If you or your child requires braces, you may be put off by the idea of having a conventional metal orthodontic appliance in your mouth. One alternative is “invisible braces.” At Speaks Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign to our Denver-area patients as an Invisalign Premier Preferred Provider. Learn the answers to the top questions patients are asking their orthodontists about Invisalign.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign aligners are made of BPA-free thermoplastic material custom-made with 3D computer imaging technology to fit your teeth. During the course of treatment, you are supplied with new aligners about every two weeks. Each new set makes small adjustments in tooth position using timed, controlled force.
Dr. Speaks maps out these adjustments in advance to gradually shift your teeth into ideal alignment. During each shift, only certain teeth are allowed to move, resulting in the most effective, comfortable treatment possible.
Is Invisalign Really Effective?
More than 3 million patients have been treated with Invisalign worldwide with great success. The aligners move teeth just as effectively as traditional metal and wire braces.
To increase effectiveness in some situations, Dr. Speaks may talk to you about “attachments.” These are small pieces of enamel-colored composites affixed to your teeth. Indentations in the aligners grip these attachments and make some tooth movements easier to accomplish. At the end of treatment, the attachments on your teeth are removed, leaving a smooth surface behind.
What are the Major Benefits of Invisalign?
With traditional braces as the standard option, why would you want to choose Invisalign? The benefits are clear:
- Invisalign is virtually invisible. Over the course of your treatment, your friends might not even know you’re wearing them. This means you can smile confidently during treatment as well as after.
- Invisalign is removable. Do you know what that means? It means you can chew gum, eat popcorn and corn on the cob, and indulge in all your other favorite snacks when you take the aligners out of your mouth. You can also brush and floss as you normally would instead of dodging wires.
- Invisalign won’t irritate your mouth. Metal and wires used with traditional braces can cause painful sores, requiring the wearer to cover protrusions with wax. On the other hand, Invisalign is completely comfortable. Plus, without the need to adjust the wires, you spend less time at the orthodontist during your treatment.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Cost is a big question when considering orthodontic treatment options. Most of the time, Invisalign is comparable in cost to traditional braces, but you need to speak with an orthodontist to determine specific costs for your situation.
Many times, dental insurance covers part of the cost of Invisalign treatment. Benefits differ from policy to policy, so review your personal coverage plan. If you have orthodontic treatment coverage, your plan should cover Invisalign to the same extent as traditional braces.
Whatever amount is left for you to pay out of pocket, Dr. Speaks will work with you to create an affordable, flexible monthly payment plan. We can make payment arrangements to coincide with your Flex Plan needs. We also take most major credit cards and offer a courtesy discount if you pay for your treatment in full.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The length of treatment depends largely on the severity of your case. Only your orthodontist can give you an accurate estimate, but in many cases, treatment for adults takes about nine to 15 months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30. Treatment for teen patients varies much more substantially, so ask Dr. Speaks for more details about your child’s situation.
Will Invisalign Work for Me?
To find out if you’re an Invisalign candidate, first take the Smile Assessment on the Invisalign website. Then, set an appointment with Dr. Speaks for a free initial consultation.
In addition to determining if your particular dental problem can be fixed with Invisalign, you need to assess your lifestyle to determine if Invisalign will work for you. When you select traditional braces, they remain in your mouth 24 hours a day, but Invisalign is removable for eating, brushing and flossing. You still need to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them when absolutely necessary. Wearing them only while you sleep is not enough. If you tend to lose things or are forgetful, Invisalign might not be as effective for you.