You may have heard of Invisalign at one point or another during your journey to correct crooked teeth. They are one option of many possibilities, but they have quickly become a preferred method of treatment for new patients. The following is some information about Invisalign and how it works so that you can make an informed decision about whether to talk to your dentist about trying it.
What Is Invisalign?
Teeth alignment problems such as overbites, underbites, gaps and crossbites often need corrective systems to get the teeth back into alignment. Invisalign is a revolutionary alignment correction system dentists started to offer their patients in the early 2000s.
How Invisalign Works
The Invisalign system consists of a series of removable plastic aligners instead of the traditional metal-based brackets and wires. Dental labs design a customized group of aligners based on the patient’s problem and restorative needs. A patient in treatment must wear the aligners every day for at least 22 hours per day. The aligners are designed to pull the teeth in the direction of the desired correction. Each set of aligners is designed for the patient to wear it for approximately two weeks. After that the time, the patient switches to the next set of aligners. The process repeats until the last set of aligners is on, and the person sees a significant difference in teeth alignment. The recovery process can vary from as few as nine months to about 18 months.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Many benefits come along with choosing to correct one’s teeth with Invisalign. The main advantage is that the manufacturer crafts the aligners from transparent plastic. That means that the person getting the treatment is the only person aside from the dentist who knows that he or she is receiving corrective treatment. Invisalign is a popular discreet choice among high school and college students for that reason. Even some older people prefer the Invisalign system because they work jobs where they have to mingle with the public daily.
Invisalign also offers the benefit of easy access for dental cleanings. The patient can easily remove the aligners for daily teeth brushing and flossing. There’s no restrictive element that prevents a patient from cleaning his or her teeth properly. Therefore, the potential to go through treatment without developing additional tooth problems or decay is high.
Another benefit of the Invisalign system is that it causes less discomfort for the wearer than other corrective systems cause. It’s an excellent option for individuals who might have a lower pain threshold than other patients have. There are no tight clamps or heavy braces to attach. Therefore, the risk of pain is minimal as compared to other methods.
The Cost of Invisalign
It’s difficult to state a definitive cost for Invisalign because of the many factors that determine the price. The amount that the dentist requests will have a lot to do with the practice, location and processes that were necessary to determine the need for Invisalign. The cost will also depend on whether the patient needs a full set of aligners or just the top or bottom set. Furthermore, it will depend on the patient’s insurance policy and what they are willing to pay. The individual may also have a dental discount plan or third-party financing. Therefore, exact quotes are a bit impossible to give before a patient comes in for a consult.
Your First Appointment About Invisalign
You’ll need to schedule a consultation if you’re thinking about getting Invisalign for yourself. You will come into the facility and have a set of X-rays done. The specialist will talk to you about your history and what he or she sees in the X-rays. From there, the two of you will work together to develop the most effective treatment plan. Invisalign might just be the perfect choice for you. If it is, you can begin your treatment relatively quickly.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation Today
Now you should have a firm grasp on the concept of Invisalign and how it works. You can schedule an appointment to speak to our reliable providers today about starting your corrective journey and using Invisalign to lead the way.
