What is Invisalign? It’s an orthodontics treatment that straightens your teeth. However, unlike traditional metal braces, it uses clear plastic aligners. These are removable, which means you can keep eating all your favorite foods. Plus, there is no special maintenance for cleaning your teeth. You can brush and floss daily, as per your routine.
Below are some other common questions about Invisalign!
1. How Does Invisalign Work?
Thin and clear aligner trays gently guide your teeth into the needed position. You remove trays every two weeks or so. Invisalign improves your smile by moving your teeth over time. Once you get through all your aligners, you will achieve your desired results!
Firstly, your teeth get a 3D scan. It is sent to Invisalign, and tray sets are made for your treatment. You need to wear these aligner trays for a minimum of 22 hours each day. You only remove them for teeth cleaning, drinking, and eating.
With Invisalign, you have more control over your treatment. There’s no time wasted at your Spokane Valley dentist for tightening. You do have check-ups, but these are to ensure your teeth are on track with positioning before you go to your next tray.
2. How Long Does The Treatment Take?
The average time commitment is less than two years. It varies but ranges between 12 to 18 months. Also, there are cases where Invisalign can correct a smile in as little as six months. Every smile is different. Plus, everyone’s smiles goals vary.
With that said, Invisalign’s results continue to work faster. This is all thanks to several innovations over the years. The treatment digitally designs straightening sequences. As such, continual improvements help with future treatments. Better algorithms apply force more effectively. In addition, new aligner material assists with better straightening. This helps reduce the time patients need to wear their aligners. Therefore, treatment times have decreased significantly.
3. Who Are The Best Candidates?
Both adults and teens can use Invisalign. Perfect candidates have mild-to-moderate issues with spacing and crowding. It can also help with a minor overbite, underbite, or crossbite problems. The good news is that it has also evolved and can handle more complex straightening issues. Your dentist in Spokane Valley can determine whether or not Invisalign is right for you.
4. Does Dental Insurance Cover It?
Many dental insurance plans cover this treatment like they would traditional braces. Your dental plan might pay out a specific dollar amount or percentage. It’s important to note, some insurance coverage places a lifetime cap for orthodontic treatments.
5. What Are The Top Benefits?
Some of the benefits have already been mentioned. As Invisalign is removable, there are no diet restrictions. As well, they are easy to clean. Plus, you can go about your oral hygiene routine as you normally would. Another bonus is that trays are smooth and clear BPA-free plastic. This means most people won’t notice you are wearing them. As well, they fit comfortably in your mouth.
Lastly, no brackets or wires means less irritation. No fear of metal “poking” and hurting the inside of your mouth or gums. Overall, they create less disruption in your life than regular braces.
6. What Are The Downsides?
There are some disadvantages to Invisalign, which include:
Expense
Some patients may view the cost of this treatment as an investment. After all, the perfect smile is priceless. It increases your confidence and boosts social and business relationships. However, the treatment is expensive. While some dental plans cover some costs, if you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to foot the entire bill.
Dry Mouth
Some people might experience “dry mouth” with this treatment. You may find yourself breathing out of your mouth at night (unconsciously) while wearing aligners. Thus, causing “dry mouth”. However, the condition should go away once you are done with your Invisalign trays.
Not For The Forgetful At Heart
Finally, you have to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Therefore, if you are busy, on the go, or forgetful by nature, this can be challenging. You may forget to put on your trays after a meal. You might forget to bring them with you while traveling. Forgetting to put your trays in, delays the progress in straightening your smile.
Even more, you could place them somewhere and forget where they are. Perhaps, accidentally throw them out. Replacing these trays can get expensive.
Schedule An Invisalign Consultation In Spokane Valley, WA Today!
Are you ready to transform your smile with Invisalign? Contact Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics today to schedule a consultation! Our Spokane Valley cosmetic dentists Drs. Ken or Marnie Collins will help you determine if Invisalign is what you need. They can weigh out the pros and cons with you. Lastly, they can answer any other questions you have, and address possible concerns. Call (509) 927-2273 to book an appointment today!
