Most people are unhappy with at least one aspect of their smile and while there are a variety of issues that can create this unhappiness, the most common complaint is crooked or gapped teeth. If either of these reasons is why you aren’t completely happy with your smile, then it’s time to do something about it! Before assuming it is too costly or requires a complicated treatment plan, you’ll want to check out Invisalign. This teeth-straightening system is much simpler than traditional wire braces and nobody will even know you’re wearing them!

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign consists of a series of clear aligners that correct teeth crookedness over a period of time. Each aligner is customized according to the patient’s needs and comfortably fits each and every time. Impressions for Invisalign fortunately no longer require uncomfortable casting, but instead, a 3-D scan is used in order to obtain tooth imaging and is accomplished in a matter of minutes! The imaging is then used to create the aligners and show the patient exactly what they can expect for results.

From there, the images will be used to create the aligners that will be mailed to the patient’s home as soon as they are ready. The number of aligners will depend on the severity of the issue, but most people complete the process in a year.

Patients should expect to wear their Invisalign aligners for the majority of the time. It is recommended only to take them out when brushing and eating. As your teeth start to align, your dentist may adjust how many hours per day you should wear your aligner, but to ensure the quickest and best results, you should wear the aligner for the suggested amount of time.

Is Invisalign Right for you?

Invisalign is a great system for straightening teeth and closing gaps but is not the right choice for everybody as there are a few more severe orthodontic issues that Invisalign can’t correct. It is also important to remember that this system requires a bit of self-care, so if you are not committed to wearing the trays as recommended, then this system will likely not work for you. A skilled dentist will be able to identify if your current concerns can be corrected by Invisalign.

Does it Hurt?

At the top of everybody’s mind is whether or not the aligners are painful. Since the teeth are being adjusted, there is a bit of discomfort involved. However, the most reported issue is that there are some edges on the aligners that may poke the gums, but this issue can be resolved by placing wax over those edges.

How Much Does It Cost?

Because everybody’s case is slightly different, the cost will vary as the amount you pay will correlate with how many aligners you need and how long you will have to wear them. The average price in the United States ranges from $3,500-$6,000 but may be significantly more based on your situation.

Overview

Are you interested in changing your smile for the better? We would love to hear from you! Our trained dental team is here to answer your questions and offer additional information about a variety of dental procedures and options including Invisalign. Reach out to us today to learn more!