Patients throughout Huntersville often bring us a long list of questions about Invisalign, and it is easy to understand why this treatment option has become so popular. Rather than relying on metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually guide your teeth toward the position we have planned for your smile. Below, you will find answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
Could Invisalign Work for My Smile
A definite answer really requires an in-person look at your teeth and bite. That said, many patients typically turn out to be good candidates for Invisalign, though certain complex orthodontic cases may be better suited to traditional braces.
How Much Does Invisalign Typically Cost
It may come as a surprise, but Invisalign pricing is often similar to what you would pay for metal braces. Compared with other discreet options, such as ceramic braces and lingual braces, Invisalign typically costs less. Many dental insurance plans can also help cover a portion of the expense.
Is Invisalign as Effective as Traditional Braces
Invisalign takes a different approach than metal braces, yet it can typically achieve comparable results and give you a smile you feel good about sharing.
What Makes Invisalign Stand Out From Other Options
Choosing Invisalign over traditional braces can offer several advantages, such as the following.
- Removable aligners can make brushing and flossing simpler throughout treatment.
- Since the aligners are nearly invisible, friends, co-workers, and classmates may not even notice you are wearing them.
- Because the aligners come out at mealtime, there are no food restrictions, so popcorn, gum, corn on the cob, and nuts can stay on the menu, unlike with traditional braces.
- The smooth, thin plastic used for each aligner tends to cause little to no irritation, which many patients find more comfortable than metal brackets and wires.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear My Aligners
Keep in mind that your aligners can only do their job while they are actually in your mouth. Invisalign generally recommends wearing them for 20 to 22 hours each day, and we typically advise taking them out only to eat, floss, or brush. Frequent removal, or leaving them out for long stretches, can slow the progress of your treatment.
What Is the Best Way to Clean My Aligners
Invisalign offers its own Invisalign Cleaning System, which is designed to clear away food debris and bacteria without damaging the aligners. As an alternative, a soft bristled toothbrush with a small amount of dish soap can gently clean them, followed by a rinse in lukewarm water. Hot water should be avoided, since it can cause the plastic to warp.
Will My Invisalign Results Last Forever
As with most orthodontic treatments, how long your results last typically depends on how consistently you maintain them, which means wearing your retainers as directed. Invisalign Vivera retainers are designed to make this easy, since they look and feel much like the aligners you are already used to. The main difference is a slightly thicker material meant to hold up longer than the aligners, which are generally intended to be used for only two weeks each. Most patients wear their retainers full time at first, then switch to nights only, and eventually cut back to just a few nights a week.
How Do I Get Started With Invisalign in Huntersville
Our team would be glad to welcome you in for a consultation. Reach out today by calling 704-875-1621 or by contacting us online to schedule an appointment at The Smile Architects.