Are you thinking about getting Invisalign to correct and enhance your smile?
Invisalign is one of the most popular and leading brands of clear aligners. In 2017, over 5 million teens worldwide ordered Invisalign, bringing its market value up to $20 billion. Its efficiency, convenience, and appearance make it an ideal solution for most people.
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, see the questions to ask an orthodontist.
1. How Does Invisalign Fix My Teeth?
If you’ve discussed the treatment with your dentist, he or she has likely told you about what Invisalign is. Invisalign aligners look like thin, clear shells that go on top of your teeth.
However, sometimes, dentists fail to explain to their patients how Invisalign affects teeth. Unlike metal or traditional braces, clear aligners are custom-fit pieces. While you’re wearing them, the aligners will push your teeth to encourage them to align.
Your teeth will move in small amounts. When they do, you’d have to replace your aligners so the teeth keep moving until they’re in their ideal places. This is also why you need to replace your Invisalign aligners often.
2. How Much Will Invisalign Cost Me?
The cost of Invisalign will differ depending on the person’s teeth and the length of treatment. Your healthcare or dental insurance may cover a part of the treatment cost. In the US, the typical range of Invisalign treatment costs is between $2,800 and $4,800.
Now, you know the estimate of getting Invisalign. The next best question to ask is, “Is Invisalign worth it?”
Before we answer that, let’s look at how misaligned or crowded teeth impact it and how much it’ll cost you. Having crowded teeth can cause periodontal disease and other complications. If your periodontal disease worsens, you may need surgery to treat it, which can cost you $500 to $10,000.
That’s only the cost of surgery to treat periodontal disease. Before it’s too late, it’s wiser to avoid the consequences of having crowded teeth. Invisalign care is one of the most convenient ways to do it.
3. How Long Do I Need to Use Invisalign Aligners?
Each person’s Invisalign treatment period will differ depending on their teeth. If you only have mild misalignment, your treatment will be shorter. Overcrowding teeth will require a much longer treatment period.
The average treatment time for mild misalignment is 2-6 months. If your aligners also need to fix issues with your bite, your treatment may last 1-2 years or longer. During this time, you’ll make constant visits to your dentist to get your aligner or trays.
To get the accurate period of your Invisalign treatment, talk to your dentist.
4. What Should I Avoid Eating or Doing When I’m Using Invisalign Aligners?
One of the best Invisalign benefits is that you can use it for most of your daily activities. However, there are some activities in which you need to remove your aligners. For example, if you play contact sports, like judo or boxing, remove your clear aligners.
There are also some foods and beverages you may want to avoid if you’re wearing Invisalign. The list includes chewy foods, hard foods, and drinks that stain. Some examples are:
- Candies
- Jerky
- Taffy
- Gum
- Coffee
- Tea
- Wine
- Meats with bones
Hard and chewy foods can damage your clear aligners. Eating meat that has hidden bones can also break or damage Invisalign trays. Coffee, wine, and tea can stain your Invisalign aligners in the same way that they can stain your teeth.
Considering its high price, it’s wiser to avoid these foods and drinks when you’re wearing Invisalign.
5. Can I Look At Some Cases Similar to Mine?
Some people like to look at other cases of orthodontic care similar to theirs before they decide on it. If you’re the same, you may want to see before and after cases where Invisalign got used. If so, feel free to ask your dentist or orthodontist this question.
They’ll be happy to show you various cases in which Invisalign treatment worked. You may even find a case that mirrors your current situation. This way, you know what lies in the future if you decide to take the treatment.
6. What Happens After My Invisalign Treatment?
Before getting Invisalign, it’s a wise move to look ahead first. Most people often focus on what happens before and during their Invisalign treatment. They assume that all will be well once they finish the treatment.
They don’t know that they also need to take post-treatment steps to maintain their teeth. After you finish your Invisalign treatment, you’ll wear a retainer to maintain the alignment of your teeth. Without retainers, your teeth will shift back to their original positions.
Your teeth can move back to their previous spots like how they moved to proper alignment. This is also why patients who had metal braces need to wear aligners after the treatment. The same occurs with the Invisalign treatment and other similar orthodontic treatments.
7. Is Getting Invisalign Safe?
This is the last but one of the most important questions you need to ask. As the patient, it’s understandable that you’d want to know if a treatment is safe. Sometimes, the most trendy or popular treatments aren’t the safest ones.
For correcting teeth misalignment, Invisalign is safe and comfortable. Unlike with braces, you don’t need to worry about getting mouth sores or infections. While Invisalign’s design is for adults and teens, you can also find Invisalign products for kids.
Enhance Your Smile With Invisalign Today
If you have other questions about getting Invisalign, don’t be afraid to ask. Dental healthcare providers and specialists are the best people to ask your questions. Ask even if you feel that your question is silly.
Remember, it’s better to ask questions than to assume you know the correct answer. It is especially essential when it comes to dental care.
If you’re ready to get Invisalign treatment, don’t be afraid to get in touch!