Invisalign braces are an alternative. It is a quick and convenient way to straighten teeth. It also allows the patient to eat more food.
3D images of a patient’s teeth are taken. These will then be used to create a customized set of clear aligners. Each aligner moves the teeth just a little bit. The trays need to be changed every two weeks.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign can vary based on several factors. Some patients have dental coverage that covers all or part of the cost. Others may pay for Invisalign using their health savings or flexible spending accounts. Some patients are also able to take out a personal loan to cover the cost of Invisalign.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. It is a popular option for adults because it doesn’t take as much time or effort as braces.
If you’re unsure whether Invisalign is right for you, schedule an initial consultation. During your visit, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if you have issues such as crowded or gapped teeth, or an overbite. The dentist will also take bite impressions and photos to send to Invisalign. Then, they will develop a personalized Invisalign treatment plan.
After your treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position. A retainer is a small plastic device that looks similar to a mouthguard. You can buy one from your local drugstore, or the dentist.
The cost of Invisalign depends on your alignment problems and the length of your treatment. Find a trustworthy orthodontist that will provide you with an accurate estimate for your Invisalign cost. Choosing a provider who doesn’t try to oversell you will save you money in the long run.
Time is a factor
The time it takes to complete an Invisalign treatment can vary, and can depend on how well the patient follows their dentist’s instructions. Invisalign works by applying gentle pressure to each tooth in a sequential series, which gradually shifts them into proper position. This process is typically done over a period of six to 18 months. However, more difficult cases can take up to two years to treat.
To speed up the treatment, patients should stick to their treatment plans and only remove their trays for meals. They should be cleaned and reinserted as soon as possible afterward, as food particles can cause decay, which will slow the progress of the treatment. In addition, patients should avoid foods and drinks that stain the teeth, like wine, coffee, soda, juice, candy, and pastries. This will help the trays fit better and move the teeth more easily.
It’s also important to follow the schedule set out by the orthodontist, including when to switch trays. If the trays aren’t replaced as soon as they’re ready, they will not exert the correct amount of pressure on the teeth, which will delay the process. Finally, patients should brush and floss before placing their trays back in, as lingering food can lead to bad breath and gum disease.
The frequency with which patients remove their Invisalign trays to eat or drink can also influence the length of the treatment. The trays are designed to stay in the mouth for 22 hours or more each day, but some patients find it difficult to adhere to this rule. When they take out the trays, they should soak them in denture cleaning solution or mouthwash to ensure they are free of stains.
Invisalign users must also visit their dentist regularly to ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned. If the teeth are moving faster than expected, they may need to switch to a more aggressive treatment plan. It’s also important to report any abnormalities early on so that the dentist can address them right away.
Comfort
Unlike traditional braces, which restrict patients’ food choices and make it difficult to brush their teeth after eating, Invisalign allows patients to eat all their favorite foods. To avoid bacteria growth, it is important to remove the aligners prior to eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Brushing after each meal is also crucial, as food particles left in the aligners can lead to gum disease or tooth decay.
The smooth plastic surfaces of Invisalign trays provide a high level of comfort to the tongue and cheeks, which makes this treatment option a great choice for adults who want to straighten their smiles without wearing metal braces. In most cases, the gradual pressure that each new set trays applies to specific teeth means less stress, and shorter treatment times, than traditional braces.
You can improve the comfort of Invisalign trays if you apply a small amount wax to their edges, which are usually the roughest. This will lubricate and reduce friction that can cause discomfort. You can also reduce discomfort by taking an OTC pain reliever such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other OTC pain relievers. In addition, incorporating a salt water rinse into your daily oral hygiene routine can also reduce discomfort and keep your gums clean.
Appearance
Invisalign can dramatically improve your smile if you have crooked teeth, gaps, crowding, or other misaligned teeth. This is because a straighter and even smile will not just enhance your teeth but will also balance facial aesthetics, making you look younger and energetic.
Invisalign can correct many dental misalignments which contribute to a crooked face shape. These include overbite and underbite as well as crossbite and open bite. These problems can lead to a protruding upper lip, which pushes the lower jaw outward. The lips are unable to rest properly on lower teeth, which can create a swollen and unattractive appearance.
Invisalign involves wearing a set of clear aligners, which are slowly moved to correct the alignment of teeth and bite. This is done with a lot less force than braces. This allows for greater control over the alignment of your teeth and face. The aligners can be more comfortable because they are made from a flexible, soft material.
During the treatment you must wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. Only remove them when eating, brushing or flossing. You will receive new aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. During this period, you will notice your teeth moving more quickly than without the aligners. As a result, you will notice that your smile is straighter in less time.