Discover the answers to your 8 most common questions about Invisalign.
Invisalign has been in the public eye since 2001, and it remains one of the most in-demand orthodontic treatment options for older teens and adults.
Since it’s been around for nearly 20 years now, most people already know the basics, namely that it’s an alternative to braces that uses invisible aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. But if that’s where your knowledge about Invisalign ends, we’ve got your back!
We’ve answered 8 of the most common questions we get from our patients interested in Invisalign. Even if you already have your Invisalign consultation booked at Ada Smile Place, knowing the answers to these popular questions can help you feel more confident during your appointment.
1. Is Invisalign expensive? Will my insurance help me cover costs?
Invisalign is quite comparable in cost to traditional metal braces. The possibility for a very fast treatment time and less frequent dental appointments raises the overall value to busy adult patients as well.
You might also be surprised to learn that if your current dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment, chances are very high they will cover Invisalign for the same amount as traditional braces.
You can call your insurance company directly to see if Invisalign is covered. Ada Smile Place can also provide an estimate so you can get an accurate idea of how much your treatment will cost.
2. What dental issues can Invisalign fix?
Invisalign can fix mild to moderate cases of:
- Crookedness
- Gaps
- Crowding
- Over- and underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
It can’t be used for:
- Rotated or tilted teeth
- Large gaps over 6 mm
- Midline movement over 2 mm
- Vertical teeth movement
- Patients with dental bridges and similar dental work
- Patients with very short, round, or sharp teeth that aligners can’t grip
Remember, these are rough guidelines. The only way to know for certain if your smile issues can be fixed with Invisalign is through a consultation.
3. There’s a lot of hype behind Invisalign. Is it really as effective and fast as they say?
It is! Invisalign is not only just as effective as traditional braces for approved candidates, but it also yields faster results. The average treatment time for adults is 12 to 18 months if you follow your dentist’s advice and maintain a healthy oral care regimen at home. Treatment time for traditional metal braces may average 18 months up to three years.
4. How long will I have to wear the aligners? What happens after treatment is finished?
The single most important factor for a successful and efficient Invisalign treatment plan is to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day, with 22 hours being strongly recommended. By only removing your aligners for meals, drinks, brushing, and flossing, you’ll get the fastest results possible.
After your treatment plan is over, chances are your dentist will recommend you wear a retainer to maintain your newly straightened smile. Typically, full-time retainer wear is temporarily recommended, then your dentist will give you the OK to ease into nightly wear. Cases do vary, however. Your dentist will be able to give you the most accurate answer as to whether you may need to wear a retainer.
5. How do Invisalign aligners straighten teeth? Does it hurt?
Invisalign aligners work very similarly to traditional braces, but instead of brackets and wires, the aligners themselves push the teeth into place. Your dentist will design a set of aligners, usually 20 to 30, that gradually reshape your smile based on highly accurate 3D imaging. You’ll typically switch to the next aligner in the set every two weeks.
You may notice some tenderness when you first begin the treatment and a few days after moving to a new set of aligners. Most patients describe this as not painful, but more of a temporary pressure feeling on their teeth.
6. I have fillings and crowns. Can I still get Invisalign?
As mentioned earlier, some forms of dental care, like bridges, aren’t compatible with Invisalign. However, in most cases, having fillings won’t affect your treatment plan. Crowns will also typically not affect the treatment, though it does depend on their location.
Your dentist will discuss how any current dental work may affect your treatment plan during your consultation appointment. In some cases, even patients with veneers are still able to use this method.
7. I’m an older adult. Can Invisalign still straighten my teeth?
Yes! You’re never too old to get orthodontic treatment. In the case of Invisalign, many patients who are older greatly prefer it over traditional braces due to the nearly invisible aligners.
If you’ve been hesitant to seek orthodontic treatment because crooked teeth may seem less obvious than shiny metal braces, Invisalign is a fantastic solution for both your confidence and overall oral health.
8. I don’t mind the way my teeth look. Why would I be interested in Invisalign?
It’s safe to say the vast majority of patients opt for Invisalign because they’d like to straighten their smile. But that’s not the only reason why straightening your teeth is a great idea.
A crooked smile means there’s unusual spacing around the teeth. This odd spacing leaves little nooks and crannies where food debris can easily get stuck, allowing bacteria and plaque to form. Even if your smile doesn’t necessarily bother you, by getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign, you’ll be able to brush and floss much more easily. The result is a much healthier smile and fresher breath.
Book your Invisalign consultation with the Ada Smile Place team today.
Your first Invisalign appointment will be a consultation, complete with a full examination and evaluation of your current smile. During this consultation, your dentist will figure out if you’re a candidate for Invisalign and discuss which treatment plan will help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign and find out if you’re a candidate, you can call our office or use our online booking portal to schedule an appointment.
