A popular alternative to braces, Invisalign is what’s known technically as a clear aligner—a transparent orthodontic device used to gradually move teeth into the desired alignment, correcting gaps, crowding, and other orthodontic issues. Invisalign has exploded in popularity in recent years as an affordable, effective, and relatively fast alternative to traditional braces. However even with that popularity many folks still have questions about Invisalign and other clear aligners and how they work. We’ll try to answer some of those here and help you decide if you should ask your dentist about Invisalign.
So, how does Invisalign work? Well, to start a mold is taken of the patient’s teeth, and from there advanced computer modeling suggests which adjustments might be the most desirable and what the final alignment might be. From there, a mold of the teeth is made using a liquid resin, which dries clear and solid. This is the first in a series of such aligners, which gradually move the teeth into the desired alignment. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, for about 22 hours a day and is removed for brushing/flossing and eating. An average Invisalign treatment lasts about 13 months, although you should remember every patient is unique and some may require more or less time.
One of the great strengths of Invisalign, as opposed to traditional braces, is Invisalign allows you to live your life normally during treatment. As an Invisalign aligner is far less prone to damage than traditional braces are, you can safely eat your favorite foods, take part in your favorite recreational activities, and otherwise live your life without significant disruption. Just take your aligners out before eating or drinking and brush your teeth before you put them back in. It’s fast, easy, and simple to get used to!
Another great advantage to Invisalign is how easy it can be to pay for it. A typical Invisalign treatment cost around $5,000, but there are a number of ways to pay for or finance this. For instance, more and more insurance policies will cover some of the cost of Invisalign—up to $3,500! Via the LendingPoint financing program, Invisalign treatments can cost as little as $76/month. Your new smile might just be more easy and affordable than you think!
So how do you know if Invisalign is right for you? Well, Invisalign can be used to treat a variety of issues, from overbites and underbites to gaps and misalignments. However, only your dentist knows for sure if Invisalign is right for you, so if you have an issue you need addressed or maybe you just want to be a little happier with your smile, making an appointment to discuss your needs with your dental health provider is the first step.
At BlueWave Dentistry we’re proud to offer the latest Invisalign technology among the many services we provide to our patients. So if you’re looking to reinvigorate that smile, get in touch today and we’ll schedule an appointment to discuss whether or not Invisalign is right for you!