Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without the need for metal wires or brackets. It is also much more comfortable than traditional braces. The first step in getting invisalign is to consult with a qualified orthodontist or dentist who is trained in this treatment. They will evaluate your teeth and create a customized treatment plan.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to correct misaligned teeth. Typically, it is used for mild crowding and spacing issues as well as minor bite problems. Invisalign is a non-invasive alternative to traditional braces.

During the Invisalign process, patients wear the aligners daily (except for when they’re eating or drinking) until their results are achieved. For best results, patients should adhere to their orthodontist’s schedule of switching to new sets of aligners. Also, it’s important to brush and floss regularly as these habits will help keep the teeth clean while in treatment.

The Invisalign aligners are made of a transparent material that is custom fitted to each patient’s mouth, so they are less noticeable than traditional braces. Additionally, they are removable so you can eat and drink what you want, as well as brush your teeth or use a mouth guard appliance to play sports. This flexibility makes them an attractive option for many people.

How Does Invisalign Work?

The Invisalign process begins with a primary consultation with an orthodontist or dentist. This appointment will assess your smile goals, determine if you have any bite or tooth alignment issues, and help you decide whether Invisalign is the right solution for you.

Once you decide to proceed, your dentist will use advanced scanning and imaging technologies to create a detailed digital model of your teeth. This model will serve as the basis for your customized treatment plan.

During treatment, you’ll wear each set of clear aligners for one to two weeks before switching to the next set. Each aligner applies pressure to specific areas of your teeth in order to move them gradually into their final positions. Your aligners will continue to shift until you have achieved the smile you desire. Depending on the extent of your treatment, this may take anywhere from six months to over two years.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign is largely dependent on how long your treatment takes. You wear each set of clear aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat and drink. During the first few days of each new set, you may experience some pain as your teeth move into their correct position. However, this is much less intense than the discomfort that you experience when wearing traditional braces.

The initial one-hour Invisalign visit will include a consultation and an evaluation of your crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite, or underbite. This visit also includes taking bite impressions and photos of your teeth that will be used to create a customized treatment plan.

Many dental insurance plans cover some or all of the cost of Invisalign. You should check the specifics of your coverage during open enrollment and during your consultation appointment. If you do not have dental insurance, most doctors offer affordable and flexible monthly payment plans that break down the total cost of Invisalign into a series of low payments. You can also use a health savings account (FSA, HSA, or HRA) to cover the costs of Invisalign with tax-free dollars.

Will Invisalign Work for Me?

Many people have concerns about getting traditional metal braces, which can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that allows you to straighten your teeth without the wires and brackets. The clear aligners are discreet and hardly noticeable. They can also be removed for eating and brushing your teeth. Invisalign requires fewer visits than traditional braces and is more convenient. You won’t have to spend time having wires tightened or repairing broken brackets, although you will need to visit our office every two weeks to receive a new set of clear aligners.

Invisalign can treat a variety of issues, including mild to moderate crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. However, it is important to understand that the treatment will not work for everyone. Certain issues, such as severe crooked teeth or an overbite, may require more complex fixtures like metal braces to correct. Your orthodontist will let you know if Invisalign is right for you based on the nature of your alignment issue.