What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners. There are different ways that we can move teeth. One is with traditional braces that many of us are familiar with, where brackets and wires are attached to the teeth and adjusted throughout treatment.
Another way to move your teeth is with clear aligners. There are different clear aligner systems available, including Invisalign. Basically, you wear a series of clear plastic trays that are custom-made for your teeth. Each aligner is designed to gradually move your teeth toward the positions planned for your treatment.
How does Invisalign compare to braces?
Invisalign and other clear aligners compare to traditional braces in that they both move teeth. Many patients can be candidates for clear aligners, but there are some situations where traditional braces or another orthodontic approach may be more appropriate.
If you have a question about whether clear aligners are right for you, we'd love to have you come in so we can evaluate your teeth and bite and talk about your options.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Clear aligners aren't automatically faster than braces. Treatment time depends on the movements your teeth need, the complexity of your bite, how consistently you wear your aligners, and how your teeth respond to treatment.
Once we've evaluated your case, we can give you a better idea of the expected timeline with clear aligners compared with other orthodontic options.
Is Invisalign more comfortable than braces?
Some patients find Invisalign or other clear aligners more comfortable than braces. Traditional braces have brackets and wires, and sometimes those components can temporarily irritate the cheeks or lips.
Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic and don't have brackets or wires. They're also removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. However, aligners still apply pressure to move the teeth, so some temporary soreness is normal.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of treatment really depends on each person. Some relatively straightforward cases may take several months, while more complex treatment can take a year or longer.
It depends on your particular case, the amount and type of tooth movement needed, your bite, and how consistently you wear the aligners.
What is the process for getting clear aligners?
The process starts with a complete dental and orthodontic evaluation. We want to check the health of your teeth and gums and identify concerns such as untreated cavities or gum disease before moving teeth.
Once we've determined that clear aligners may be appropriate for you, we'll take digital scans of your teeth along with photographs and appropriate X-rays. We use that information to plan how we want the teeth to move.
Once the treatment plan is finalized, your series of aligners is manufactured. When the trays arrive, we'll have you come in and explain how to wear them, when to change to the next set, how to care for them, and how we'll monitor your progress throughout treatment.
What do Invisalign trays look like?
Invisalign trays are clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. They should fit closely over the teeth, and you'll receive a series of trays based on your individual treatment plan.
You'll generally have aligners for both the upper and lower teeth when both arches are being treated. Each tray is designed to make a small part of the planned tooth movement as you progress through the series.
Do you sleep with Invisalign?
Yes, you generally sleep with Invisalign. For many Invisalign treatment plans, patients are instructed to wear their aligners about 20 to 22 hours per day, including while sleeping.
You take them out primarily to eat, drink beverages other than appropriate water, and brush and floss your teeth. Your provider will give you specific instructions for your treatment plan.
Who is not a good candidate for clear aligners?
There are some situations where clear aligners may not be the most appropriate orthodontic option. Candidacy depends on your oral health, bite, the types of tooth movements required, and your ability to wear the trays consistently.
That's why it's important to come in and have a conversation with the dentist so we can evaluate your individual case and determine whether clear aligners are right for you.
Can Invisalign fix a crossbite?
Invisalign and other clear aligners can treat certain crossbites, depending on what's causing the bite problem and how much correction is needed. Some cases may require additional orthodontic techniques or a different treatment approach.
We'll need to evaluate your bite to determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your particular crossbite.
Does Invisalign hurt?
All orthodontic treatment can involve some discomfort, especially when you first begin treatment or start a new stage of tooth movement. Invisalign can make your teeth feel a little tender or sore as pressure is applied to move them.
Everybody is a little different in how much discomfort they experience. It is usually temporary, but if you have significant or persistent pain, let us know so we can evaluate what's happening.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Some dental insurance plans provide orthodontic benefits that may help cover part of the cost of Invisalign or other clear aligner treatment. Coverage depends on your individual plan and may include age limits, lifetime orthodontic maximums, or other restrictions.
If you want to know whether your insurance may contribute toward treatment, we can review your benefits and provide an estimate. Insurance estimates aren't guarantees of payment.
How much do clear aligners cost?
The cost of clear aligners or Invisalign varies depending on the complexity and length of treatment, the aligner system, and the individual dental or orthodontic office.
After we evaluate your teeth and determine what treatment you need, we can provide a specific estimate and discuss available payment options.
How do I schedule an appointment?
If you'd like to schedule an appointment to talk with us about clear aligners or Invisalign, contact Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. We'd be happy to sit down with you, evaluate your teeth and bite, and discuss whether clear aligner treatment may be appropriate for you.
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.