Straight Answers to Common Questions About Invisalign

Say goodbye to awkward, bulky, metal braces! Correcting your crooked, gapped, spaced, or crowded teeth is more convenient and discreet than ever with Invisalign® clear orthodontic aligners. For adults, Invisalign is the clear option—literally. You no longer have to sacrifice your appearance and lifestyle to achieve a beautiful smile.
Ready to learn more? In this blog, our dentist answers the top five most frequently asked questions about this innovative orthodontic treatment.

• How does Invisalign work?

After your dentist takes impressions of your teeth, the impressions are sent to an Invisalign lab where sets of clear aligners made from flexible, SmartTrack® plastic are created. Your customized treatment plan will determine exactly how many aligners your smile requires.
Each aligner will gradually move your teeth into their correct positions for two to three weeks. Once that aligner has done its job, you will switch to the next one. Treatment typically takes one year, but it varies from patient to patient.

• Is Invisalign as effective as traditional metal braces?

For most patients, yes! For more than two decades, millions of Invisalign patients have experienced incredible results. However, if Invisalign isn’t the best option for your orthodontic treatment, the dentist will suggest alternative options. We’ll discuss what might disqualify you from treatment in the next questions.

• Am I a candidate?

Most patients are candidates for Invisalign clear aligners, though not everyone qualifies. Here are a few reasons you may be disqualified from Invisalign treatment:

• Inability to wear aligners for at least 22 hours a day
• Young age
• Severe overbite
• TMJ disorder
• Oddly shaped teeth
• Severely rotated tooth or teeth
• Too large of a gap between teeth

Patients with cavities or gum disease will need to have these issues addressed before orthodontic treatment can begin.
If you’re concerned that you might not be a suitable candidate for this orthodontic treatment, don’t lose hope just yet. Schedule an initial consultation with an Invisalign dentist who can examine your teeth and gums to determine the best treatment option for your smile.

• What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

Here are the main benefits of Invisalign:

• Discreet appearance
• Comfort
• Cleanliness
• Shorter treatment time
• No diet restrictions

The disadvantages of Invisalign include:

• Extra responsibility
• Higher cost
• Inconvenient at mealtime

Most patients and dental professionals agree that the benefits of clear aligners far outweigh the downfalls. However, it’s important to consider all the facts when deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for your smile and lifestyle.

• How much does Invisalign cost?

Just like the treatment time, the cost for Invisalign varies from patient to patient. The price is determined by a few factors, including:

• the dentist or orthodontist you choose
• your geographical location
• the severity of your dental misalignment
• the number of aligners you need throughout treatment.

Patients may pay between $3,500 and $8,000 for Invisalign treatment. Traditional braces typically cost less, but you should get an estimate for comparison. The good news is, most dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost for clear aligners just like they would cover traditional braces.
For patients without dental insurance, ask your dentist about in-office financing and other payment options.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

To determine if Invisalign is the best treatment for your smile, contact an Invisalign dentist near you.
If you live in the Visalia, CA area, our dental team is prepared to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! Call (559) 732-4543 today.