Invisalign is the perfect teeth straightening treatment to give you better oral health and that smile you always wanted without the use of metal braces. They are designed to be invisible (as the name suggests) and are incredibly easy to use.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Invisalign process, from start to finish.
What Is Invisalign?
An Invisalign orthodontic treatment involves wearing a series of removable, made-to-fit, clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. It gently moves your teeth into the proper alignment over the course of several months. The aligner trays are made from a flexible thermoplastic material named SmartTrack, which is FDA-approved and nearly invisible unless pointed out to those around you.
What Does Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign1 states that with their invisible braces, you can treat a variety of dental problems, including2 :
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Cross bite
- Gap teeth
- Open bite
What to Expect with Invisalign
Knowing what to expect when you choose to have Invisalign treatment will help you to decide if it’s the right route for you. We have outlined the process in five easy steps below.
Getting Started
During your first appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth and bite and talk to you about your cosmetic dentistry options. If Invisalign suits your ultimate treatment goals, your dentist will discuss the treatment protocol and estimated treatment length.
The Molding Process
Next comes the digital molding process which involves taking digital scans, photographs, and x-rays of your mouth and teeth. During this process, an accurate model of your mouth and teeth is recreated. These results are sent to the Invisalign laboratory to use when creating your custom set of aligners.
First Fitting
Once your aligners are ready, your dentist may fit small attachments on your teeth to help the Invisalign trays stay in place. These attachments are practically invisible and painless to install and are also not permanent. Your dentist will then check if your aligners fit. After your trays have been fitted, your dentist will explain your home care program and what to expect at follow-up appointments.
Follow-Ups
A few weeks after your first tray is fitted, you will need to come in for a follow-up appointment. During your follow-up appointment, your dentist will examine and monitor your tooth movements and tray fitment. Thereafter, you will need to come in once every 6-10 weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing according to plan.
The End Result
The total treatment time with Invisalign varies between 12-18 months, depending on the severity of your case. At the end of your treatment, your teeth will have straightened out. While the final result always depends on the degree of misalignment at the beginning of your process, if you wore your Invisalign as directed, you are guaranteed to have straight teeth over time.
After you complete your Invisalign treatment, your dentist may provide you with a retainer that should be worn for a set amount of time each day to ensure your teeth stay straight. They may also suggest teeth cleaning and whitening so you can get the most out of your new smile.
The Effectiveness of Invisalign
With Invisalign, the treatment outcome will be similar to that of traditional braces. With complex dental issues, traditional braces may be more effective. However, studies have shown that Invisalign aligners have been effective for mild to moderate problems and that they require less treatment time.3
Unlike glue-on braces, Invisalign trays can be removed when you eat, brush your teeth, and floss. They are most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours a day.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost for Invisalign is comparable to traditional wire braces. In some instances, they may be a bit more pricey. The cost varies widely depending on your dental complexities, where you stay, the length of your treatment, and how many appointments are required for your case.
Patients can plan to pay anything between $3,000 and $8,000 for an Invisalign treatment. Some dental insurance plans cover the full amount or up to 50% of the cost of Invisalign.
Invisalign with Dr. Joseph Goodman and Top Beverly Hills Dentist
Dr. Joseph Goodman of Top Beverly Hills Dentist has served celebrities, athletes, beauty pageant contestants, and TV stars for decades using only the most current, industry-leading cosmetic dentistry techniques. As a result, he has been voted “Top Dentist” and “Best Dentist” several years in a row.
If you’re looking for an expert cosmetic dentist with the best Invisalign invisible braces available, schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodman’s team today.
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