When it comes to straightening misaligned teeth, dentists recommend metal braces or Invisalign. Metal braces have been a popular treatment option for many years, providing an effective way for individuals to enhance their smile. However, they are highly visible and fixed in place for the duration of treatment, which does not work well for many adults. Invisalign is a more modern approach to straightening misaligned teeth. It is virtually invisible, removable, and works faster than metal braces. You can discreetly improve your smile with Invisalign.
However, there is a lot of information about Invisalign that you should know about before choosing it for your imperfect teeth. Our skilled dentists at The Encino Dentists are experts in orthodontic services, including Invisalign. We can help you understand how it works, its benefits, risk factors, and the treatment process.
An Overview of Invisalign
Many people are born with healthy teeth; however, natural variations and developmental factors can affect dental appearance and alignment. However, natural teeth are not always perfect. They can also change in appearance as you grow, which may affect your smile and confidence. Fortunately, dentists have a wide range of solutions for imperfect teeth. The treatment you choose depends on the kind of imperfection you want to fix.
Teeth misalignment is a common issue affecting people of all ages. Children, teenagers, and adults experience different problems with their teeth alignment. Some people have crooked teeth, while others have teeth that are overlapping or spaced too far apart. Dentists offer various orthodontic services to address these issues, with common treatments including traditional metal braces and Invisalign.
Metal braces and Invisalign work similarly in straightening misaligned teeth. However, they differ in some ways, which you should be aware of for effective decision-making. Both treatments gradually put pressure on your teeth, allowing them to move into their proper positions on the gum.
When compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that straightens natural teeth. It is clear and removable for discretion and oral hygiene. Aligners are also customized to individual needs for a perfect fit. Dentists typically provide different sets, which you should change regularly as your teeth shift into their proper position. You can remove them when eating and brushing your teeth, but must wear them for the recommended period for effective treatment.
Thus, if some or all of your teeth are misaligned, overlapping, or crowded, consult an orthodontic dentist to explore opportunities to improve your smile and confidence. They will assess your teeth, gums, and jawbone, and recommend the most suitable treatment for your specific needs. If your dentist suggests a teeth alignment treatment, you can choose Invisalign for its excellent benefits. Once you start treatment, you will start noticing a change in your teeth’s appearance sooner rather than later.
Reasons to Choose Invisalign
When compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign offers several benefits. These benefits are the reasons you should choose it to align your teeth and boost your confidence. These benefits include the following:
Invisalign Has Better Aesthetics
Your smile is what people notice first when they meet you. That is why more care should be placed on your teeth, to ensure that you leave a great first impression every time you meet new people. Sadly, this is difficult to achieve if your teeth are imperfect. It is also difficult to accomplish if your teeth-alignment treatment is visible. While some children, teenagers, and young adults do not mind the visibility of metal braces, it can affect an adult’s smile and confidence.
Invisalign is a clear, plastic tooth aligner that is nearly invisible to the naked eye. It offers the discretion that many adults, especially people in the public arena, appreciate. No one needs to know that you are undergoing treatment to achieve a perfect smile. Thus, you can start and continue treatment discreetly as you go about your daily activities.
They Are Convenient and Removable
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is more convenient because it is removable. You can remove them when eating and brushing your teeth for convenience and to maintain proper oral hygiene habits. You do not struggle to enjoy your favorite meals after starting the treatment, and can continue doing so until your teeth are correctly aligned. Additionally, you do not have to worry about stuck food that could encourage the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. You can brush and floss your teeth and maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
Invisalign is More Comfortable
Remember that Invisalign is a plastic teeth aligner. Plastic is more comfortable in the mouth than metal. Invisalign is also customized to provide a perfect fit, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout your treatment. You do not worry about pokey metal brackets and wires, which are very common with traditional metal braces.
You Can Maintain Good Oral Hygiene with Invisalign
One of the primary concerns for individuals wearing metal braces is maintaining good oral hygiene. Sometimes, the braces can become traps for food and drinks, which can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria. Some people have developed a cavity while on metal braces. However, this is not a cause for concern with Invisalign. Since these are removable aligners, you can clean your teeth thoroughly after eating before reinserting them. Your risk of cavities and other severe oral health conditions, such as gum disease, is lower with Invisalign.
They Offer Personalized Treatment
Remember that Invisalign is customized for individual needs and fit. This provides you with personalized treatment and care to help you meet your treatment goals sooner rather than later. A dentist will create a customized set of aligners tailored to your specific treatment needs. They will develop a treatment plan through which you will achieve your treatment goals. If you follow the treatment schedule closely, you can reach your goals more quickly.
Invisalign Boosts Your Confidence
If you have imperfect teeth, your confidence may be affected. People smile broadly when they know that their teeth are perfect. However, you can boost your confidence once you start treatment for your imperfect teeth. Once you start your treatment, your teeth will begin to shift into their proper position, which will improve their appearance and overall smile. You do not need to wait until after your treatment to enjoy the results.
Who Qualifies for Invisalign?
Like all other dental treatments, your dentist must first determine your suitability for Invisalign to recommend it. Not everyone with imperfect teeth is eligible for Invisalign. You must meet specific criteria for your dentist to recommend it as your treatment option.
Invisalign is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Teenagers, the youth, and adults can easily use Invisalign to align their imperfect teeth. Although children can also benefit from it, they may not follow the treatment plan as well, which can delay or affect their treatment results. Children require close supervision to ensure they remove and wear their aligners at the recommended times. Also, careful handling is necessary to prevent damage.
You can benefit from clear aligners if your teeth are crowded, have excessive gaps, or you have an underbite, crossbite, or overbite. Invisalign not only aligns your teeth but also changes the structure of your jaw to ensure that the teeth on your upper and lower jaws fit perfectly when you bite down.
Keep in mind that clear aligners are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate dental issues. If you have a severe misalignment issue, you may not enjoy effective treatment with Invisalign. In this case, your dentist will recommend mental braces, and they are more effective.
First, schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine the nature and severity of your dental problems. If you feel that your teeth are imperfect, share your concerns with your dentist. They will examine your teeth to identify the issues and assess your gums and jawbone, recommending the most suitable treatment options. If you are suitable for Invisalign, your dentist will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Invisalign Treatment Process
After diagnosing and recommending treatment, your dentist will ensure you understand the treatment process. This prepares you for what to expect and calms your mind once the treatment starts.
The treatment process begins with an initial consultation, during which you discuss your dental issue and concerns with your dentist. Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, and jawbone, and reviews your treatment history for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. They also discuss your goals and determine your suitability for Invisalign. If the dentist recommends Invisalign, they will provide as much details about the treatment as possible, including its benefits and costs, to help you make the final decision.
Once you decide to go with Invisalign, your dentist will take digital impressions, 3D scans, and pictures of your teeth. This helps them customize plastic aligners for your treatment. The dentist will use these scans and pictures to develop the exact treatment plan that will help you meet your goals. They will also show you a 3D preview of how your smile will transform with time once you start and stick to the treatment. When you are ready, the dentist will execute the treatment plan.
They will send the treatment plan, impressions, or pictures of your teeth to Invisalign to create customized clear aligners. The aligners will come in various sets of different sizes, according to your treatment goals. Your dentist will place the first set of aligners once they are ready, ensuring that they fit correctly. You will wear the set for one to two weeks, depending on how fast your teeth start aligning. The dentist will show you how to remove and wear the aligners, which you must do when eating and drinking. They will also show you how to clean the aligners when brushing and flossing your teeth.
You should wear clear aligners for at least 22 hours every day. They will apply pressure to your teeth, causing them to move gradually into their proper positions. If you fail to follow the treatment plan as recommended, you may prolong your treatment process or compromise on the results.
You are also expected to make regular visits to your dentist’s office for checkups. You can do this every six to eight weeks. Your dentist will review the progress of your treatment and provide you with the next set of aligners to continue your treatment. If your dentist determines that your treatment is not working as planned, they can add a set of aligners or make refinements to the treatment plan.
Once the treatment is complete and you are satisfied with the results, you can wear custom retainers to maintain your teeth in their new positions.
Invisalign Treatment Time
Typically, your treatment time with Invisalign ranges from six to eighteen months. The exact time varies from one patient to another, depending on a few factors, including the following:
The Severity of Your Orthodontic Issue
The duration of your Invisalign treatment will depend on your individual treatment needs, which can range from short to long. If you have a minor issue, like small gaps or minor crowding, you can wear aligners for six to twelve weeks. This is because you only need less movement on your teeth to achieve the desired results. However, if you have a complex alignment issue or a severe bite problem, more extensive movement is needed to position your teeth well. In this case, you can wear aligners for 12 to 24 months, or even longer.
Your Compliance
Remember that clear aligners are removable. Even so, you must wear them for at least 22 hours every day for effective treatment. Your treatment results will depend on how well you follow the treatment plan developed by your dentists. If you fail to wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time, it will take longer to achieve your treatment goals.
Your Age
Although Invisalign works very well for all ages, younger people may experience faster results than older adults. This is because their jawbone is still developing and can easily adapt to an adult’s jawbone. Additionally, an adult’s bone structure is denser, which could make tooth movement slower. However, with proper compliance, older adults can also achieve excellent results with Invisalign.
Individual Biological Response
Human teeth respond differently to pressure. When two people of the anime age and with similar dental issues wear aligners, their results may differ because of their individual biological responses. That is why dentists provide a time range within which you can achieve the desired results with clear aligners, rather than a specific timeframe.
Regular Dental Checkups
Your dentist can help you achieve faster results with clear aligners. That is why regular visits to the dentist’s office are recommended once you start treatment. If there is slow progress, your dentist will be able to diagnose it and recommend a solution to ensure that your treatment progresses as it should.
Invisalign Cost and Payment Options
The cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of your case and treatment plan. This cost can increase if you require additional treatments before Invisalign. After examining your teeth and recommending Invisalign, your dentist will break down the price for you to prepare yourself beforehand. They will also discuss available payment options for you.
Here are some of the factors that will determine your overall treatment cost:
The Complexity of Your Case
Keep in mind that some individuals have minor issues, while others have moderate or complex orthodontic problems. Your treatment cost will depend on whether your teeth alignment issue is minor, moderate, or complex.
Treatment Length
Remember that your dentists develop a treatment plan with Invisalign according to the complexity of your orthodontic issue. If you have a complex issue and require multiple sets of aligners, your treatment may take longer. In this case, you will pay more than someone who needs only a few sets for a minor orthodontic issue.
Your Dentist
Some dentists charge more than others for orthodontic services. When choosing a skilled and experienced dentist, also consider their fees for an informed decision. Remember that costly services do not always translate to quality services. Some professional and experienced orthodontists offer reasonable charges, with no hidden costs.
Additional Treatment
When you visit your dentist with an orthodontic issue, they will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine their health and suitability for Invisalign. If they notice a dental or oral problem that requires immediate treatment, such as a cavity or gum disease, they will address that issue first before addressing the orthodontic problem. If you need additional treatment, your overall treatment cost will be higher.
Invisalign is not suitable for many people because it is more expensive than traditional metal braces. However, there are payment options you should explore to enjoy its benefits. Some of the payment options you should consider include the following:
- Dental insurance for people whose insurance policy covers orthodontic services. You could be eligible for a certain percentage or amount of dental insurance, which may make your treatment more affordable.
- In-house payment plans from your dentist, which allow you to spread the cost over several months after making an initial payment
- Third-party financing by companies that offer such a service. The company can finance your treatment for a particular period.
- In-house discounts for patients who make a full upfront payment
How To Care for Invisalign
Remember that you will wear Invisalign for six to twenty-four months once you start your teeth alignment treatment. Thus, you must take good care of them to avoid damage, and also to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Your dentist will recommend after-treatment home-care tips, including the following:
Daily Care Routine
These are routines you must practice every day to keep your Invisalign clean and strong. They include:
- Rinse the aligners with lukewarm water after removing them to remove food particles or saliva
- Brushing them gently with a soft toothbrush to remove any buildup. You can use a mild soap instead of toothpaste, as some toothpastes can be abrasive and may scratch or discolor the aligners.
- Soak them once daily in a denture cleaner or a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide, and then rinse them well when you are ready to wear them back.
- Only use warm water since hot water will damage your plastic aligners
Habits and Storage
When you remove your aligners, keep them in their designated case to avoid damage or loss. Also, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. High temperatures will damage them.
Remove them when eating and drinking, as recommended by your dentist. Only keep them when drinking water. If you eat or drink while wearing them, colorful drinks and solid foods may stain or damage the aligners.
Additionally, avoid cleaning your aligners in a dishwasher. Do not wrap them in a napkin, as someone can mistakenly throw or misplace them.
Maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice and flossing daily. This keeps your teeth and gums, as well as your aligners, clean and free from cavity-causing bacteria.
Remember to wear your aligners for the recommended period. Remove them only during meals and when brushing your teeth. You may not enjoy good results until you follow the treatment schedule as planned by your dentist.
Regular Visits with the Dentists
Regular visits to the dentist’s office are recommended throughout your treatment. This ensures that your treatment progresses well as it should.
Additionally, visit your dentist immediately after your aligners become snug or damaged. Your dentist will provide you with a new set of aligners to continue your treatment. If you notice a change in the way they fit or appear, you should contact your dentist immediately.
Maintaining regular contact with your dentist throughout your treatment will help you achieve your treatment goals more quickly.
Find a Competent Orthodontist Near Me
If your teeth are misaligned, crooked, crowded, or overlapping, your smile and confidence may be affected. A skilled orthodontist in Encino can recommend a treatment that will restore your smile and boost your confidence. With numerous options available, consider Invisalign if you require a discreet, convenient, and effective orthodontic treatment.
Our orthodontists at The Encino Dentist have excellent skills and extensive experience with Invisalign. We can provide all the information you need to know what they entail, the benefits, risk factors, and the treatment process. Please call us at 818-650-0429 to discuss your treatment needs and our services in detail.