What does Invisalign do?
Invisalign moves teeth by using clear aligners (clear trays that fit over your teeth) to move teeth to a stable bite. This enables you to have a stable bite and a healthier mouth but makes it easier to clean and less likely to lose bone and tooth structure which happens with misaligned bites.
How does the Invisalign system work?
Invisalign works by using forces built into the clear aligners that move teeth in a synchronous manner.
What are the health benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign has many health benefits. Eliminating crowding often allows for more space in the oral cavity so your tongue has more room. This can improve some types of sleep apnea. A proper bite allows for teeth to receive biting forces along the straight axis of the tooth. This prevents bone loss and recession Thus enabling you to keep the important teeth, gum, and bone intact. Also, straight teeth are easier to clean and this can cut down on the bacterial load in your oral cavity.
What are some of the benefits of Invisalign over regular braces?
You are able to do almost all of the treatment at home. The clear aligners are changed each week by you at home. This eliminates monthly appointments that are required with traditional braces. Invisalign is pain-free. And Invisalign is almost invisible. Also, the trays can be moving the teeth in many directions at the same time as opposed to wires which have one movement at a time.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Almost any healthy person is a good candidate for Invisalign.
How Long Does Invisalign® Take to Straighten Teeth?
Your Invisalign treatment program is designed around your alignment goals. If you're seeking to correct minor gaps or crookedness, your treatment may last a year or less. For more significant correction of issues such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or more severe overcrowding, treatment may extend to about 12 to 18 months or longer. When you visit us to discuss how Invisalign could help you get your best smile, we will estimate how long we think your treatment may take.
Can I Get Invisalign® if I've Had Braces in the Past?
You can absolutely undergo Invisalign treatment even if you've previously worn braces! In fact, it's relatively common to experience what is called orthodontic relapse after completing a course of treatment with braces. While your teeth are nice and straight after your braces come off, they aren't fully stabilized in the jawbone for at least a few years. Orthodontic relapse, teeth shifting out of their ideal position, can occur if the post-braces retainer is not worn often enough or for long enough. Fortunately, most cases of orthodontic relapse are pretty mild and easily addressed with a short course of Invisalign treatment.
How Do I Take Care of My Aligners?
Your Invisalign aligners are worn for two weeks at a time. Still, you want to take good care of them so they do not develop odor or stains. You also want to develop really good habits around storing your aligners when you remove them for meals. To prevent loss, it is helpful to keep a carrying case with you and to place your aligners in that carrying case when dining, especially when dining out. If at all possible, do not leave the carrying case on the table during your meal. Putting the case in a backpack or purse, you're far less likely to accidentally throw your aligners in the trash.
When you remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth, you can place them in water or an approved cleanser. This can help loosen debris and inhibit bacterial accumulation on the surface. Provided that you use non-abrasive toothpaste, you can put a small dab of paste on your finger and rub your aligners down for a more thorough cleaning.
How Is Invisalign® Different from Braces?
Invisalign treatment is like wearing braces, but better! The aligners work by pressing on certain teeth to progress them to their ideal position. This is how braces work, as well. The difference is that your Invisalign treatment is done using clear plastic aligners rather than metal or plastic brackets. Nothing is affixed to your teeth, so you're able to eat normally and also brush and floss your teeth without having to work around foreign structures. Retaining this ability to brush and floss well, your risk of cavities is quite low during your Invisalign treatment.
When you remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth, you can place them in water or an approved cleanser. This can help loosen debris and inhibit bacterial accumulation on the surface. Provided that you use non-abrasive toothpaste, you can put a small dab of paste on your finger and rub your aligners down for a more thorough cleaning.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign®?
Most insurance companies extend the same coverage for Invisalign as they do for traditional orthodontic treatment. It is wise to contact your insurance carrier directly for information regarding prerequisites, if applicable, coverage amounts, and limits.
Is Invisalign® Appropriate for Children and Teens?
Yes! The makers of Invisalign have continued to develop ways to improve upon an already-proven system. One of those improvements has been the development of Invisalign First®, a treatment program designed specifically for growing smiles. Children as young as age six can receive treatment that addresses the width of the dental arch and the spacing of teeth that are still transitioning from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Invisalign First® features all of the same benefits of the standard Invisalign treatment, including sophisticated imaging and treatment planning, comfortable, clear aligners, and attachments as needed.
