Do you want a perfect smile? If so, an orthodontist may suggest that you try Invisalign as opposed to traditional braces. Invisalign plastic aligners are used to shift your teeth into the proper position, but unlike metal braces, they are practically invisible. Before deciding if Invisalign is right for you, it’s a good idea to learn as much as possible about this orthodontic treatment. Start by taking a look at the answers to these frequently asked questions about Westminster Invisalign aligners:
Do the aligners contain any harmful chemicals?
No, there is no reason to think that wearing Invisalign aligners will expose you to harmful chemicals. All Invisalign aligners are made out of medical grade polyurethane resins. They do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalate plasticizers, and they have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of any orthodontic treatment will vary on a case-by-case basis. It’s estimated that the average cost of Invisalign falls between $3,500 and $8,000. However, the price that you will have to pay will depend on how long you need to wear Invisalign and how many different aligners need to be made. Check your insurance policy to see if it covers this type of orthodontic treatment. If your dental insurance covers traditional braces, it should also cover Invisalign. What do Invisalign braces cost? Are they worth it?
Are Invisalign braces uncomfortable?
It takes a little bit of time to get used to the feeling of wearing Invisalign, but in general, these aligners are much more comfortable than other types of braces. The only time that patients should feel any pain is if they are wearing aligners with rough or sharp edges. In this case, the problem can be solved by having an orthodontist file the aligners down to smooth out the edges.
Will I have to wear a retainer?
Patients will need to wear a retainer after their Invisalign treatment is over. The retainer is used to hold the teeth in place to prevent them from going back to the position they were in prior to treatment. Your orthodontist will tell you how long and how often you need to wear the retainer.
Can I switch from metal braces to Invisalign?
Some patients that are unhappy with their metal braces ask their orthodontist if it’s possible to switch to Invisalign aligners in the middle of their treatment. In some cases, switching from metal braces to Invisalign aligners is possible, but in other cases, it’s not. Some patients even turn to Invisalign because they are not happy with the results they achieved with metal braces. However, any change in your treatment will need to be discussed with your orthodontist.
Am I too old for Invisalign?
Many people assume that kids are the only ones that wear braces, but that’s simply not the case. People of all ages can get a straighter smile with braces, and Invisalign is often the preferred choice for adults. Metal braces can be distracting and make adults feel uncomfortable and out of place in a professional setting, but patients don’t have to worry about this when wearing Invisalign aligners.
Will I wear the same plastic aligners throughout my treatment?
No, patients will not wear the same plastic aligner throughout the treatment. Most patients will receive a new set of aligners every few weeks during treatment. Each set will be slightly different from the last in order to slowly adjust the positioning of your teeth. The differences may not be noticeable by just looking at the aligners, but a new set may feel a little off when using it for the first time.
Do I have to wear Invisalign aligners at all times?
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable. But, this does not mean you should remove them for large chunks of the day. It’s recommended that you keep the aligners in place between 20-22 hours per day. The aligners should be removed whenever you eat, brush your teeth, or drink any liquid besides water. Then, put them back inside your mouth as soon as possible. If you do not wear them for 20-22 hours per day, it’s very likely that you will not be able to achieve the desired results.
Do I have to give up my bad habits when wearing Invisalign?
Patients often ask if they will have to make any changes to their lifestyle when wearing Invisalign braces. Smokers should avoid smoking cigarettes when wearing Invisalign since this can cause the aligners to turn slightly yellow. It will be fairly easy to spot yellow-tinted plastic aligners in your mouth, which defeats the whole purpose of choosing these near-invisible braces. Some alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer can also stain aligners, so it’s best to either cut back on your intake or remove the aligners before consuming these beverages.
You should also never chew gum while wearing Invisalign since the gum can get stuck on the aligners. It’s possible to remove the aligners and chew gum, but if you do this, don’t keep the aligners out of your mouth for too long.
How will I know that I will be happy with the results?
Before treatment starts, an orthodontist will scan your teeth using a digital scanning tool. This image will be used to map out your treatment, but it is also used to show you what your teeth will look like after wearing Invisalign. Patients will get to see a 3-D rendering of their new smile so they know exactly what they should expect before committing to wearing these aligners.
Do you have another question about Invisalign that you would like addressed? If so, contact our office today. At Prentice Orthodontics, our goal is to serve your needs, improve your health, and make you smile! We have a highly trained and friendly staff that is eager to welcome you into our offices and assist you with your dental needs. Call 303-468-7722 for a free consultation or contact us using the form on our website today!