Invisalign can significantly improve your smile and this is the main reason why people all over the world choose it. The process of smile makeover includes a series of transparent plastic aligners, each of which is used for two weeks. This method allows to gradually align your teeth. In this article, we will tell you seven things you should know about Invisalign
1. It is suitable almost for everyone
Dentists report that most people can use Invisalign. Teeth in most healthy adolescents and adults can be successfully adjusted and the process can take from four months to several years. However, if you want to fix your smile, you should be very careful and consult your dentist or orthodontist. Such conditions as gum disease, loose teeth or a temporomandibular joint disorder (a condition that causes pain in the jaw) can interfere with aligners.
2. In some cases, it is better to choose braces
Invisalign is transparent and this is an advantage for those who are saddened by the prospect of metal braces on their teeth. The process can also run faster than traditional braces because trays cover the entire tooth (not only the front). However, for serious crowded or very twisted teeth, traditional braces may still be the best solution. Despite the fact that both options can cause pain, Invisalign is generally more convenient because there are no wires that can potentially poke your cheeks.
3. Both a dentist and orthodontist can treat you
Despite the fact that Invisalign installation is technically an orthodontic procedure, you can visit both a dentist and orthodontist for this procedure. However, you should consider the severity of the fixes you need. Who you visit depends on the complexity. For example, if you have crowded teeth, it may be helpful to combine with an orthodontist to make sure the results will be good.
4. Your insurance may partially cover the costs
First and foremost you should call your insurance company to find out if they cover this procedure before you agree start your smile makeover. If you have orthodontic insurance, it should at least partially cover your treatment. The process can cost you from 2000 to 6900 dollars. If your insurance doesn’t pick up part of the check, you should look for financing options to find an interest-free way to distribute payments.
5. Make sure that your teeth are in good condition
If you decide to undergo an Invisalign procedure with an orthodontist, it is recommended to visit a dentist before it. Make sure that you don’t have any unpleasant cavities before you start. If you have tooth decay that requires treatment, the aligners may not work as they should and your results may suffer.
6. Significant time commitment
You will need to wear transparent aligners from 20 to 22 hours a day. That’s why it is important to be responsible. If you don’t think you will remember or be able to keep the trays for such a long time, then straight bracers could be a better option for you.
7. You should avoid foods and drinks with aligners
You will need to avoid everything that is not a clear, sugar-free liquid (that’s why everything except water) while wearing Invisalign. If you will leave aligners for an evening of wine or coffee, you can stain trays and make your teeth discolored. After foods and drinks, you should clean your teeth before putting Invisalign back in place.
8. You will need to wear a retainer
After the process of smile makeover is complete, you will need to wear a retainer that will keep your teeth even. For the first three months, you should wear them all the time. After that, you can wear them only at night. Invisalign stores the model of your result on the Internet. This means that you will be able to reorder the retainers (as long as your teeth stay in place) when the time comes.
