What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic – specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
How long will invisalign treatment take?
Depending on the complexity of your case, your could complete your treatment in as little as 6 months, but you’ll start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, the cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of braces. Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment depend on the how complex your case is and how many aligners you need, the cost will range between $4,500 and $7,500.
There are several options to make Invisalign treatment more affordable for you, from using insurance and tax-free dollars (FSA or HSA) to a monthly payment plan.
While there are a number of bite issues Invisalign can address, it does not always have the same capabilities as traditional braces.
Here are some examples of situations where people experience problems with Invisalign:
Severe overbite: Though a regular overbite may be addressed, severe overbite may require the use of braces.
Tooth shape: Too-short or pegged teeth can prevent Invisalign from working properly.
Tooth position: If your teeth are too rotated, Invisalign cannot shift them into proper alignment.
Large gaps: Even though Invisalign can fix small gaps between the teeth, large gaps may require braces.
Intrusion and extrusion: Invisalign cannot raise or lower the position of the teeth.
Prior dental work: Patients with previous dental work, such as bridges, may not qualify for Invisalign.
Please contact our office to schedule an evaluation to find out if you may or may not be a candidate for Invisalign.
- Less effective for complex issues: Invisalign is more effective for people whose teeth require only certain kinds of movement. Your doctor may suggest another treatment option for more complex issues. Additionally, Invisalign might not be the right option for you if you have bridgework on some of your teeth.
- Requires compliance: To get the maximum benefit from Invisalign, you must wear it for 20 to 22 hours a day.
- Removal when eating or drinking: You need to take the aligners out when you’re eating or drinking to avoid food or drink from getting into the aligners. This causes bacteria to grow along your teeth or gumline, which could lead to cavities. Also, liquid can seep down into them and cause staining of the aligners and your teeth.
- Food limitations: You may experience tooth soreness when the aligner is removed, which can limit your food choices. Hard foods should be avoided.
Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation with an Invisalign-trained doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile.
Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You are required to wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gradually shift your teeth into place until you reach your beautiful new smile.
Many orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign-trained doctors, but not all are. Doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specializing training. At Modern Dental, we have several doctors who are Invisalign Certified.
You can remove your Invisalign aligners as many times as you want. Just remember to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.
Invisalign treatment moves your teeth by applying gentle, constant force, but some people do feel temporary discomfort for the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. The pressure you feel is totally normal and it’s a sign your Invisalign aligners are working and transforming your smile. Please see your doctor if your have any concerns or experience continued discomfort.
Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether with braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back toward their initial position. However, every case is different, so ask your doctor if you need retainers.