Invisalign: A Clear Solution for Adults and Teens
If you are dissatisfied with the alignment of your teeth, there has never been a better time to undergo orthodontic treatment. For teens and adults, Invisalign offers the most advanced clear aligner system in the world -- and more than 4 million people have already benefited from their clear braces. No other clear braces treatment is backed by so much data and experience. Keep reading to learn more about how it works, what it’s like to live with Invisalign, and whether or not clear braces are right for you.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works using a series custom-made, clear plastic aligners that fit closely around your teeth. Each aligner is designed to place pressure on a different area of your bite, gradually moving your teeth horizontally and vertically with consistent pressure according to a treatment plan that is created by your dentist.
You will wear each Invisalign aligner for one to two weeks before advancing to the next in the series. The technology uses a multilayered SmartTrack® material for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Routine visits with your dentist every six weeks will help to ensure you are progressing through your treatment as planned.
When your Invisalign treatment is complete, you will need to wear clear retainers to keep your teeth in the proper alignment. The Vivera retainers are made of translucent materials which are as subtle as your Invisalign trays.
Benefits of Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
For people who are interested in clear braces, Invisalign offers a number of advantages compared to conventional metal brackets and wires. Some of the most significant benefits of Invisalign include…
- Invisalign is 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 Invisalign aligners.
- Removability makes life with braces far easier. Conventional braces are affixed to your teeth and can only be taken off when the treatment is complete. With Invisalign, you can take the trays out to eat, clean, and before limited special occasions, like big meetings or presentations. Just make sure you wear Invisalign for the recommended 20 to 22 hours each day.
- People are at a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease with metal braces, as 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.
- Smooth plastic is more comfortable than metal brackets and wires, which may rub blisters in the soft oral tissues. The only thing you are likely to feel throughout your Invisalign treatment is slight soreness from your teeth shifting position.
- Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist throughout the treatment compared to traditional braces, which makes it a far more convenient option for busy adults and teens.
Why Straight Teeth Matter
If you think getting braces is just about making your teeth look great, think again. Teeth that line up properly promote better oral and overall health. It can be difficult to brush and floss around crowded teeth, which significantly raises your risk of developing cavities or gum disease. Bite alignment issues can also affect your jaw health, leading to difficulty opening and closing your mouth to eat and speak. People who have a misaligned jaw are also more likely to grind their teeth at night.
Because your teeth and gums are closely linked to your overall wellbeing, getting braces could be the best thing you ever did for your health.
Living with Invisalign Aligners
If you’ve recently started wearing Invisalign, you’re probably feeling pretty ecstatic about the direction your smile’s headed! However, your new treatment is going to require you to make a few adjustments in your personal life. None of these restrictions are impossible or extreme, thankfully, but you’ll still need to take things seriously to ensure that your teeth are moving as intended. Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect as you navigate the Invisalign process.
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!
Who Can Invisalign® Help?
Invisalign is a wonderful option for many patients who could benefit from orthodontic treatment. The most complex cases may still need to be treated with conventional braces, however. The only way to know whether clear aligners are the most effective form of treatment is for a patient to undergo an initial consultation with a member of our Indy Dental Group team. Based on our findings, we will determine if Invisalign is enough to fix the following issues:
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.
Getting Started with Invisalign
Every single Invisalign treatment Indy Dental Group provides is custom-made for each patient, and to ensure the perfect fit and most discreet look possible, we always begin by taking an impression of a patient’s teeth. To do this, we use our iTero Digital Scanner, which is about the size of a pen. It’s able to quickly take several close-up images of the entire mouth, and on a nearby monitor, you can watch as sophisticated software pieces everything together to create a highly-detailed impression. The entire process is fast, comfortable, and never requires retakes, saving valuable time.
Our team then uses this impression to formulate a patient’s treatment plan, and all of this information is sent to an Invisalign lab so a patient’s trays can be made. After a couple of weeks, the patient will return to our office to pick them up so they can begin straightening their teeth right away!
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Properly aligned teeth look great and are good for your overall health, too. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign and whether or not clear braces are a good option for your smile, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Indy Dental Group. Request an appointment online today!
Benefits of Invisalign
For people who are interested in straightening their teeth, Invisalign offers numerous advantages compared to conventional metal brackets and wires. That’s why more than 12 million patients have chosen clear aligners! If you are in the process of deciding which orthodontic treatment is right for you, then read on to learn some of the most significant benefits of Invisalign.
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!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Everyone’s smile is unique. Since Invisalign treatment is personalized for each patient, you likely won’t expect to pay a set fee to undergo the process. When first visiting our team, we’ll assess your oral health and orthodontic situation before being able to provide you with a more accurate estimate of the price. We can also discuss your payment and financing options to help you work within your budget. Until you’re able to visit us for your initial consultation, here’s what you should know about the cost of Invisalign in Indianapolis.
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!
Invisalign FAQs
Preparing to undergo orthodontic treatment using clear aligners is likely to have you asking a multitude of questions. With Invisalign in Indianapolis at Indy Dental Group, our team is here to not only guide you through the process but provide clear and concise answers so that you feel confident in your decision to pursue orthodontics. Below, you will find a list of questions asked by our patients. After reviewing the information provided, we invite you to call our office to schedule an appointment and discuss any issues or concerns you might have in more detail.
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.