Invisalign teeth straightening treatments are a popular way of straightening teeth. The benefits include being able to eat what you want, not having uncomfortable wires and braces on your teeth at all times, and a discreet treatment system. This new and exciting technology has a lot to offer, but it is always a good idea to learn more when it comes to orthodontic treatments, so we have collected some common Q&A’s to help keep you informed.
How Does Invisalign Teeth Straightening Treatments Work?
Invisalign a custom-made aligner that is changed every two to four weeks as your teeth straighten. It is a clear aligner that is made to be discreet. You can also take your Invisalign out to eat or for special occasions, but you do need to wear it for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
The teeth straightening treatment uses 3-D computer imaging technology to create a treatment plan, starting with where your teeth are currently, to the goal position. From there, a series of aligners are custom-made. Each set will slowly move your teeth to the desired spot, and every few weeks it will be changed out to the next step in the series until your ideal teeth position is reached.
Invisalign Teeth Straightening Treatment Process
What is the treatment process?
Your first step will be a consultation with your dental provider. From there, they can assess your teeth, your positioning goals and if Invisalign is the best teeth straightening treatment for you, then they will map out each stage of the process. When you have agreed on a treatment plan, your dental specialist will create your custom aligners. Once you have reached the correct positioning, generally after a week, you will then need to receive your next set of aligners.
How long does the treatment take?
It would depend on the specific needs of your teeth, for relatively simple alignment you could begin to see results within six months.
Comfort and Daily Life
Will the treatment be painful?
While you may feel some pressure on your teeth in the first few days of treatment, as well as when you progress to the next aligner in your program, you should not experience any severe pain. While the feeling of pressure can be uncomfortable, it is normal and is a sign of your aligner moving your teeth into the correct position. The feeling should go away after a few days, but if you are feeling extreme pain or the discomfort is not going away, you should definitely reach out to your dental practitioner to ensure everything is okay.
Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
You may experience a slight lisp in the first few days of receiving your new aligner. However, your lisp should go away after a few days as your tongue gets used to it being in your mouth.
Are there any foods I should avoid while in treatment?
One of the biggest benefits of using Invisalign is the fact that you can take it out whenever you eat. This means you can have any kind of food you want that could not be had with normal braces. So no missing out on hard candies or popcorn. Just remember to brush your teeth before reinserting your aligner so that you avoid bacteria building up inside of them.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
Like with any other food or beverage, if you want to chew gum you will need to remove your aligners first, otherwise, the gum will stick to them.
Everyday Use
How should I clean my aligners?
To clean your aligners you will need to rinse them with water, and then use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean any dirt or debris that may have built up over the course of the day, then rinse them before putting them back in. It’s a good idea to clean your aligners before bed each night to keep your teeth healthy.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
You will need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, which means you can only remove them for brushing your teeth, flossing, or when you eat or drink something.
How often must I attend dental appointments?
A critical element in your treatment is regular check ups to map your progress and ensure the aligners are working correctly. For this reason, you should see your dentist every four to six weeks. However, you may need to visit them more often at certain periods to make sure your treatment is working correctly.
Effectiveness and Limitations
Is there a guarantee my teeth will be straight after my treatment?
Unfortunately there is no way to guarantee that your teeth will be completely straight after treatment. Depending on the severity of your tooth position, there is a limit on what the aligners can do for you. This is why you will need to have a consultation first to figure out what treatment would suit your needs the best.
Does it work for all orthodontic conditions?
Invisalign works best for crooked teeth, mild underbites and overbites, as well as gapped teeth. More severe conditions would need more extensive intervention.
Cost and Insurance
How much does treatment cost?
The cost of your treatment would depend on your needs, but it’s safe to say that you can expect to pay a similar range to braces. Your specific costs will be determined in your first consultation, depending on the complexity of your case and the amount of aligners you will need for your treatment. Most dental offices offer a payment plan and Care Credit which is an excellent financing program to help you get the care you need.
Will my insurance cover the treatment?
Depending on your insurance plan they may pay a portion of your treatment, or a specific dollar amount. It would be best to communicate with your provider to find out exactly how much coverage you can expect.
Invisalign Treatments At Eriks Dental Group
Understanding your needs is the most important step for your Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. If you want to find out if this is right for you, then why not get in touch with us and book a consultation. If you have any more questions we would love to answer them so feel free to give us a call at 561-733-4004.