Your Top Questions about Invisalign Addressed

If you have heard a lot of good things about Invisalign from your friends and family, but are still on the fence on whether it is the right treatment for you, don’t worry. It is a big investment of time and money and you should definitely be comfortable with your choice no matter what it is.

While you should definitely make an appointment for a consultation with different orthodontists to get all your questions answered, your top questions about Invisalign are addressed here:

How Is Invisalign Different from Braces?

While they ultimately do the same thing, braces and Invisalign aligners are markedly different when it comes to what they are made of and how you wear them.

Invisalign aligners are made of a clear plastic not metal like braces and can be easily removed to eat and drink and brush your teeth. The metal brackets and wires used in braces, however, remain in your mouth permanently until the orthodontist removes them.

How Does Invisalign Work?

The Invisalign 3D technology allows your orthodontist to create a step by step plan for your treatment so you will know what to expect every step of the way. The orthodontist will take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a 3-D image of your teeth and then uses this to map the exact movement of teeth needed to straighten them out.

Once the plan is in place, your first set of aligners will be custom fit to your mouth and you will need to wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day. If you don’t wear them for the prescribed amount of time, you will risk delaying your treatment so be diligent about wearing them.

Only certain teeth will be moved at a time. The Invisalign aligners control not only control how much force is exerted on your teeth, but the timing of it. Your aligners will be switched out every two weeks as your teeth gradually shift into better alignment so expect more frequent trips to the orthodontist.

Are There Any Restrictions with Invisalign?

Unlike with braces, when you wear Invisalign aligners, there are no food restrictions because you can remove the aligners when you eat. Brushing and flossing your teeth is also easier because you can remove them. The one big rule for wearing Invisalign aligners is that you need to keep them in your mouth 20 to 22 hours a day. If you don’t, you will end up delaying treatment and you won’t be done as quickly as you would like.

In order to prevent long gaps in between when you are wearing the aligners, make it a habit to brush your teeth and clean the aligners right after every meal so that you remember to put them back in right away.

How Long Is the Typical Treatment Plan for Invisalign?

For tweens and teenagers, Invisalign typically takes as long as metal braces do. However for adults, Invisalign treatment can often be finished in as little as 12 months. And there are accelerated orthodontic treatments that you can do on top of the Invisalign aligners to speed up the process.

Do the Aligners Hurt?

The great thing about the clear plastic that the aligners are made of is that is it has a smooth surface so it will not cause any irritation to the teeth or gums like the metal wires can with braces. And while you may experience some soreness the first few days as you adjust to wearing the aligners, once your mouth adjusts you should have no problems.

Some people have a little adjustment to speaking with the aligners like they do with retainers, but again, that it is all temporary. Overall the aligners are very comfortable to wear and require little adjustments.

How Do I Find an Invisalign Provider?

Not all orthodontists specialize in Invisalign so if you know you want to go that route instead of traditional metal braces, make sure you do your research to see who does Invisalign in the Philadelphia area. Get a sense of your options and what it will cost and ask about their years of experience doing Invisalign. Ask about dental health insurance and if they have payment plans.

Don’t just settle for the first one you find though. Do research on the internet and ask family and friends for good references. Also, make sure you go on a couple consultation visits to make sure you are comfortable with not only the treatment but the orthodontist.

Is There A Big Difference in Price between Invisalign and Metal Braces?

They are typically similar in price, but sometimes the metal braces are cheaper. Each person’s situation is different so make sure to weigh the pros and cons for each treatment to make the best decision for you. Most orthodontists will offer payment options to help you handle the financial aspect of orthodontic treatment.

Is It Necessary to Get Orthodontic Treatment?

No matter if you choose traditional metal braces or Invisalign it is important to invest in your smile. When your teeth are crooked teeth, it very hard to get all the plaque and food stuck between your teeth. Plaque when it builds up can lead to gum disease which will lead to lost teeth at an early age. Remember that we only get one set of adult teeth so don’t condemn yourself to a lifetime of expensive and painful dental issues.

Your oral health is also linked to your overall health as well. Research has proven that tooth decay and gum disease are intricately linked with other diseases like heart disease.

How you feel about yourself can also be changed by choosing Invisalign. Often crooked teeth and misaligned jaws can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance keeping you from putting yourself out there professionally and personally. By wearing Invisalign not only will you transform your smile, you won’t have to worry about unsightly metal in your mouth during treatment. And by choosing Invisalign you won’t feel self-conscious during treatment either. Most people will not even know that you have the clear plastic aligners in.

Contact Orthodontics Limited, PC, today to learn more about Invisalign.