There are many reasons why an adult may want to straighten their smile. Being able to show off straight teeth can improve first impressions and boost confidence. Whether you had braces when you were younger and want to restore fading results or have never had braces before, Invisalign dental braces can help you achieve the smile you have been dreaming of.
Continue reading to learn more about Invisalign, such as how it works, what dental issues it can correct, cost information, and more.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. It involves using removable aligners made of thick, flexible, clear plastic to straighten teeth and correct mild bite issues, crowding, and gaps. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and gradually move your teeth into the desired positions. It’s important to note that you cannot brush or floss your teeth, clean the aligners, or eat anything with the aligners in your mouth. You will need to remove them before performing any of these activities and promptly put them back in when you are done. Invisalign aligners must typically be worn at least 20 to 22 hours each day to be effective.
Here is a breakdown of the treatment timeline you can expect, as well as how Invisalign dental braces work.
Research from 2018 shows that Invisalign can effectively treat the following issues:
Invisalign may not be the best treatment option for overbites and complex issues.
Invisalign treatment can take 6 to 18 months based on how much your teeth’s alignment needs to be corrected.
Some people start to notice differences in just two weeks, while others may not begin to see results until six months into their treatment plan.
Your dentist may be able to speed up treatment time by using devices like AcceleDent or Propel, which stimulate the bones and roots to reduce discomfort and give you 50-70 percent faster results. However, these treatment options are costly and are not covered by insurance.
The results from Invisalign treatment can be permanent, as long as you wear a retainer. It is recommended to wear your retainer all the time for the first three months after finishing Invisalign treatment, then every night after the first three months.
You should not drink beverages such as soda, milk, juice, or alcohol while wearing your aligners because the acids and sugars in these beverages can harm your teeth and the aligners.
Additionally, consuming hot beverages like coffee and tea while wearing your aligners can stain or warp them.
You will need to remove the aligners before you chew gum or eat food. You will need to brush and floss your teeth or at least rinse your mouth before you put the aligners back in, because if food gets trapped between your teeth and the aligners, it can cause tooth decay. Also, your teeth can become dull or yellow if you do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in after eating or drinking.
You can drink water or seltzer water while your aligners are in.
The cost of Invisalign treatment can range between $3,000 to $6,700. The average cost is $4,855. However, the actual cost depends on the severity and complexity of the issues being treated, your provider’s credentials, location, and whether or not your dental insurance plan will help you pay for your clear dental braces.
In addition to dental insurance coverage, other options that may be available to help you pay for Invisalign include enrolling in a payment plan through your provider’s office or using a CareCredit credit card or a tax-free flexible spending account (FSA).
Eriks Dental Group South is a trusted family dentist in Fort Lauderdale. We’re proud to offer a wide range of dental services and treatment options, including:
And crunched for time? You can conveniently request an appointment online and download new patient forms before your first appointment!. If you’ve been thinking about Invisalign dental braces to straighten your teeth, we can help! Call us today at (954) 463-5051.
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