Invisalign FAQ
Dumfries Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment which is used to adjust the teeth. The treatment involves the patient wearing a series of clear, removable aligners which slowly straighten the teeth over time. Unlike traditional metal braces, they do not contain bulky brackets, wires, or rubber bands.
Invisalign clear aligner trays are created from a specially designed flexible plastic. The patented thermoplastic material, called SmartTrack®, was created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are approved by the FDA and do not contain BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are very thin, clear, and fit just on top of the teeth. Meaning they are essentially invisible.
How do Invisalign straightening the teeth?
The dentist or orthodontist will create a unique, digital plan which will outline the exact adjustments of the teeth during the course of treatment. The Invisalign clear aligners are specially designed to place the exact amount of desired force to the specific area of the teeth based on the treatment plan. The doctor will continuously evaluate and monitor the progress to ensure the aligners fit correctly and are working as they were designed.
Invisalign Benefits
A main benefit of the Invisalign clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible. Others often do not notice when someone is even wearing them. The aligners should be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, for contact sports, and during special occasions. In addition, they do not contain metal brackets or wires which often cause irritation, pain, and can also break.
Invisalign Treatment Outcomes
Every patient is unique. This is why all Invisalign treatments begin with an initial consultation. The dentist will aid in determining how the Invisalign treatment can improve your smile and discuss expected outcomes. While specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed, patients are encouraged to discuss their goals with the dentist to ensure their expectations are realistic.
Invisalign Candidates
Invisalign treatment is an excellent solution for many patients, including both teens and adults who are looking to straighten their teeth and improve their smile. Nearly all common teeth-straightening and bite issues can be improved through the use of Invisalign. Issues which may be simple or complex can benefit from treatment. The aligners also work without causing a major interruption to your daily life. When a teenage is completing Invisalign, the aligners contain a discreet blue dot. This allows parents to validate that their child is wearing the aligners for the required amount of time.
Treatment
The Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation where the patient will meet with the dentist. During the consultation, the dentist will evaluate the patient’s smile and create a customized digital treatment plan. The plan is able to demonstrate the transformation of the teeth throughout the treatment.
Once the plan is approved, the custom-made aligners will be created. Each set of aligners will be worn for about 20 to 22 hours each day. A new set of aligners will be introduced every week or two. The dentist will provide specific instructions for your treatment plan. Each set of aligners works by gently and gradually shifting the teeth into their desired location.
Starting Invisalign
It is important to ensure the dentist is specifically trained and qualified to perform Invisalign treatment. Many dentists will advertise this on their website, however, patients can also call the office to confirm. Many dentists will offer the initial consultation free of charge. While it may take some time and effort on your part, it is important to choose a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and confident with the treatment plan.
Where to get Invisalign treatment?
While it is common for many orthodontists and dentists to be trained to provide Invisalign treatment, not all dental professionals are qualified. Any dental professional who wants to offer Invisalign treatment must first complete a specialized training.
Initial Consultation Expectations
During the initial consultation, the dentist will discuss your specific goals for treatment, evaluate your smile, and obtain digital images to create the aligners. The dentist will also review the overall timeline for treatment and discuss the estimated cost.
The dentist will typically encourage patients to get their routine dental exam and professional cleaning prior to beginning Invisalign treatment. This helps to ensure the teeth and gums are healthy and also aims to avoid risks or unexpected issues.
How long does Invisalign take?
As with most orthodontic treatments, the length of the treatment will vary based on various factors. For example, the complexity of your specific case how often the aligners are worn will both impact the treatment time. Based on your specific needs and treatment plan, the dentist will estimate the total treatment time. Invisalign treatment time typically takes about 12 to 18 months. However, patients often begin seeing results after just a few weeks.
Changing Aligners
The dentist will provide instructions regarding how often the aligners should be changed. In many cases, the dentist will suggest changing the aligners every week or two, this can vary for each patient. Always follow the instructions of your dentists for the treatment.
How often are the aligners worn?
For optimal results, the Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. They should be removed while eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and participating in contact sports.
Follow-up Appointments
Regular appointments will be scheduled with the dentist which will typically occur about every four to six weeks. The goal of the visits is to ensure the teeth are responding as expected with the treatment.
Attachments may also be required. The attachments are small, tooth-colored pieces which are attached to the teeth. They act as a type of handles, and allow the aligners to effectively push your teeth with the specific amount of force needed. These attachments make it possible for Invisalign to treat more complicated cases. Because the aligners tightly around the attachments, they are not noticeable.
In cases which require attachments, they will be connected to the teeth at the beginning of the treatment. They will then be removed when they are no longer necessary.
Can patients get Invisalign on just the top or bottom teeth?
Yes, Invisalign treatment is available for just the top or bottom teeth. Be sure to discuss your needs, concerns and goals with the dentist.
Invisalign Cost
For most patients, the cost for Invisalign treatment is quite similar to the cost for braces. On average, the Invisalign treatment will cost about $3,500 to $8,000.The specific cost for treatment can vary for each patient based on the complexity of the case and the number of aligners which are required. Fortunately, there are several options which can make Invisalign more affordable. This can include the use of insurance coverage, using tax-free money from a health savings account, financing options, and monthly payment plans.
Insurance Coverage
For many dental insurance plans, Invisalign treatment is covered similarly to the coverage for braces. Depending on the specific plan, insurance may cover a certain percentage of the treatment or it may cover a specific dollar amount.
Is Invisalign popular?
More than 9 million people have used Invisalign to straighten their teeth and improve their smiles.
Is Invisalign approved by the FDA?
Invisalign is FDA-approved. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Invisalign aligners as a Class II medical device. In 1998, Align Technology, Inc. received clearance from the FDA to begin selling and marketing the Invisalign product.
Can patients switch from braces to Invisalign?
Yes, a combined treatment of braces and Invisalign can be used. Some dentists use a combination of braces and Invisalign to treat their patients and help them achieve their goals. Follow up with your dentist to discuss which options will best meet your needs.
Can Invisalign help treat shifting which occurs after braces?
Invisalign is able to effectively treat nearly all issues associated with straightening the teeth. These issues can range from quite simple to more severe and complex. Many patients who experience teeth shifting after braces will opt for Invisalign treatment to straighten their teeth.
Does Invisalign work with veneers and crowns?
While Invisalign can work with previous dental work, it is important to discuss this with your dentist during the initial consultation. The dentist can evaluate the work and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
Does Invisalign work with bridgework?
Invisalign is designed to adjust each individual tooth. As bridgework works by connecting two or more teeth, Invisalign may not be an effective solution.
Is Invisalign obvious?
Invisalign aligners are specifically designed as a discreet solution. They are clear and fit close to the teeth, making them nearly invisible to others.
Are the aligners removable?
Yes, the Invisalign aligners can and should be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing and contact sports. They can also be removed for special occasions such as a wedding, interview, or performance. It is important to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily in order to achieve the desired results.
Are there any dietary restrictions with Invisalign?
There are fortunately no dietary restrictions required with Invisalign. Because the aligners can be removed, food restrictions are not necessary. In comparison, traditional wires and brackets are associated with a long list of foods cannot be consumed as they can damage or get stuck in the braces.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign works by slowly applying gentle, constant force to adjust the teeth. As a result, patients may experience temporary discomfort during the first few days of using new aligners. This sensation is often described as pressure and is completely normal. If the aligners are rubbing or have a sharp edge, the dentist can make adjustments to improve the fit.