Hello! I am Doctor Vikaskumar Patel here at Olney Dental Wellness. Recently we have received many questions about invisalign and how it can benefit your dental health journey. I would like to take a moment to answer some of the most common questions around this topic to help you better understand whether invisalign is right for you.
How is invisalign different from conventional braces?
Invisalign is a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. It's a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for adults and young adults that want to improve their smile without the hassle of metal braces.
No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.
What are some of the benefits of completing my invisalign treatment?
The benefits of Invisalign are numerous. First, it is more aesthetically pleasing than traditional braces - the aligners are practically invisible, so you won't have to worry about feeling self-conscious about your smile.
The aligners are made to fit snugly to the teeth, so they don't stick out and are virtually undetectable. This makes it much easier for patients to maintain their appearance during treatment.
Second, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you don't have to avoid certain foods like you would with traditional braces. This makes it much easier to eat the food you love without worry. With metal braces you can not floss your teeth properly which can lead to cavity but with Invisalign you can brush and floss normal.
Third, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and easy to wear. They are designed to fit comfortably and securely, so you won't have to worry about them coming loose or irritating your mouth.
Finally, Invisalign treatment is fast and effective. It can typically straighten your smile in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional braces.
How long does an invisalign treatment typically last compared to traditionally braces?
In many cases the time needed to deliver the desired results depends on how complex the treatment plan is but most of the cases invisalign is faster than traditional braces.
You don’t have to wait to get your appointment with dentist as you are changing trays at home which doesn’t interrupt teeth movement and treatment continue even you are off on your appointment schedule.
Is invisalign uncomfortable?
Invisalign is typically more comfortable than traditional braces because it applies less pressure to the teeth overall.
Traditional braces have wires and brackets which might rub against your cheeks and lips and irritate the inside of your mouth. They can also be uncomfortable during high contact sports, especially if you are smacked in the mouth.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, Invisalign treatment is also more comfortable than traditional braces. The aligners are made from smooth plastic, so they won't irritate the gums or cheeks like metal braces can. This makes it much easier for patients to wear their aligners all day without any discomfort.
How long does an invisalign treatment usually last?
Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in as little as 6 months. However, you can expect to see noticeable results in a matter of weeks.
Regarding appointments, what should I expect for my invisalign visits?
Now let's talk about the process. After your initial consultations with us, a series of exams and X-rays are required to set a baseline of your dental health . During the initial visit we will also perform a digital scan of your teeth. This eliminates the need for traditional impressions and increases accuracy of your treatment. Once your scan is received by invisalign we will develop a personalized treatment plan. A series of customized aligners will then be created for you and sent to our team.
Those aligners will be worn for at least 20 hours a day and are typically changed every week or 2 weeks depending on your plan and progress . Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile. You will visit our office about every four to six weeks to track the progress of your smile.
What are invisalign trays made of?
Invisalign trays are made of flexible plastic specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called created exclusively for Invisalign Treatment.
Will I need to wear my invisalign trays at night?
The most important time for you to wear your trays is while you sleep!
Is there anything that could disqualify me from using invisalign?
Not in particular but I would stress that Invisalign requires commitment and dedication from you, the patient, in order to be successful ,those who are not committed to wearing their aligners as prescribed may experience longer treatment times or a decreased effectiveness of the treatment.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
Yes! Crossbite is a condition where the upper and lower teeth don't fit together correctly, which can have a major impact on your overall dental health and your self-confidence. Fortunately, Invisalign can be a safe and effective way to treat crossbite cases also.
Is Invisalign painful?
The aligners are made from smooth plastic, so they won't irritate the gums or cheeks like metal braces can. This makes it much easier for patients to wear their aligners all day without any discomfort.
Does most dental insurance cover the cost of Invisalign?
Now a days many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment in the same way they cover conventional braces. Sometimes insurance companies may pay for a certain percentage of the invisalign treatment or a certain dollar amount. Our office treatment coordinator can give you a more detailed breakdown about your particular insurance participation.
Is invisalign covered by Medicaid?
Medicaid is a public, subsidized insurance program, which offers healthcare coverage for low or no premiums. It doesn’t cover everything, however: every plan is different , so please call us at ---- and we can answer specific financial question Is Invisalign covered by Medicaid?
What can I expect to pay if I decide to start my invisalign treatment?
Like any other dental treatment the cost of invisalign will vary depending on the case and person. The treatment cost will be directly related to the extremity of your case. The best way to answer this question is through an in person consultation with Olney Dental Wellness. Our staff is always ready to assist you in scheduling a consultation appointment that best fits your schedule. Feel free to call us at (240) 390-0290
How can I schedule an appointment to evaluate if I am a candidate for invisalign?
To schedule an appointment please feel free to reach out directly to our office at (240) 390-0290
I trust this information has been helpful in answering some of your questions about invisalign. Please remember that the best way to know if Invisalign is a good fit for you, is by coming in for a dental consultation. Please feel free to contact us at (240) 390-0290 to schedule your consultation. We look forward to meeting you!