1) What is Invisalign?
Clear aligner therapy such as Invisalign is comprised of a serious of trays or aligners that are custom made to your teeth to move them in alignment for a functional bite or more favorable tooth position.
2) Does Invisalign hurt?
Not so much. Conventional metal braces have wires and brackets that cause ulceration on the inside of the lips and cheeks. Invisalign only has attachments with trays that don’t cause any of these.
With regards to the tooth movement itself you will experience a little soreness for 1 to two days after changing out a set of aligners but again that is nothing compared to the pain from braces and getting the wires tightened.
3) How long will it take?
Most treatments for Invisalign with me take under a year to finish. I will analyze your bite and your teeth at let you know at the time of consult. In some cases Invisalign is faster than conventional braces!
4) Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Honestly, it depends on what your needs are. At our first visit, we will scan your mouth to see your bite and I will discuss with you what your goals are.
With Invisalign you also need to wear the retainers for about 22 hours/day.
With some initiative on your end, together we can embark on your journey to a healthy smile!
5) What signs do I look for when suggesting clear aligner therapy such as Invisalign?
Teeth move and are dynamic throughout life. As your dentist, not only do I want you to have a pretty smile, I also want you to have a HEALTHY smile that will last a lifetime.
If your teeth are chipped or are colliding leading to a traumatic bite, then intervention is key.
If your teeth are showing heavy grinding pattern which may actually break your teeth, then that is a sign we need to do something about it. Spacing ad crowding of teeth are other signs that you may need your teeth evaluated.
6) Why are you suggesting Invisalign now?
In the past dentists didn’t have the technology to predict tooth wear and tooth movement. We can now diagnose problems before the fact.
Also, since Invisalign is an almost invisible alternative to metal braces – age is no barrier!
7) I am over 35+ years old, is Invisalign an option for me?
We have more older adults in Invisalign than kids! We have patients with Invisalign who are in their teens, and we have patients with Invisalign who are in their 70’s.
8) How much will this cost?
As with most orthodontic treatment, the cost depends on the complexity of treatment.
If your dental insurance has any orthodontic coverage, then we can apply those benefits towards Invisalign.
You can also use your Flex Spending Card, or HAS and FSA card towards Invisalign.
9) Are there financing options available?
Yes, we do have financing options available. Please ask our treatment coordinators for the same.
10) How do I get started?
Schedule a consultation. Your consultation will take about 30 minutes. We will take some digital radiographs to make sure there is nothing broken or loose. After which we will scan your teeth and discuss with you what outcomes you desire.
