Invisalign Clear Aligners Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option for adults that uses clear removable aligners to straighten teeth.
Invisalign was the first clear aligner first available in 2009, and the technology has come a long since then. They are still the most reputable and precise treatment of this kind available. Invisalign now boasts over thirteen million smiles and counting. Clear aligner therapy has been successful in treating dental alignment problems, including minor to moderate bite, and spacing issues.
Treatment times vary based on the severity of the case and its complexity. The age of the patient may also influence the success rate of treatment. One study of thirty volunteers found that tooth movement increased from ages 35 to 50. Men showed more activity than women.
Treatment with Invisalign Clear Aligners
Treatment with Invisalign can be an effective alternative to traditional metal braces for adults and teenagers with crooked, crowded, or uneven teeth. Invisalign is also effective for adults who have a crossbite, an underbite, or an open bite. Another common orthodontic problem caused by crowding is an overbite. Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. An overbite can cause damage to dental enamel and cosmetic wear. Treatment with Invisalign may help correct overbites.
Invisalign treatment is a removable solution that straightens teeth by making them more aligned in small incremental stages.
One of the major benefits of traditional metal braces is hygiene, as the patient can remove the trays while eating, and brushing their teeth, and the trays can be sanitized daily.
The entire process is overseen by your dentist. For more information, contact a dentist specializing in Invisalign.
When you begin Invisalign treatment, your dentist will determine how often you should come in for a new digital scan and your next set of clear aligner trays.
Invisalign has the most innovative and advanced precision scanner that takes six thousand images per second.
Your teeth begin to shift gradually until the desired results are achieved and provide optimum results.
ClinCheck software maps out the path to your new smile down to the tiniest shift and displays the progress for you on a friendly 3D interface, so you can see the progress at every stage.
Treatment Time
The treatment time for Invisalign can last anywhere from six to twenty months, depending on the severity of the condition and the number of sets of aligners that are required. This process is also a great option for those who want to straighten their teeth quickly. The treatment is comfortable and does not require any sharp metal components to stick inside the mouth. Unlike metal braces, there is no risk of getting a wire or bracket damaged, and patients can visit their dentist at any time for adjustments.
Minor gaps in teeth may take six months to complete, while moderate and severe cases may require eight to 18 months. In more severe cases, bonding or veneers may be required. Teenagers are also good candidates for Invisalign because their teeth are still growing and move more quickly than adults.
Treatment Cost
The treatment cost of Invisalign varies based on the number of teeth involved and the severity of the misalignment. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a detailed cost estimate. Typically, the cost of a full course of Invisalign treatment will be between $3,500 and $8,500. You may also be eligible for orthodontic coverage through your health insurance plan.
Many dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatments. Dental insurance coverage can cut down the overall treatment cost and help you make the decision. However, insurance plans don’t cover the full cost of Invisalign treatment, so you must find out if you qualify.
The comfort of Invisalign Clear Aligners
During the first few days, wearing aligners with Invisalign can be uncomfortable. But this discomfort will wear off after the first couple of days when you get a new tray.
The process involves wearing a series of thin plastic trays that gently move your teeth. As the teeth move, the aligner trays will feel a little tight. Your dentist will show you how to remove them and it will become easier and more comfortable with time.
Invisalign Clear Aligners Effectiveness
In a clinical study, the clear aligner system had superior results for mild and moderate cases of malocclusion. It was particularly helpful for patients with minor crowding and intrusion of one or two teeth. It was also useful for patients with low-incisor extractions and distal-tipped molars. However, the researchers also found that the aligners interfered with the settling of the occlusal plane. Another study evaluated the accuracy of tooth movement with the Invisalign(r) system. The researchers found that 41% of predicted tooth movement was achieved. The most accurate movement was lingual constriction, while the least accurate was extrusion.
A recent study found that the system was 50 percent accurate in tooth movements. Of the three types of tooth movements evaluated, the buccal-lingual crown tip was the most accurate. This is tooth movement in which the root of the tooth is tipped labially, toward the lip, or lingually, toward the tongue. The other specific issues studied were the mesial rotation of the mandibular first molar, and movement of the mandibular canines, mandibular premolars, and maxillary incisors. For the latter issues, the outcome was slightly less accurate. Overall Invisalign has a 96% success rate.
Schedule a consultation at Casa Dental to find out if Invisalign is right for you.
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