Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces for treating crooked teeth, gaps, crowded teeth, and mild to moderate bite issues. This clear orthodontic treatment eliminates food restrictions and mouth sores caused by metal wires and brackets. However, Invisalign does require discipline to ensure that you wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. It’s also not ideal for more complex orthodontic problems.

Cost

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the severity of the dental issue being treated. More complex cases will require more aligners and longer treatment times, which can drive up the price of Invisalign. Luckily, there are many financing options available to help make this treatment more affordable for patients.

Some of these options include using a credit card with a 0% introductory interest rate, which can be useful for patients who want to budget for their Invisalign costs over time. Other options include using a flexible spending account or health savings account, which can be used to pay for medical expenses like dental work.

The best way to find out the exact cost of Invisalign is to schedule a consultation with a dentist who offers this treatment. They can give you a personalized quote based on your specific needs. Invisalign can be a big investment, but it’s worth the money for a healthier and more confident smile.

Treatment Time

Each person’s teeth and bite are unique, so the length of Invisalign treatment varies. It depends on the severity of a patient’s tooth and bite misalignment, as well as how compliant they are with wearing their aligners for the recommended number of hours per day.

During your free initial evaluation, your orthodontist will be able to provide you with an estimate of the amount of time needed for your Invisalign treatment. They will take a digital scan of your mouth and analyze your current tooth and bite alignment.

Then, they’ll create a customized Invisalign treatment plan to correct your alignment problems. Each week, you’ll receive a new set of clear aligners that will move your teeth into their proper positions. Keeping your aligners clean by brushing them regularly and making sure they are free of food debris is critical to a successful Invisalign treatment. You should also avoid smoking and eating hard foods that can damage or stain your aligners.

Aligners

Misaligned teeth do more than ruin your smile – they also lead to other serious health problems such as gum disease and heart disease. The good news is that a straighter smile can help to reduce these risks.

The treatment works by using clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into place. The first step involves scanning your teeth with the state-of-the-art iTero scanner, which provides a 3D image of your teeth. The image is then used to create a custom Invisalign treatment plan that will address your specific needs.

Your aligners are made out of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a durable plastic that is also used to make other everyday items such as sunglasses and contact lenses. They are designed to be transparent, so they blend in with your natural teeth and are less noticeable than metal braces.

The aligners are trimmed to fit your gumline, so they are comfortable and easy to wear. They should be worn for 22 hours a day and removed only when eating or drinking.

Retainers

Retainers are used after a patient’s teeth straightening treatment is complete. They help to hold the new position of the teeth and prevent them from shifting back into their old positions. It’s important to wear your retainer consistently to ensure long-term stability. Failure to do so can result in relapse and potentially costly orthodontic treatment.

Removable retainers are clear and almost invisible, making them a discreet option for maintaining a beautiful smile. They are also easy to clean and can be rinsed with water or mouthwash. It’s important to remember to brush and floss around the bonded wire to avoid plaque buildup or tooth decay.

Fixed retainers are similar to Invisalign aligner trays and are more durable than removable retainers. They are more expensive than removable retainers, but they will not shift or break like a removable retainer. You will need to schedule regular visits with your dentist to have them checked and cleaned. If they become stained it’s a good idea to replace them right away.