Is Invisalign Right For You? What You Need To Know Before Getting Clear Aligners
Many adults live with orthodontic issues, such as crooked and crowded teeth, gapped teeth, or malocclusion (an abnormal bite pattern). Although these issues negatively impact oral health, oral comfort, and the aesthetic appearance of their smiles, they often choose not to pursue orthodontic treatment because they don't want to wear traditional, metal braces.
At Carolina Crossroads Dental Care, we're proud to offer Invisalign treatment, a popular alternative to traditional braces designed to build confidence in your smile while being worn discreetly and comfortably without disrupting your lifestyle.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment system that uses clear, plastic aligner trays to correct the positioning, orientation, alignment, and occlusion (bite alignment) of the teeth.
The Invisalign treatment system uses computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to design and manufacture personalized treatment plans, complete with customized alignment trays. These graduated trays are designed to fit snugly over the teeth, exerting pressure in specific directions and angles that gradually shift the teeth into the proper alignment. Each set of aligner trays moves the teeth just fractions of a millimeter, but once a patient has finished wearing all of the trays in their treatment system, their teeth will be in the proper positions.
Invisalign provides patients with an elevated, personalized treatment experience and successful treatment outcomes, helping them resolve their orthodontic problems to achieve a healthier, more comfortable, and more attractive smile.
The benefits and advantages of Invisalign include:
Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces. Traditional braces straighten the teeth with a system of rubber bands, metal wires, and metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth. As a result, treatment with metal braces has several drawbacks, such as:
Both Invisalign and ClearCorrect are orthodontic treatments that use clear aligner trays. While they are highly similar, the two systems have subtle differences in the proprietary technology and materials used that create slight differences in the treatment experience.
Invisalign's aligner trays are slightly thicker than those used with ClearCorrect. When looking closely, this makes Invisalign's aligner trays slightly more noticeable on the teeth. However, they are much more durable than ClearCorrect's aligners, which means that patients require fewer replacement trays. Additionally, their thicker construction allows them to feature a tapered trimline, making them more comfortable than ClearCorrect's straight trimline.
The average cost of Invisalign treatment ($3,000 to $8,000) is highly comparable to that of treatment with traditional braces ($3,000 to $7,000) and ClearCorrect ($2,000 to $8,000).
The type of orthodontic treatment selected doesn't significantly impact cost. Factors that do impact treatment cost include:
Our team will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits while helping you navigate financial planning for your treatment. In addition to accepting dental insurance, we also offer a variety of payment options and plans, plus treatment discounts through a membership savings plan.
During your first visit, our dentist will talk with you about your concerns and treatment goals before examining your teeth and gums and taking a set of diagnostic images. Once we've determined that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan.
To create your treatment plan, we use an intraoral scanner to take three-dimensional, digital impressions of your teeth. These images are then uploaded into the Invisalign treatment software, which is used to design your treatment plan. You will be able to view the progression of your teeth from where they are now to their final alignment at the end of treatment.
Once your treatment plan has been designed, we send these specifications to Invisalign, where they create your customized aligner trays. When the trays are ready, we will schedule you for another appointment during which we will teach you how to use your treatment system.
Patients begin their treatment by wearing their first set of aligner trays. Each set of trays in the system will be worn for 22 hours each day for approximately one to two weeks. After the two weeks have passed, the patient can then move on to the next set of trays in their treatment system.
On average, treatment with Invisalign ranges from 12 to 18 months. However, some patients can achieve their desired results in as little as six months, and others will need up to two years.
Throughout your treatment, we will schedule you for routine checkups to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment is proceeding as planned.
For a successful treatment experience, follow your treatment plan closely and consistently, wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time every day.
Additionally, take steps to maintain your oral hygiene throughout treatment by brushing and flossing your teeth every morning and night and after every meal. Follow instructions for caring for your aligners to help them stay clean and clear while you wear them.
Invisalign offers several benefits, but there are some potential issues that patients should consider before choosing the treatment that's best for them.
Successful treatment outcomes depend on the patient closely following their treatment instructions and wearing their aligner trays for at least 22 hours every day. As a result, treatment compliance can be the biggest challenge for patients with Invisalign.
Since the aligner trays can be removed at any time, it is up to the patient to follow their treatment instructions to ensure a successful treatment outcome. For this reason, Invisalign isn't always recommended for children, since the aligner trays can be easily lost, forgotten on lunch trays, and easily removed whenever.
Invisalign treatment systems include replacement aligner trays and also come with detailed instructions. Additionally, Invisalign Teen includes special features to help children and parents monitor treatment compliance.
Additionally, patients should be aware that treatment with Invisalign can cause some discomfort, as the trays put pressure on the teeth. This discomfort, however, will be experienced with any type of orthodontic treatment.
Most patients only experience this slight discomfort during the first day or two of wearing a new set of aligner trays. While it is usually mild, patients can alleviate the feeling with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
The best candidates for Invisalign treatment include older children, teenagers, and adults who have healthy teeth and gums with minor to moderate orthodontic issues. Candidates for Invisalign treatment must be willing, able, and responsible enough to follow their personalized treatment plan by wearing their aligners as instructed.
To learn more about the Invisalign treatment process and find out if treatment with Invisalign is right for you, we welcome you to contact our office to request an appointment with Dr. Lindsay Spears today.
Call 704-873-2141 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.