What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a modern approach for straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. The aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.
Traditional Metal Braces vs. Invisalign® What’s the Difference?
Metal Braces to Align or Straighten Teeth
Metal braces are a mechanical device designed to deliberately apply pressure to your teeth. The pressure is applied over an extended period, resulting in the realignment of your teeth. Results vary based on how the pressure is applied and for what length of time.
Braces are made up of a series of brackets that can be made of metal, plastic or ceramic. Thin wire strips, known as arch wires connect the brackets and guide the movement of your teeth. Ligatures are the small rubber rings (or wires) that fasten the arch wires to the brackets.
Depending on your case, your orthodontist may use other devices such as springs or elastics to apply pressure to the arch wires to either maintain their original shape or reposition specific teeth. You may also require additional removable or fixed appliances to aid in the development of your jaw or bite.
Invisalign® (Clear Braces)
A series of custom-made, clear aligners (or trays) are created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, advancing you to the next stage of your treatment. For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.
Living with Invisalign®
One of the best things about Invisalign® is the minimal impact it has on your everyday life. Since the aligners are so comfortable, you should be able to wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day without much effort.
CLEANING
The aligners are easily removable, so you can continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Cleaning your aligners is just as easy with the Invisalign cleaning kit. Or you can simply brush and rinse them in lukewarm water. That’s it! Achieving that great smile couldn’t be easier!
EATING
You’ll remove the aligners each time you eat. This means you can continue to eat all the foods you love without any restrictions or worrying about food getting stuck in traditional braces with wires and brackets. With other teeth-straightening methods, the simple act of eating can often be troublesome.
SPORTS
For those who are active in contact sports, Invisalign® allows you to continue wearing your aligners without having to worry about any sharp brackets cutting your mouth. If your sport requires wearing a protective mouthguard, simply remove your aligners and you’re good to go!
BEDTIME
Your bedtime routine can continue as before, with the simple addition of cleaning your aligners. You won’t be struggling with trying to floss and brush in between brackets and wires, which can be time-consuming.
Why Invisalign®?
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
With Invisalign®, the aligner trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but they’re also removable. That means you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing, to eating whatever you like. With other devices, brushing and flossing properly can often take up to 30 minutes!
Special occasion coming up? No problem — just take your aligners out for that time and pop them back in when you’re done. Of course, even when you’re wearing them, most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth, because they are virtually invisible!
Invisalign® is also ideal for your busy schedule, with fewer doctor visits required (approximately every six weeks).
HEALTHIER TEETH AND GUMS
Swollen, red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. Unfortunately, these are also signs of periodontal disease. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. That’s where Invisalign® comes in. The comfortable and clear aligners gently and gradually begin to move your teeth into the proper position — without unsightly brackets and wires.
EASIER CLEANING
One of the biggest challenges of having braces is removing all the food that gets trapped in the brackets and wires. This can often lead to plaque buildup and eventually tooth decay. With Invisalign®, the aligners are removable, so it’s easy to continue brushing and flossing your teeth the way you normally do.
OVERALL HEALTH
Think of your teeth as a window to the health of your body. Your teeth and gums — and how they look to others when you smile — say a lot about your overall health. If you’re taking good care of both, you’re probably taking good care of the rest of you.
How much will Invisalign® (clear braces) cost?
One of the first questions people tend to ask when considering Invisalign® is, “how much will Invisalign® cost?” The good news is that most individuals are pleasantly surprised to discover that the cost of the Invisalign® treatment is usually comparable to the cost of traditional braces. And while Invisalign® can cost up to $8000 at other dental practices, at AXIS Dental Group, the standard cost is $6000. Book your free smile consultation today.
What about insurance coverage for Invisalign®?
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign® just as they would other orthodontic treatments such as braces. We can help you along with your insurance carrier to determine the exact coverage for your treatment. Book your free smile consultation today.
