Invisalign is a popular alternative to braces that many people are turning to when searching for a more comfortable, low-key way to straighten their teeth. The aligners in the Invisalign system are clear, bearing little resemblance to conventional braces that consist of bulky metal wires and brackets. If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign and the many benefits this innovative tooth straightening system has to offer, this guide will answer all of your questions and more.
A Guide to Completing an Invisalign Treatment Plan
Invisalign provides an unobtrusive and simple way to straighten your teeth, offering the same types of results that traditional braces can, but without wires and metal. This makes Invisalign more attractive to teens and adults who want to avoid the bulky appearance of metal braces and the many frequent visits required for treatment.
Invisalign can be a great treatment option for people who have:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Alignment issues
- Other tooth imperfections
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Invisalign uses a series of aligner trays created by impressions taken from a patient’s mouth and developed by computer-generated images. While metal modern braces use wires that pull the teeth into alignment, Invisalign straightens the teeth by using several plastic retainers that force the teeth into the correct position, over the course of several months.
The Start of the Invisalign Treatment Process
If you’re interested in Invisalign in the Birmingham area, the first step is scheduling an appointment with Dr. Curry to determine if the system is right for you. While Invisalign is a versatile system, it won’t work for everyone or for all orthodontic issues. You must also determine if you’re willing to keep the aligners in your mouth almost twenty-four hours a day.
Once it’s been determined that the system will work for you, we’ll take x-rays, impressions, and photos of your teeth, which will be sent to Invisalign. The technicians at Invisalign will input these records and the instructions we’ve included, into a computer to create a 3D rendering of your teeth. Once we receive this information from Invisalign, we’ll determine if any adjustments are needed and then give the company the okay to create your custom-made, clear plastic aligners.
When your removable aligners are ready, you can come to our office to pick them up. The aligners are all different and designed to be worn in a certain order. Each of the aligners should be used for two weeks.
How Long an Invisalign Treatment Plan Takes to Work
The length of Invisalign treatment is different for everyone and depends on many factors. For teeth that are slightly crooked, the treatment time may be as short as 2-3 months. On average, Invisalign takes 6-8 months. Cases that are more complex can require treatment for 24 months or longer.
Cost of Invisalign Treatment
On average, the approximate cost for Invisalign can range from $1,500-$6,000. The cost of treatment will depend on many factors and will vary from patient to patient. These factors will include the severity of the patient’s issues, the state of their overall oral health, how long treatment will be required, and geographic location.
How to Use Your Invisalign Aligners
When you first receive your new aligners, begin by double-checking that you are using the aligners in the correct order and ensure you’re using the right aligner for the upper and lower teeth. Each aligner will have an L for lower and a U for upper engraved on it. You will need to keep your aligners in for up to 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for meals. When you remove them, rinse them off, and store them in their protective case.
Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners
Your aligners should be cleaned before inserting them. To clean, use a toothbrush with soft bristles, a little toothpaste, and water. Rinse the aligner thoroughly. Instead of toothpaste or plain water, you can also purchase Invisalign cleaning products. Avoid soaking your aligners in mouthwash or using denture cleaning products.
The End of the Invisalign Treatment Process
During the end of your treatment, you will receive sets of refinement trays. These aligners must be worn as retainers to prevent unwanted movements or relapses. Should you fail to wear your retainers as instructed by Dr. Curry, it can result in a relapse, requiring regular 22-hour aligner use to correct the issues. In some cases, you may need to wear the refinement trays for 16-20 hours a day. After this six-month period, you must wear your aligners at night for life.
Contact Stuart Curry Dentistry Today to Schedule an Appointment
At Stuart Curry Dentistry, we recognize that every patient is unique and deserves to receive dental care that caters to their individual needs. Whether you’re due for a dental cleaning, have a painful tooth, or you’re interested in learning if Invisalign is right for you, the team at Stuart Curry Dentistry is committed to working with you and your family to create a rewarding, stress-free, and comfortable dental experience. If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign and how it can help, contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.