetics: Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.
- Comfort: Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth, flexible material that is gentle on your teeth and gums. They don’t have any sharp edges or wires that can irritate your mouth.
- Convenience: Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out when you eat, drink, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
- Fewer appointments: Invisalign treatment requires fewer visits to the orthodontist than traditional braces. You’ll typically need to visit your orthodontist every six to eight weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligners.
- Shorter treatment time: The length of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the severity of the case but typically lasts between 12 and 18 months, which is shorter than the average treatment time for traditional braces.
- Predictable results: Invisalign aligners are custom-made for each patient using 3D imaging technology. This allows you to see a virtual representation of your teeth before treatment begins and predict how they will look after treatment.
How Much Does an Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case, the length of treatment, and the location of the provider. The national average for its treatment is between $3,000 and $5,000. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on your individual case.
If you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of your Invisalign treatment. Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign aligners the same way they cover traditional braces. You can also use pre-tax dollars from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for the treatment.
Invisalign VS Traditional Braces.
Invisalign and traditional braces are both orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth. Here are some differences between the two:
- Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth discreetly. Traditional braces, on the other hand, consist of metal brackets and wires that are visible when you smile.
- Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth, flexible material that is gentle on your teeth and gums. They don’t have any sharp edges or wires that can irritate your mouth. Traditional braces can be uncomfortable and cause soreness or irritation in the mouth.
- Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out when you eat, drink, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. Traditional braces require more maintenance and cleaning to keep your teeth healthy and free of plaque buildup.
- The length of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the severity of the case but typically lasts between 12 and 18 months, which is shorter than the average treatment time for traditional braces. Traditional braces can take up to two years to achieve the desired results.
- The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case, the length of treatment, and the location of the provider. The national average for Invisalign treatment is between $3,000 and $5,000. Traditional braces are generally less expensive than Invisalign but can still cost several thousand dollars.
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How to Care for Your Invisalign Aligners?
Caring for your aligners is important to ensure that they remain clean and effective throughout your treatment. Here are some tips to help you care for your aligners:
- Clean your aligners regularly: You should clean your aligners every day to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque. Rinse them under lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush or retainer brush. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic, and toothpaste, which can scratch the surface of the aligners.
- Store your aligners properly: When you’re not wearing your aligners, store them in their case to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Keep the case with you at all times so that you can put your aligners away safely when you’re eating or drinking.
- Avoid eating or drinking with your aligners in: Eating or drinking with your aligners in can cause them to become stained or damaged. Always remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water.
- Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in: Before putting your aligners back in after eating, brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth.
- Avoid exposing your aligners to heat: High temperatures can warp the plastic of your aligners, so avoid exposing them to heat sources such as hot water, direct sunlight, or a hot car dashboard.
What Teeth Problems Can an Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that can be used to correct a variety of dental issues. It can be used to treat the following dental issues:
- Crowded teeth.
- Croocked teeth.
- Teeth straightening.
- Spacing issues.
- Overbite.
- Underbite.
- Crossbite.
- Open bite.
The Key Takeaway.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that offers a comfortable, convenient, and discreet way to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible. They are also removable, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. Invisalign treatment typically lasts between 12 and 18 months and can be used to correct a variety of dental issues.
The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the location of the provider, it is generally comparable to the cost of traditional braces. If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment, talk to your orthodontist to see if it’s right for you.
FAQs on Invisalign.
How long do I need to wear my aligners each day?
You should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day to ensure that they are effective.
Can I drink coffee or tea with my aligners in?
It’s best to avoid drinking coffee or tea with your aligners in, as the heat can warp the plastic and stain the aligners.
Can I chew gum with my aligners in?
It’s best to avoid chewing gum with your aligners in, as it can stick to the plastic and damage the aligners.
What happens if I lose or break one of my aligners?
If you lose or break one of your aligners, contact your orthodontist right away. They may be able to provide you with a replacement aligner.
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing Invisalign aligners?
It’s best to wait until after your Invisalign treatment is complete before whitening your teeth, as the bleach can damage the plastic of the aligners.
