Be honest, do you love your smile?
Maybe you’ve considered braces before, but you dread the idea of metal brackets and wires. Thankfully, there’s an alternative that’s nearly invisible, completely comfortable, and capable of improving your smile. Invisalign clear aligners may be just what you need to love your smile.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign are clear aligners that work similarly to braces to straighten teeth and correct common dental conditions like:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gap Teeth
- Open Bite
Invisalign relies on clear trays to move your teeth over a period of time. The trays, similar to retainers, are custom to your mouth and are practically invisible. They shift your teeth gradually as you progress through each series of trays.
Invisalign retainers are made with SmartTrack™ material, which is BPA-free, BPS-free, latex-free, and gluten-free. The patented thermoplastic material is durable and easy to maintain. Each set of retainers is trimmed to align with the patient’s gum line to ensure maximum comfort and reduce visibility.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
There is a good reason for the surge in popularity of clear aligners. The benefits of Invisalign clear aligners make them an excellent option for many people seeking to improve their smiles.
Aesthetics
They are aesthetically pleasing with a low profile that makes them difficult to notice. Even the attachments that hold the trays in place are clear. When you speak and smile, they are essentially invisible.
Comfort
Invisalign trays are custom to your teeth. They slide over your teeth and are smooth, so they don’t irritate the soft tissues in your mouth. Aside from a little discomfort with new trays, many users don’t even notice they’re wearing Invisalign.
Convenience
Since Invisalign trays are removable, you don’t have the dietary limitations that you may have with other types of braces. You can brush your teeth after eating or drinking and pop your trays back in without worrying about food stuck in your teeth.
Follow-up Appointments
Invisalign follow-ups are fast, easy appointments because you’re following a prescribed series of trays. You may need new scans throughout the process, but those don’t take long, and the rest of the appointments are just collecting your next set of trays. Many Invisalign patients follow-up in ten-week intervals.
Additionally, if you happen to crack or break a tray, you don’t need to see your orthodontist for repairs. Instead, just jump to the next tray in the set and continue your treatment plan.
Who Should Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is a versatile treatment option that effectively corrects many common issues including crooked teeth, gap teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. It is possible to use appliances, like rubber bands, with Invisalign clear aligners.
What is the Difference Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces?
If you’re looking for a side-by-side comparison of Invisalign vs. traditional braces, we’ve got you covered. When making your own decision, it helps to understand the big differences between the two.
Appearance
A significant factor in the decision process is aesthetics. Even though modern traditional braces have a much lower profile, they are still apparent when you smile. People who want to improve their smile with minimal impact on their appearance during the process like Invisalign.
Functionality
Comfort is another factor. Traditional braces can irritate the insides of your mouth, especially if wires break. With Invisalign, the trays fit perfectly over your teeth, so they don’t rub against the soft tissues of your mouth.
Daily Care
You will have to spend more time on your oral care routine with both types. However, traditional braces are always there, so you aren’t responsible for tracking your daily wear. With Invisalign, you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, but you need to make sure you’re wearing them long enough every day.
Duration of Treatment
When it comes to Invisalign vs braces which is faster? Both types of treatment move your teeth gradually, so you can expect it to take some time. However, if you’re compliant with treatment, Invisalign tends to have faster results.
Pricing
The cost of Invisalign vs braces is often considered, but the gap between the two treatments is not as big as you might think. However, Invisalign does tend to cost more.
The Bottom Line on Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Choosing between Invisalign and braces is ultimately your decision. Keep in mind that some complex cases will have better results with traditional braces. Also, the success and speed of Invisalign relies heavily on your compliance with the treatment plan.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Knowing how Invisalign differs from traditional braces is one thing, but understanding the process is another. Before signing up for clear aligners, you probably want to know what you’re getting into. So, how does Invisalign work?
What is the Invisalign Process?
The Invisalign process is straightforward and begins with a consultation. Your dentist scans your teeth with an iTero 3D Scanner (no messy, disgusting molds!). With the scan, your dentist can give you an idea of your future smile and create a digital “roadmap” of the treatment progression.
Using this digital roadmap, aligners are made. Each tray plays a part in shifting your teeth until each issue is corrected.
How Long Do You Need to Wear the Clear Aligners?
Following your prescribed treatment plan is critical to the success of Invisalign. It is necessary to wear trays 20 to 22 hours per day to see progress.
At the end of the process, you will need to wear a clear retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back. Though you’ll initially need to wear the retainer full time, eventually you’ll only wear them at night.
How Do You Care for Invisalign Trays?
Caring for your trays is simple. Remove them to eat and drink (be sure to store them in a safe place!). When you brush your teeth, gently scrub the trays before you pop them back in.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Invisalign Treatment?
Ultimately, the duration of your treatment depends on the complexity of your case. The average timeline for the treatment ranges from 12 to 18 months. Some patients require longer treatment plans while others finish in as little as six months.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
There’s probably one question bouncing around your mind right now – how much is Invisalign? Yes, it costs a little more than choosing traditional braces, but there are ways to lower your costs.
Many dentists and orthodontists offer special deals, like discount dental plans or financing programs. If you have dental insurance, at least some of your costs should be covered. You can also make use of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) if you have them.
Ask Jefferson Dental Care About Invisalign
Are you considering Invisalign clear aligners? Whether you’re ready for that initial consultation or have more questions, our team is ready to help. Contact the Jefferson Dental Care clinic nearest you to make an appointment.
