Invisalign®
Designed as an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® can inconspicuously straighten crooked and unevenly spaced teeth. Invisalign eliminates bulky metal brackets and wires by using a system of clear plastic aligners instead. Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth comfortably while gently guiding the teeth into their ideal position. Cosmetic dentist Kevin Sands, DDS recommends Invisalign for patients who want to discreetly improve the appearance of their smile and the function of their bite.
- Invisalign® Benefits
- Invisalign® Candidates
- Invisalign® vs. Braces
- Invisalign® vs. DIY Ortho Aligners
- Invisalign® Procedure
- Invisalign® Timeline
- Invisalign® Results
- Invisalign® Discomfort
- Invisalign® Maintenance
- Invisalign® Cost
- Additional Invisalign® FAQs
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign®?
Invisalign offers all of the same benefits as traditional braces and more. This orthodontic solution can straighten crooked teeth, eliminate gaps and spaces between the teeth, and correct common tooth misalignment conditions such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
The Invisalign system uses a custom-made series of clear plastic aligners that are comfortable and virtually unnoticeable when worn. Since these plastic aligners are also removable, patients can still clean their teeth with ease and eat without dietary restrictions. In addition, Invisalign patients can avoid the hassle of returning to the dentist for issues such as broken wires or oral irritations that commonly accompany metal brackets. Finally, in many cases, Invisalign can actually straighten the teeth more quickly than traditional braces, allowing you to return to your normal life as soon as possible.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign®?
Patients with crowded or misaligned teeth are often good candidates for Invisalign, as are patients searching for a way to straighten their teeth without the hassle and discomfort associated with other orthodontic procedures.
The treatment can also address a variety of orthodontic problems, including:
- Crowded teeth due to a lack of extra jaw space
- Gaps due to missing teeth and gum problems
- An underbite or overbite due to the jaws growing disproportionately to one another
- Crossbite due to both jaws being misaligned
During your initial consultation, Dr. Sands will determine if this treatment is the best option for your unique needs.
Invisalign® vs. Braces
In the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist, Invisalign removable teeth aligners can have a myriad of advantages over traditional braces. For instance, they are generally considered much more comfortable than traditional braces, which are composed of wires and brackets. They can also be removed, which allows patients to eat, drink, and perform daily oral hygiene routines more easily.
In addition, Invisalign’s clear and transparent material can benefit patients who do not want others to know they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The aligners also require much less maintenance and fewer trips to the dentist than traditional braces, and the effects typically become noticeable in much less time.
Invisalign® vs. DIY Ortho Aligners
“Do-it-yourself” aligners have circulated the internet for many years. In some cases, they are alleged to straighten the teeth much more quickly than is possible with a professional orthodontic treatment, and they are often marketed at a very low price.
It is important to note that many of these DIY teeth straightening systems do not require patients to see a dentist or orthodontist in-person for monitoring of the treatment in a fully equipped dental office. We believe that it is absolutely essential for orthodontic treatments that promise to straighten the teeth and correct other common conditions to be regularly monitored, in-person, by a qualified dental professional to mitigate risks and diminish the possibility of complications or unsatisfactory results. Invisalign® requires this type of monitoring and can only be performed by qualified providers. For the safest possible treatment and the best chance of achieving the desired outcome, we strongly suggest you seek the help of an experienced provider such as Dr. Sands.
What Does the Invisalign® Process Involve?
Once you are determined to be a good candidate for Invisalign, Dr. Sands will take an impression of your teeth and create your first set of custom aligners. Each set of Invisalign aligners is worn for approximately two to four weeks before moving on to the next set. By wearing these aligners at all times (whenever you are not eating or cleaning your teeth), your teeth will be comfortably and discreetly guided toward their ideal position. In many cases, the entire Invisalign process can be completed within 9 to 15 months. The total treatment time will depend on the severity of your tooth misalignment.
Consistently wearing your Invisalign aligners is essential for fast and successful results. After treatment is complete, you can take pride in a more beautiful, healthy looking smile.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take?
It may take up to 15 months or longer for your teeth to be properly aligned, depending on your Invisalign treatment plan. However, if you would like to transform your smile immediately, you can consult with Dr. Sands about trying a faster alternative. Porcelain veneers may be a suitable choice for some patients since they can instantly hide stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth within a durable, natural-looking ceramic shell. Dr. Sands will talk with you about all of your options and suggest treatments that can best meet your needs.
What Are the Typical Results of Invisalign®?
When the treatment is performed by a qualified professional and patients comply with the treatment protocol by wearing their aligners as often as instructed, many individuals enjoy exceptional results from Invisalign that last long into the future. The outcome can be maintained by closely following aftercare instructions, wearing any prescribed retainers, and practicing good dental hygiene.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?
Invisalign is not considered painful in general, especially considering the lack of brackets or wires, which many consider one of Invisalign’s biggest advantages over traditional braces. That said, you may feel some slight pressure or soreness as you get used to wearing your aligners. Not only is this a completely normal reaction, but it is usually a sign that your teeth are shifting properly as guided by the aligners.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign® Aligners?
While Invisalign aligners do not require extensive maintenance, Dr. Sands advises patients to keep them clean. Cleaning your aligners is relatively simple: brush them with a toothbrush and rinse them with warm water every time you remove them to eat or drink. You can also use a small amount of toothpaste or antibacterial soap (just remember to rinse them again before putting them back in your mouth). Additionally, be sure never to wash your aligners with extremely hot water, as doing so can mar their shape.
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
At our practice, the cost of Invisalign typically ranges from $3500 to $8000; however, this is a rough estimate, as the procedure will be influenced by a number of important factors. For instance, the number of aligners needed will alter the final price. Note that the cost of Invisalign is usually similar to that of traditional metal braces, if not less expensive. Furthermore, Invisalign is covered by certain insurance plans that have options for orthodontic treatments. Our staff would be happy to help you review your insurance benefits, if you wish.
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Additional Invisalign® FAQs
Is Invisalign covered by insurance?
Invisalign is covered by certain insurance plans that have options for orthodontic treatments. Our staff would be happy to help you review your insurance benefits, if you wish.
Is Invisalign noticeable?
Invisalign aligners are not completely invisible, but because their clear plastic material is transparent, they are generally very discreet and much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Invisalign aligners may initially have a slight impact on your speech as you adjust to wearing them; however, most patients adapt to speaking with Invisalign within a few days to a week.
Are Invisalign aligners removable?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are removable. One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you can take out the aligners when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
What can I eat with Invisalign?
With Invisalign, you can eat most foods without any restrictions. Since the aligners are removable, you can take them out when eating, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of foods.
Contact Dr. Kevin Sands
For more information about the Invisalign process, contact our practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sands.