Many people are raving about Invisalign. This orthodontic appliance makes straight teeth a reality for more and more people each year, and without the bulky look of braces. Now, more than 2.5 million patients have experienced the difference with Invisalign, and over 96% of them have been happy with their results.
While Invisalign is a great tool for straightening teeth, many people still have questions about whether it is suitable for them. Here, we answer some common questions we get about Invisalign to try and address your concerns.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on a number of factors, including what specific issues we are trying to address with your teeth and the course of treatment required correcting them. Generally, Invisalign is comparable with traditional braces in terms of cost.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Many insurance plans cover Invisalign treatments to the same extent that they cover traditional braces and other orthodontic procedures. Note that medical/dental policies differ greatly on what they cover, so you should consult your specific policy to determine if braces and Invisalign are an option for coverage.
Do you offer payment plans?
We provide payment plans to patients who need help making Invisalign more affordable.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
The first step in the process is to speak with a dentist who is an Invisalign Preferred Provider. It is important to undergo a thorough evaluation to see if Invisalign is appropriate for your particular case. At this consultation, you will discuss costs, insurance coverage, and what the Invisalign process involves so that you can make an informed decision about your dental care.
How do you develop a treatment plan?
Once you have had your initial consultation and determined that Invisalign is right for you, our office starts putting together the information needed to create your treatment plan. This involves x-rays, impressions, and pictures of your teeth, which are used in the creation of a 3D model of your mouth.
Based on that 3D model, the dentist can develop your treatment plan, showing you how your teeth will move and giving you an estimate of about how long it will take.
How long does Invisalign take?
Each treatment plan is a little different based on your particular needs and treatment goals. However, for adults, you can expect to be on the Invisalign program for about a year. Teenagers tend to take as long with Invisalign as they do with traditional braces.
What does treatment consist of?
After we have obtained a 3D model of your mouth and developed a treatment plan, you can start the process of using the Invisalign system. You will be provided with a number of custom-made aligners throughout your treatment, each one designed to shift your teeth incrementally until you achieve your desired results.
These aligners are made out of smooth plastic that is BPA-free. They do not cause significant mouth irritation like the brackets and wires of braces, and they are completely clear, so that most people will not even know you are wearing them.
Can I eat when wearing my aligners?
You should not eat while wearing your aligners. However, they are easy and discreet to slip off and on, making mealtimes easy to navigate. You also can remove your aligners in order to brush and floss your teeth.
The ability to remove the aligners is a great benefit of Invisalign. This means that regular oral hygiene is not compromised as it is with braces, and you are able to care for your teeth the same way as if you did not have the Invisalign system. This means fewer cavities and healthier teeth than with traditional braces.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
You should keep your aligners in at all times when you are not eating or brushing your teeth, but you should definitely wear them for a minimum of 22 hours per day.
What do I need to do after treatment to maintain my teeth?
You should follow generally prescribed recommendations for dental health, and also consult with your dentist to determine whether you need to obtain a retainer. Many patients need to use a retainer in order to keep their teeth from moving back into their original positions, and you should discuss this possibility with your dentist to see if this is the right course of action for you.
Have your or has anyone you know had braces previously? What were you advised to do in order to maintain your teeth once your treatment was completed? Did you find the prescribed course of treatment effective and easy to stick to?
How often do I need to visit my dentist during treatment?
This will vary according to your treatment plan, but generally, patients of Invisalign have fewer visits to the dentist compared to those with traditional braces.
Do I really need braces or Invisalign?
This is a question for your dental professional, and will be based upon your particular needs after a careful evaluation. However, keep these facts in mind:
- Only 35% of adults have front teeth that are considered well-aligned.
- Approximately 20% of all people suffer from not having an ideal bite.
- Invisalign is appropriate for children and adults – adults actually make up about 1 in 5 of all orthodontic patients.
Regular orthodontic care is not just for children. Adults can benefit from this care as well, realigning their teeth so that they can have a healthier, more attractive smile.
At One Centre Dentistry, we offer Invisalign in Scarborough (and Toronto), helping patients achieve their dream of straighter teeth. If you want an ideal smile without the bulk and inconvenience of braces, you should set an appointment to come and see us today to see if Invisalign is right for you. We can go over costs and potential courses of treatment so that you know exactly what to expect and can make an informed decision about your dental care.