Invisalign offers several benefits that make it a popular option for fixing misaligned teeth.
Since 1998, Invisalign has helped millions of patients who wanted a straighter smile and healthier teeth. With its clear, plastic orthodontic aligner trays, Invisalign corrects crooked or crowded teeth as well as several types of alignment problems. Invisalign, however, can be expensive, and it’s natural to wonder how Invisalign can benefit you.
With its inconspicuous appearance, Invisalign is a popular choice for many orthodontic patients. We’ll dive deeper into the benefits in this article to help you determine if Invisalign is the optimal choice for your needs.
Here’s how Invisalign can benefit you
The primary advantage of Invisalign is its clear plastic construction. The aligners are nearly invisible, making them a less conspicuous alternative to traditional wire braces. Yet Invisalign offers additional benefits in addition to appearance and aesthetics. Before starting treatment, you can ask your dentist to elaborate on the following questions so that you can get a better understanding of how Invisalign can benefit you.
How does Invisalign work? Your dentist will make a mold of your mouth and design a treatment plan to shift your teeth into perfect alignment. Every week or two, you’ll receive a new aligner to gently pull your teeth into the proper placement. At the end of the treatment, you will see a much straighter smile than the one you had started out with!
Invisalign may not work for everyone, however. Those with more complex bite problems will most likely need braces. For the majority of people with mild to moderate spacing and bite issues, Invisalign works just fine.
Is Invisalign hard to care for? Invisalign aligners can be costly, so you’ll want to take good care of them. But caring for them isn’t difficult as long as you maintain daily cleanings using a special, non-abrasive solution. When cleaning the aligners, avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic.
How long does Invisalign take? Depending on the orthodontic issue that you’re correcting, you can see results with Invisalign in as little as nine months. For most, it could take 12 to 18 months. To maximize results with Invisalign, you should aim to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day.
Is Invisalign expensive? Your cost will depend on the orthodontic issues being addressed and your geographic location. But generally, Invisalign will run a bit more expensive than traditional braces, but the bill may be covered by your insurance. Consult with your dentist and insurance carrier to see how much of the service is covered and how much you may need to pay out of pocket.
Will I have to change my diet during Invisalign treatment? Because the trays are removable when you eat or drink, you can enjoy all your favorite foods! Before placing the aligners back into your mouth after you eat, you should brush your teeth and rinse the trays. Any food debris trapped between your teeth and the tray could cause decay if not cleared away before you put Invisalign back into your mouth.
Are there any other benefits of Invisalign? Straighter teeth aren’t just good for looking good. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and therefore less likely to harbor decay-causing bacteria. With better oral care, your gums will be healthier and better able to support your teeth. When your teeth are strong and in proper alignment, you may even find chewing and speaking to be easier!
Learn more about Invisalign
Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Colorado Springs location today! Our highly trained dentists have years of experience in treating patients with Invisalign and can help you get a better smile. Don’t live near our Colorado Springs office? Find one of our other locations near you.
Colorado Springs
8610 Explorer Drive #315
Colorado Springs, CO 80920