How does Invisalign work?

Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of clear aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, gently moving your teeth to the final position. Approximately every 2 weeks, you will start a new set of aligners, continuing until your treatment is done.

What are Invisalign aligners (trays) made of?

The aligners are made of a thermoplastic material developed specifically by Invisalign. They look similar to teeth-whitening trays. Each aligner is custom-made for you based on your treatment plan.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners look better and are much more discreet than traditional wire braces. Unless someone looks closely, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.

Invisalign aligners are also removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. You never have to worry about food stuck in your braces.

One of the less obvious benefits is that you can remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. It’s much easier than the complicated flossing routine of regular braces.

Lastly, there are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll spend less time at our office!

How long does Invisalign take?

The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case, which we will determined at a consultation in our office. The average case takes about 12 months or less for adults.

Who is Invisalign for?

More than 4 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. Invisalign can be used to correct the following dental problems:

● Crowded Teeth
● Spaces between Teeth
● Overbites
● Underbites
● Crossbites
● When teeth shift after traditional braces have been worn but a retainer wasn’t used properly to maintain changes

ONCE TREATMENT HAS STARTED

How often must I wear my aligners?

The aligners are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing. If you have a special occasion, you can take them out for the night, although this should not happen too frequently or it will delay your progress.

How often do I need to visit the dentist with Invisalign?

You will need to come see us usually about once every 4-6 weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. With Invisalign, you won’t need the painful braces tightening appointments that traditional braces require.

Is Invisalign painful?

Some people report a pressure feeling when they put in a new tray but typically most people don’t feel any pain. This pressure feeling typically goes away in a couple of days.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.

Can I eat or drink anything I like with Invisalign?

Yes! Because the aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want. All you have to do is remove the aligners to eat and drink (except water). When you’re done eating, simply brush your teeth and reinsert your aligners.

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will stick to the aligners.

I went on a trip and forgot to take my aligners with me. Will my aligners still fit?

The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing them. If it’s just for a few days, the aligners should still be able to fit over your teeth. You just might feel slight discomfort as your teeth readjust to the aligners. If the lapse in time is significant, you will need to give us a call to give us the details.

How do I clean the aligners?

You can brush them just like you do your teeth, followed by a quick rinse in lukewarm water.

Will I need to wear a retainer after I’m done treatment?

Yes, most likely you will need a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position. Pretty much all orthodontic treatment requires a retainer after completion.

BRACES VS. INVISALIGN

What’s the Difference Between Invisalign and Braces?

Check out the Invisalign VS. Braces comparison chart below to see the main differences between Invisalign and Braces:

Can I switch from braces to Invisalign?

Possibly, come see us for a consultation and we can determine if your braces can be switched out for Invisalign.

I had braces but now my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign fix this?

Yes! Many Invisalign patients have previously had braces, often when they were younger. Many adults opt for Invisalign at this point so they don’t have to go through the inconvenience and social awkwardness of wearing metal braces.

COSTS

How much does Invisalign cost?

The best way to find out is to come in for a free consultation. It really depends on the length of treatment and the severity of your case.

In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces.

We also recommend checking your dental insurance plan – Invisalign treatment is covered by many dental insurance policies.

Will my insurance cover Invisalign?

Because dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you will need to check with your insurance company. In general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

What payment options are available for Invisalign?

We have 2 main payment plan options for Invisalign:

1. Pay upfront, get the points on your credit card, AND, we’ll offer you a 5% reduction in the cost.
2. Get Invisalign for a small monthly fee each month – we offer up to 24 months, zero-interest financing through the Care Credit Program. We’ll help you apply in-office so you know exactly what your options are when visit us. What better way to invest than in your happiness!

 

 

 

Any More Questions?

If you’ve got any additional questions, give us a call at (515) 612-7503 or email us at info@dmsmiles.com.

If you’d like to learn if Invisalign is right for you, give us a call to schedule a free consultation.