What Are Invisalign Aligners?
One of the greatest innovations in orthodontics can easily be attributed to Invisalign. Invisalign pioneered the use of clear aligners to achieve beautiful smile esthetics and functional bites. Each aligner should be worn for about 22 hours a day for a week. To ensure your teeth are adjusting appropriately, we recommend that you schedule regular orthodontic office visits at SimpliBraces with Dr. Yelizar every eight to twelve weeks.
What are the benefits of Invisalign Aligners?
The key benefit of any aligner system is that they are removable, so you can enjoy your favorite food. Comfortable to wear that means no hassles with poking wires or broken brackets. They prevent wear on the teeth from tooth clenching and grinding. They are virtually invisible and are perfect for all age groups. Because you can remove them, home care is easy, brush and floss as you normally would.
Who is a candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great option for young children who need interceptive treatment, as well as teenagers and adults needing comprehensive treatment. During your consultation visit, Dr. Yelizar will determine if you are a candidate for this esthetic appliance option.
What is the average treatment time with Invisalign?
When using Invisalign aligners just like with any other appliance, treatment time varies based on the complexity of the case. Most of the time treatment should last about 12-24 months.
Invisalign FAQs
We hope that the information on this page helps give you a general idea of what Invisalign is like, but we also realize that you may be wondering a few other things about the treatment. Check the FAQs below to discover answers to some of the questions many Invisalign patients tend to ask. Remember, you always have the option of getting in touch with our office to ask one of our team members directly.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Unsurprisingly, when it comes to any kind of orthodontic treatment, oftentimes one of the first things patients want to know is what they can expect in terms of discomfort. With Invisalign, there may be a bit of soreness at first. Pain medication can usually help reduce it, and it should eventually go away on its own. It’s important to remember that any pressure you feel on your teeth while wearing Invisalign is simply a sign that the treatment is working; the whole point is to gently push the teeth to where they’re supposed to be.
Is Invisalign Cheaper Than Braces?
Invisalign and traditional braces don’t have set-in-stone costs; there are several variables that influence how much you pay. The final price will likely be affected by the nature of your smile’s alignment issues and your ability to stick to your treatment plan. That being said, the cost of Invisalign is usually comparable to that of braces.
Note that this is before bringing dental insurance into the picture; some plans will only pay for braces, but others are willing to cover Invisalign as well. Please speak to one of our team members if you would like someone to help clarify your orthodontic benefits.
Can You Eat with Invisalign?
Your Invisalign aligners should not be in your mouth while you’re eating; if they are, they could be damaged very easily. The proper place for your aligners during a meal is in their case, which should be kept where you’ll remember to grab it afterward.
As for beverages, you should only drink water while wearing your aligners. Other liquids (such as soda or coffee) could cause staining, making your aligners much more visible than you would probably like.
Who is Not Eligible for Invisalign?
We may not suggest Invisalign if:
- There is an alignment problem that’s too severe for clear aligners. (In these cases, braces can often help you straighten your grin.)
- You smoke and are unable to break the habit for the duration of the Invisalign treatment.
- You have especially small or significantly eroded teeth.
Note that the majority of adults and teenagers can have an Invisalign treatment done as long as their mouths are healthy. We’ll make a point of examining your teeth and jaw carefully at your initial consultation in order to confirm that you can safely have an Invisalign treatment performed.
