Most people have heard of Invisalign as a way to straighten their teeth.
But what exactly is Invisalign and how can it help you achieve the smile you want?
Let’s get into it.
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is a clear, plastic aligner developed from molds of your teeth (completely personalized) that realigns teeth by applying pressure and moving your teeth in the desired places. They can be used for a variety of reasons, mainly correcting crowding and spacing issues as well as mild to moderate bite issues.
You’ll need to refill your trays every few weeks throughout your treatment. They also require you to wear them for around 20 to 22 hours, only taking them off when you eat, drink things like coffee or tea, or brush your teeth. Because of the flexibility, and because they’re clear and hard to notice on your teeth, many adults and teens prefer them over braces.
How long does it take
The amount of time Invisalign treatment takes depends on the person. For mild dental flaws, it can take as little as 6 to 12 months. For more complex problems, it may take as long as 18 months. That’s why it’s important to wear them for 20 to 22 recommended hours. Wearing them less will impact your treatment time.
How much does it cost
The cost of Invisalign depends on how long you need treatment, the complexity of your issues, and your dentist. It also depends on your dental insurance plan, as some plans cover some or all of the cost of Invisalign. It’s usually similar to the cost of braces.
What are the benefits of Invisalign
As said earlier, some people prefer Invisalign to Braces because they are less noticeable and are removable. It’s also easier to properly brush and floss your teeth when you have Invisalign as opposed to braces. Studies have even shown that you have a better chance of maintaining periodontal health with Invisalign as opposed to braces.
There are also far less limitations on what you can eat when wearing Invisalign than when wearing braces. The beauty with Invisalign is that you can take them off so they won’t be damaged, and then put them back on! For a more in depth breakdown of the benefits of Invisalign, check out a recent article of ours.
Is Invisalign right for you?
There are obviously many benefits of Invisalign, however, what works for someone else may not work for you. For example, while Invisalign does give you a lot of flexibility, it also requires that you stay compliant with the guidelines, such as keeping them on for at least 20 hours a day. If you don’t think you’ll be able to do this, braces may be the better choice.
And while Invisalign can help solve misalignment issues for many people, it’s important to understand its limitations. Consider getting Invisalign in conjunction with teeth whitening or veneers for a more complete smile makeover.
The Invisalign Process
Initial consultation
In your initial consultation, your dentist will see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, and our staff will go over your treatment plan and costs, so that you can make the decision if you want to proceed. Make sure to consult with a dentist with significant experience in treating misalignment issues with Invisalign like Dr. Ruiz.
X-rays and photographs & impressions
To tailor your Invisalign treatment specifically to your needs, we’ll need detailed X-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth. These serve as the foundation for designing your personalized treatment plan. We’ll then send them to the lab to create your aligners.
First fitting
With your customized Invisalign aligners ready, it’s time for your first fitting. We’ll make sure the aligners fit snugly and provide instructions on how to wear and care for them.
Changing aligners & checkups
Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll progress through a series of aligners, each designed to make incremental adjustments to your teeth. Typically, you will switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks, gradually bringing you closer to your desired result with each change. We’ll also have you come in for checkups to refill your trays and monitor your treatment.
Invisalign care
Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you’ll want to make sure that you’re regularly cleaning your aligners and following the guidelines provided by your dentist. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions, however, you’ll want to make sure you’re also regularly brushing and flossing your teeth so your aligners don’t get dirty.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for Invisalign in Burbank, CA
Now that you know what Invisalign is, and how it can work for you, are you ready to try them for yourself? If so, you’re in good hands. Dr. Ruiz is a respected dentist, educator, and researcher who has even developed a smile design technique that dentists all around the world use. You will be warmly welcomed into our office every time you come in! Check out our Google reviews and call us to book an appointment!
