Invisalign: A Clear Solution for Adults and Teens

Crowded Teeth

Crowding is the result of overlapping teeth. This formation can make it difficult to adequately brush and clean the surfaces of teeth as well as areas in between. Without treatment, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and jaw pain can arise; however, with Invisalign, teeth can be shifted to generate necessary space, allowing for a more pleasing appearance and healthier smile.

Gaps Between Teeth

Excessive space between teeth often occurs when the bone does not develop properly or teeth are too small, making it impossible for the area to be completely filled. A large jawbone or thumb-sucking as a child can also lead to gapped teeth. Invisalign can be used to treat this problem and reduce the potential for decay and gum disease by moving teeth closer together to eliminate gaps.

Overbite

An upper row of teeth that sits much further out over a bottom row of teeth is known as an overbite. Causing aesthetic issues for some patients, it can also result in jaw pain, enamel wear and tear, and speech problems. But Invisalign can address an overbite by moving one’s jaws so that they properly align. This also reduces the amount of space between arches.

Underbite

Underbites are often easier to treat on a young person because their jaw is still developing; however, Invisalign can still have adults seeing successful results. To move the lower arch of teeth back so that a person’s smile is readily aligned, clear aligners can be used in combination with rubber bands and attachments. Over time, the jaw will begin to pull back so that the mouth functions correctly, reducing any potential sleep issues or difficulty chewing.

Crossbite

Bottom teeth that sit slightly in front of the top teeth are the result of a crossbite. This problem forms mainly because of genetics but can also be attributed to a person losing their baby teeth early or neglecting their oral hygiene. Invisalign can be provided to minimize the risk of gum disease, jaw pain, headaches, and tooth decay. If the issue stems from an issue with jaw development, elastics and other accessories will need to be used in combination with clear aligners to shift the jaw into place.

Open Bite

Thumb-sucking as a child or poor bone development can be the reason an open bite develops. When the front top and bottom teeth do not touch when closing one’s mouth, it can make speaking more difficult as well as increase enamel wear and tear. With Invisalign, though, we can bring the top and bottom rows of teeth together so that the patient has a better bite pattern and no longer experiences the effects of worn-down tooth enamel and dental damage.

Discreet Appearance

Let’s start with one of the most obvious benefits: Invisalign is incredibly discreet. That’s because the aligners are made of sturdy but translucent plastic, which is almost invisible while you are wearing it. People close to you may know you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, but casual acquaintances and colleagues may never notice your trays. Plus, you can take them off before special occasions, like big meetings or presentations!

Removable Aligners

While conventional braces are affixed to your teeth and can only be taken off when the treatment is complete, Invisalign aligners can be removed, which makes life far easier. After all, that means that you don’t have to buy special oral hygiene products, adopt cumbersome dental care habits, or adjust your diet during your teeth-straightening journey. Just make sure you wear Invisalign for the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day!

Hassle-Free Oral Hygiene

In short, people are at a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease with metal braces. That’s because it may be difficult to brush and floss effectively around the fixed hardware. Thanks to removable Invisalign, however, brushing and flossing are as easy as ever. The only adjustment you’ll need to make to your routine is completing your dental care regimen after lunch and any snacks you have (if you aren’t already, of course).

No Soft Tissue Irritation

One downside of traditional braces is that the metal brackets and wires can irritate the soft tissue in your mouth. Invisalign is not only metal-free, but the aligners are crafted from smooth plastic, which makes them considerably more comfortable. The only thing you are likely to feel throughout your Invisalign treatment is slight soreness from your teeth shifting position. Even then, that’s good news – it means your aligners are working!

Fewer Check-In Visits

Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist throughout the treatment compared to traditional braces. In fact, most patients only need to come in for a check-in visit every six or eight weeks. Just another reason many busy adults and teens opt for this convenient teeth-straightening service!

Shorter Average Treatment Timeline

Although treatment timelines vary depending on numerous factors, including the complexity of the case, most patients with traditional braces need to dedicate 2-3 years to orthodontic treatment. Patients with Invisalign, on the other hand, usually have straight teeth in 12-18 months. So, if you want to see results quicker, clear aligner treatment is for you!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Invisalign

The price of your Invisalign treatment will depend on a variety of factors. Some of the most common ones include:

• The number of arches – In many cases, patients who receive Invisalign will typically require both of their arches to be treated. That said, if you only need to address a single arch, then you might pay a lower cost.
• The complexity of your orthodontic issues – The more severe your bite alignment is, the higher the cost will be. Smaller adjustments, such as closing a few gaps, will have a lower price.
• The length of treatment – The longer your Invisalign process is, the more aligners you’ll likely need, which will raise the overall cost.

Invisalign vs. Smile Direct Club™: Which Costs More?

It can be appealing to opt for low-cost options such as Smile Direct Club™ if a patient is wanting a more convenient orthodontic solution. Unfortunately, treatment that costs less doesn’t always mean it’ll be the best option. While similar to Invisalign, do-it-yourself products like Smile Direct Club™ don’t have professional oversight. This means there’s plenty of room for error, which can lead to complications that’ll require treatment from a dentist anyway.

By undergoing Invisalign, you’ll have supervision and personalized care from your dentist throughout the entire process. Our team will also use high-quality materials and accurate impressions to ensure a more comfortable and successful treatment. While the upfront cost is higher, the stress-free and smooth process can make it worthwhile.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Invisalign?

More dental insurance companies are beginning to offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign, so you’ll want to verify the details of your policy before committing to anything. You can also consult our knowledgeable staff, as we’ll be more than happy to walk you through your plan to make the most of your benefits. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions regarding your insurance policy or need help filing your claim.

Options for Making Invisalign Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance but need to work within your budget, then you’ll want to explore alternative financing options. The good news is that our team works with a third-party financier called CareCredit, which can help split the overall cost of Invisalign into monthly, low-to-no-interest installments. You won’t have to worry about breaking the bank to achieve a straighter smile!

Wearing Your Trays

It is essential that you wear your clear aligners according to our instructions; you can’t expect orthodontic progress if you’re neglecting your treatment! Generally speaking, most patients are required to wear their aligners every day for around 22 hours, which leaves short windows to remove them for meals and brushing their teeth. If you aren’t wearing your aligners as intended, you’re directly preventing them from doing their job, and your treatment timeline will suffer setbacks.

Cleaning Your Aligners

Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned every day to prevent them from sustaining damage or becoming foul and unpleasant to wear. You can gently brush them with a toothbrush every night to clear away any lingering debris and keep them fresh. Of course, don’t forget to brush your own teeth, too, as food particles can easily become trapped underneath the trays when you place them back in your mouth. Don’t use regular toothpaste to clean your aligners; room-temperature water and mild hand soap will do the trick, or Invisalign cleaning crystals. Never use hot water, as it might warp the shape and fit of your aligners.

Eating & Drinking

One of the major benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are completely removable, meaning that there aren’t any dietary restrictions that patients must follow during treatment – with metal braces, it’s a much different story. However, Invisalign aligners must be removed before you eat or drink anything. The trays can sustain damage from biting and chewing, and damaging them will only set back your treatment. They can also easily become stained from certain foods and drinks. The only exception to this rule is water, which is perfectly fine to drink while you’re wearing the trays.

Losing or Damaging a Tray

The Invisalign system relies on patient compliance; they need to be worn for them to shift the teeth as intended. That said, keep tabs on your aligners when they aren’t inside your mouth! You should always carry an aligner case with you so that when you need to remove your Invisalign, you’ll have a safe place to store it. Also keep your trays away from pets, young children, and even Mother Nature; all pose a threat to them. Lost or damaged trays don’t just set your treatment back – they also must be replaced.

Routine Check-Ins

It’s true that Invisalign treatment typically takes less time than wearing metal braces, and it’s also true that you won’t have to come in for routine adjustments quite as often. However, you’ll still be expected to attend each and every one of these visits, even if they are less frequent. By doing so, you’re allowing our team to carefully monitor your progress and develop new sets of aligners to continue your treatment. We can also identify any problems with your aligners, or the teeth themselves, and respond accordingly. Besides, orthodontic treatment isn’t something you should navigate on your own; let us help you every step of the way!  

Does Wearing Invisalign Aligners Hurt?

It is natural for there to be some initial soreness when starting treatment with Invisalign as well as when it is time to switch out the current set for a new one in the series. As your teeth move, this will cause some slight discomfort. However, this can be remedied with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers. It is also helpful to eat softer foods during this time, as it will keep your mouth less irritated as opposed to chewing hard or crunchy foods that apply unnecessary pressure.

Are Invisalign Results Permanent?

When choosing Invisalign to straighten your teeth, it is the goal to achieve results that will remain permanent. It does take time for teeth to settle into their new location, however. So, our team will likely recommend a retention phase that involves wearing a clear retainer (similar to that of an Invisalign aligner) for a certain period. Initially, most patients are required to wear their retainer full-time but as time passes, it may only be necessary to wear it at night while you are asleep. It is not uncommon, though, to wear your retainer for the remainder of your life to ensure that your teeth do not shift out of alignment as you grow older.

What Should I Do If I Lose My Invisalign Trays?

If you are faced with the reality that you’ve lost one of your Invisalign trays, you should plan to do two things: call our office right away and wear your previous trays. By immediately reinserting your previous aligners, you keep your teeth from shifting too far out of alignment, reducing any delays in treatment. By calling our office, we can get you in for an emergency appointment and determine if a new aligner needs to be created or if you can move ahead to the next set and continue with treatment.

The potential for a lost or damaged tray is just one of the many reasons why we strongly recommend that you purchase one or two protective cases to keep your trays safe.

Can I Be Treated with Invisalign If I’ve Worn Braces in the Past?

This is ultimately left up to cosmetic dentist in Indianapolis at Indy Dental Group. Many patients who have previously worn traditional braces have had much success with Invisalign, but the defining factor is the severity of your dental problem. If there are only minor issues, clear aligners will most likely be a worthwhile investment and a more subtle approach to orthodontics. However, if your teeth have shifted drastically, or you have developed a severely misaligned bite, metal braces may be the only viable solution that will produce the kind of results you desire.