The Basics
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses clear, plastic aligners to gently move teeth into their desired position. Invisalign was designed to achieve many of the same results as braces but without the obtrusive and obvious look of metal brackets and wires.
The first step in the Invisalign process is a consultation with your orthodontist. During this appointment, you can ask any questions and get a more in-depth explanation of how treatment works. Your orthodontist will take digital impressions of your teeth and soft tissue using the new iTero scanner technology. This machine uses radiation-free lasers to render a 3D model of your teeth and gums that can be viewed on a computer screen. iTero works in minutes to create a digital impression of your teeth that you can look at with your doctor to discuss the steps of your own Invisalign journey.
If you choose to go through with Invisalign, your aligners will be custom made to fit your mouth and slowly move your teeth into their perfect positions. You will need to wear your aligner for 20-22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat or brush your teeth. Every one to two weeks a new set of aligners will be provided to you in order to keep the process moving along at an appropriate pace.
How Do I Take Care of My Aligners?
It is very important to keep your aligners clean since they will be sitting on your teeth all day. Any food or drink left on your teeth will stick to your aligners and can potentially cause dental issues down the road. After eating, make sure that your teeth are clean before putting your aligner back in, as certain foods can stain or damage the aligner. You will also want to brush your aligner with a toothbrush and toothpaste in lukewarm water every day or so to keep them hygienic.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the orthodontic issues you need to treat. On average, treatment costs anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. This price can be drastically reduced using an insurance provider, and Efros Orthodontics is conveniently in network with most insurance plans. We also offer customizable payment plans to split treatment costs into more manageable monthly payments. At our practice, we never want financial stress to stand in the way of a perfect, healthy smile, so make sure to ask your treatment coordinator if any discounts or financial help is available to you.
How Will Invisalign Affect My Lifestyle?
Invisalign is a great way to fix teeth because it comes with barely any lifestyle adjustments. Your aligners are essentially invisible to others, and should not cause any changes in speech because the plastic is so thin. The only limitations are that we do not recommend smoking while wearing your aligners as this can stain them, and you should not chew gum while wearing your aligners.
Are There Any Food Restrictions With Invisalign?
No, unlike braces you can eat whatever you want with Invisalign. Just take your aligner out, enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to brush properly before putting your aligner back in!
How Do I Know Invisalign Is Right for Me?
Invisalign is able to treat many orthodontic issues including bite misalignment and malocclusions. It is also very effective at fixing cosmetic problems like crooked or crowded teeth. Invisalign technology works great for kids, teens, and adults while asking for minimal effort from you as the patient. To be 100% certain that Invisalign is the right choice for you, book a free consultation with Efros Orthodontics and learn more about your options!
Do I Still Need to See My Dentist While Wearing Invisalign?
Absolutely. Dentists and orthodontists work on the same parts of the body, but they have very different goals. Your orthodontist’s job is to align your jaw and straighten your teeth, while your dentist is focused on keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Both of these professionals work together to help you achieve a glowing, beautiful smile! Do not forget to visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups so that you keep your teeth and gums disease-free.
How Do I Know Invisalign Will Work for Me?
Invisalign is FDA approved, and has worked for over 8 million people that needed to correct their smile. It has an impeccable track record in terms of safety, results, and comfort. When you visit the orthodontist for a consultation, you can ask to see testimonials of patients with similar problems to yours to instill confidence that this process is right for you. As always, your orthodontist would not recommend that you undergo a lengthy and costly treatment if the results would not be satisfactory and long-lasting. You can trust that they have the expertise and experience to provide you with a solid recommendation. Furthermore, at Efros Orthodontics we offer the option to switch to braces at no extra cost if you are unhappy with your Invisalign experience. At the end of the day, our goal is to keep you satisfied and give you a reason to smile.
