More than 12 million people have used Invisalign aligners. These individuals have experienced the benefits of using clear aligners while avoiding all of the disadvantages of braces.
Invisalign clear aligners have the ability to straighten your teeth without all of the discomforts that come with regular straightening methods.
To learn more about Invisalign and what it can do for you from your San Jose orthodontist, keep reading.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner that can help correct tooth misalignment. Unlike braces, Invisalign doesn’t use traditional wiring.
When you wear Invisalign braces, they’re virtually invisible. The aligners that fit onto your teeth are called trays. And, you’ll change these out each week as your teeth shift.
They’re custom-made for your teeth, yet removable. This means that you can eat whatever you want to without having to worry about destroying your trays. You just have to clean out your mouth before putting the trays back in.
Even if your trays do end up getting dirty, you can clean them using water and a toothbrush.
Over time, you’ll see your teeth become straighter without having to worry about all of the rules that come with wearing braces.
Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign clear aligners have worked for more than 12 million people. In fact, many dental professionals have found that these clear aligners may work better than traditional metal braces depending on your personal situation.
Some dentists believe this may be due to ease of patient use. With braces, many patients fail to follow all of the rules they’re given at the beginning of treatment.
While being easier to wear and manage, Invisalign also fixes many orthodontic issues:
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
No matter what you may be struggling with, Invisalign may be a great choice for your treatment. Once you meet with your San Jose orthodontist, you’ll follow a general process toward starting your Invisalign treatment.
Step One
The first thing you need to do is make an appointment with your orthodontist. During this very first visit, your dentist will take bite impressions or pictures of your gums.
This process helps Invisalign determine where your teeth currently are.
Step Two
Using their advanced technology, Invisalign can project how to get your teeth from where they are now to where they need to be.
Using these steps, they can construct all of your aligners before you need them.
Patients will receive between 12 and 40 aligners depending on how much the teeth need adjusting.
Step Three
After a week or two, you’ll receive your Invisalign trays through your orthodontist. It’s likely that your orthodontist may give you a few aligners at a time.
They may require you to come in a few times during your Invisalign treatment for check-ups. They want to make sure that you’re using the aligners properly. And, they want to make sure that the aligners are fitting well and working as intended.
If you have any questions or concerns during your Invisalign treatment, you should contact your orthodontist. They know your specific treatment regimen and can help you navigate any issues you may have.
Step Four
After you get your aligners, you’ll wear them every day and change them out each week. You’ll keep them on unless you’re eating, drinking (everything but water), or cleaning your teeth.
During this treatment, you’ll have periodic visits with your orthodontist. These visits are great times to ask questions or share concerns.
Your treatment time may range from a few months to two years, depending on your specific situation. The sooner you start Invisalign, the shorter your treatment will be.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Most patients report pain at the start of each aligner. When you place a new tray, your teeth have to get used to the new alignment so that your teeth can shift. As they shift, you may experience pressure.
As you wear the Invisalign tray for longer, the pain/pressure should subside. However, it is important to note that the pain associated with these aligners is not nearly as bad as the pain associated with braces.
Although you have to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day, you can remove them at any time. If you need one minute to take the pressure off of your teeth, you can take them off. Just remember to put them back on soon.
You can’t do that with braces.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
With plenty of teeth-straightening options out there, many patients wonder if Invisalign is worth it. Since we’ve already looked at the effectiveness of using Invisalign vs braces, you should consider the cost and care associated with Invisalign as opposed to braces.
Paying for Invisalign
The amount that you’re going to pay for Invisalign is comparable to the price of braces. The exact amount that you’re going to pay will depend on the length of your treatment.
As you’re thinking about the cost of Invisalign, you should consider whether your insurance covers the treatment. Even a small amount can help.
There are also credit programs that can help you pay for the Invisalign treatment over time.
Caring for Invisalign
Invisalign is the best when it comes to care. The aligners are clear, and you can easily remove them.
On the other hand, traditional braces stay on all day, every day. Considering that Invisalign trays stay in place for 22 hours, there are about two hours each day that you’re getting relief. As each day passes, you’re getting more and more relief from the pressure.
Visiting a San Jose Orthodontist
Invisalign may be the best treatment for your malalignment. If you’re considering getting your teeth straightened, you should ask your local San Jose orthodontist whether Invisalign is a good choice for you.
If you’re looking to find a top-rated San Jose orthodontist, look no further than Boschken Orthodontics. We have the best San Jose orthodontist for you.
Go ahead and make an appointment with our team today. We can help you get started with your Invisalign treatment with your first visit.
