Say goodbye to the discomfort and unsightly appeal brought about by metal braces! With todayβs technology, getting the perfectly aligned teeth and a confident smile that you always wanted has never been comfortable and fashionable with Invisalign!Β
Curious about this modern teeth-straightening technology? Here are a dentistβs answers to frequently asked questions about Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign are clear aligners made of flexible thermoplastic material used to align teeth. From its name, these aligners are virtually invisible and unlike traditional braces that are made of metal, Invisalign discreetly facilitates teeth movement without anyone noticing anything mounted on your teeth. They can also be removed during meals which cannot be done with metal braces. This way you can enjoy your favorite food, brush your teeth properly, and clean the aligners before popping them back again. While these clear aligners offer a lot of benefits, you must understand its advantages and disadvantages before jumping on the Invisalign train.
Am I a suitable candidate?
The idea of having nearly invisible teeth-straighteners can be very appealing, but Invisalign is not for everyone, says Dentaleh, a dental information and clinic portal based in Singapore. Invisalign can effectively tilt the teeth into forward/backward places but it has limitations. For patients with irregular teeth gaps, severely crooked teeth, or severe teeth overcrowding, traditional braces are still the better solution for these conditions.
Invisalign can be effectively used for milder cases but with more complex orthodontal problems, it may not yield the same results compared to traditional braces. Do not make the mistake of some patients of opting for Invisalign only to revert back to braces after a few weeks of treatment because there are no visible results, or the expected improvement is not achieved.
To know if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign, it is best to get advice from your dentist. He/she can recommend the correct treatment plan that will give you your best smile.
Is Invisalign entirely invisible?
No, are made of clear plastic and are not 100% invisible but it is safe to say that they are designed to be almost invisible. With Invisalign, you will be able to improve your teeth in the most aesthetic way possible. Since Invisalign is made of smooth polymer, it fits comfortably around your teeth making no room for any irritation to your gums or surrounding tissues. Neither will any painful wires be poking your gums that will cause you to take an emergency trip to your dentistβs clinic.
How long is the treatment time?
Invisalign are designed to put on your teeth and allow them to align into the desired position. Before the start of the treatment, the dentist determines the treatment plan, and a 3D video of the projected tooth movement will be simulated to predict the result once treatment is completed.
Typically, the treatment time ranges from 3 to 20 months depending on the severity of the teeth misalignment. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, a different series of aligners are issued to a patient every 1-2 weeks to facilitate tooth movement and improve teeth alignment into the desired position.
Does it align teeth faster than metal braces?
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign takes a shorter time to produce results. In just a couple of months, visible results can already be observed. Invisalign aligners are designed to align teeth faster but complete details of the length of treatment are decided by the dentist, that is why a consultation is very important.
Can I eat with my aligners?
To food lovers out there, it is important to know that you cannot eat with aligners. The aligners should be removed during meals. The only thing you are allowed to consume while the aligners are on is water. Any other types of beverages can leave stains on the aligners and can be hard to remove. Nobody wants food or unsightly stains stuck in their teeth, so always be mindful to remove your aligners first before taking a sip of that coffee or juice. Remember to clean your teeth carefully before putting the aligners back in.
How does oral hygiene affect the success of treatment?
To ensure proper oral health, our dentists always prescribe routine flossing in addition to brushing your teeth. While most of us are keen to do so, others have a hard time holding up a routine. To get effective and best results from your Invisalign treatment, maintain your gums and teeth clean by having a good dental hygiene regimen, and flossing regularly.
How much does it cost?
It may be difficult to put a specific price to your Invisalign treatment because it can vary from person to person. The treatment can usually cost from $3000-$5000 with quality results. The difference in prices depends on your overall dental health and the complexity of the condition to be treated. It can however be cheaper for people who have previously had braces.
It is also good to know that most insurance companies cover Invisalign treatments to give you a fuss-free confident smile. Simpler cases require fewer aligners, while more complex cases require more aligners, so it may be helpful to get a personalized treatment cost estimate from your dentist, according to your condition.
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