Invisalign is a treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. Each new set is slightly different from the last, gradually shifting your teeth into a more aligned position.
Your dentist will perform an initial consultation to evaluate your bite and determine if you are suitable for this treatment. They will then take digital scans and impressions of your teeth to create a customized treatment plan.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a treatment administered and monitored by dental professionals. Your dentist will check up on your progress on a regular basis, and they can also provide specialised care if you encounter any problems along the way. This level of service is often unavailable from mail-in aligner companies.
Invisalign trays are much more comfortable to wear than braces. They are similar to mouthguards and do not contain any sharp edges or wires that can irritate your gums. It is also possible to eat anything you want while in treatment, as long as the aligners are removed before eating and brushing. This freedom of choice is one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment Somerset KY is effective at correcting a variety of orthodontic issues. These include teeth that are overly crowded, large gaps between teeth (also known as an open bite), and misaligned jaws.
The effectiveness of your treatment is largely dependent on how consistently you wear your aligners. It’s recommended that you wear your aligners for around 20 to 22 hours each day, only removing them to eat and brush your teeth.
You may also experience a temporary lisp when first wearing your aligners, as the tongue and lips will be used to having an invisible layer covering them. This should go away within a few weeks.
How Long Will Invisalign Take?
It will take between 12 and 18 months on average for your teeth to move and result in a straight smile. The exact timeframe will vary from person to person.
Your dentist will create a treatment plan based on digital scans of your teeth and how much movement is required. The speed at which your teeth move will also depend on how compliant you are with wearing the aligners.
You will need to wear your clear aligners 20-22 hours a day (only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing). You will visit your dentist or orthodontist every four weeks so they can check on your progress and give you new sets of trays.
How Much Will Invisalign Cost?
The total cost of Invisalign will depend on your orthodontist’s level of expertise, the length of your treatment, and the severity of your malocclusion. The location of your provider also impacts Invisalign pricing due to local costs of living and the cost of running a dental practice.
Using your dental insurance or tax-free funds from an HSA or FSA can help offset the cost of your clear aligner treatment. Financing options like 0% promotional periods can also make Invisalign more affordable.
You can also deduct orthodontic and dental expenses from your taxes if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Talk to your doctor about additional ways to make Invisalign more affordable for you.
Are Invisalign Aligners Painful?
Invisalign treatment Somerset KY aligners apply gentle and consistent pressure to progressively move your teeth. This may cause some discomfort or soreness in your mouth, especially if the aligners rub against sensitive areas such as your gums and tongue.
You might also experience pain when you first start wearing the aligners or switch to a new tray, because your teeth are shifting into their new positions for the first time. This can be uncomfortable for a few days. You can help reduce your pain by eating soft foods such as rice, pasta, soup, yoghurt, macaroni and cheese, or pudding, and by taking over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Will Invisalign Work for Me?
Having a consultation is the only sure-fire way to know if Invisalign will work for you. However, there are several indicating factors that you can look at to find out more about your suitability for the treatment.
If you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment Somerset KY, you are likely to achieve your desired results within the proposed timeline. It is important to wear the aligners consistently and only remove them to eat, brush, or floss your teeth. You also need to attend appointments every four to six weeks to check that the treatment is progressing as planned. If you don’t, you may have to wait longer for your smile to straighten.
