15 Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

Millions of people across the world may now easily and confidently achieve their ideal smile with the aid of Invisalign. Invisalign has dramatically transformed the field of orthodontics. But considering its increasing popularity, it makes sense to have questions and concerns. Our goal with this post is to address these issues and all others you could have in order to make sure you fully understand Invisalign and its revolutionary potential.

Throughout this blog post, we'll cover a wide range of questions to help you understand the basics of Invisalign, its effectiveness, the treatment process, maintenance and care, potential limitations, and more. By the end, you'll have a solid grasp of Invisalign's benefits and limitations, empowering you to decide whether it's the right choice for your orthodontic needs.

So, let's dive into the top 15 frequently asked questions about Invisalign and unlock the critical information you need to embark on your journey toward a confident, beautiful smile.

1 - What is Invisalign? Are they an alternative to braces?           

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that is an alternative tooth alignment system to typical braces that allows one to straighten teeth using a series of clear, removable, nearly invisible plastic appliances called aligners.

2 - How does the Invisalign process work exactly? 

Invisalign has its unique method, just like conventional braces. Your treatment may differ from someone else's, depending on your case's severity and intended outcome. During this treatment, a series of clear aligners are used to help one get a beautiful smile. 

To begin, you need to get an appointment with your dentist, who takes some scans of your current teeth alignment with the help of advanced 3D scanning software, which creates a model that shows what your teeth look like. Afterwards, your dentist can plan how each tooth should be gradually shifted to give you a perfect smile.

Once the dentist and the patient are satisfied, this treatment plan is sent to the state-of-the-art Invisalign labs, which make a set of aligners for you. Each set of aligners is closer to the final appearance of your teeth. As your teeth move into the position of one aligner, your orthodontist will insert the next, and so on.

3 - Are clear aligners worth the hype? What are its benefits?

Here are the primary benefits of Invisalign which make them a great option:

• They are invisible

• More comfortable to wear than other types of braces

• Can be taken out to eat and brush teeth

• Requires fewer visits to the dentist

• Short treatment duration

• Effective in treating most of the problems like - tooth spacing, crowding, and bite problems

• Affordable

With the above long list of benefits, it can be said that Invisalign is indeed super beneficial and it is actually worth the hype it’s getting these days.

4 - How long does the treatment take? 

The average duration of Invisalign treatment varies significantly on your specific situation. On average, it probably takes 6-18 months, but if the degree of movement is minor, you can expect delayed results. Therefore, wear your aligners at least 22 hours daily to fasten your desired results.

5 - Does insurance cover Invisalign? 

Typically, an insurance policy that covers traditional teeth straightening treatments also covers Invisalign to the same extent. It’s always better to get in touch with your health insurance company provider to get complete information.

6 - What is the best way to keep my aligners clean?

It is pretty simple to clean your clear aligners, brush and wash them in lukewarm water and use Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. Also, before you put your aligners back in, clean and floss your teeth after every meal.

7 - Is Invisalign FDA-approved? 

Yes, Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

8 - Can Invisalign aligners affect my speech? 

You might notice some minor effects on your speech, like having a slight lisp during the first few days of treatment. It will be most noticeable with the sounds "s," "sh," and "z." However, the lisp should disappear once your mouth has become accustomed to the braces.

9 - How long should I wear my Invisalign trays per day?

It is advised that you wear your aligners full-time, day and night, except when you eat, brush your teeth, and floss, though an average of 22 hours is recommended.

10 - How much does Invisalign cost? 

The cost of Invisalign varies and depends on several factors. For example, if you have a mild misalignment of the teeth, it will only take a few months, and the price is likely to be lower than for someone who needs a significant movement change. So it’s always better to talk to your orthodontist regarding this.

11 - Is Invisalign treatment as effective as traditional braces?

In general, Invisalign is as effective as regular braces. However, Invisalign can be even more effective in some cases because it uses clear aligners that are less noticeable than traditional braces. This encourages patients to stick with their treatment plan for as long as necessary.

12 - Comfort is my biggest concern. Is Invisalign treatment convenient?

These aligners are tailor-made for your teeth. They apply pressure to move your teeth into the ideal position, but they are comfortable to wear and easy to remove and insert.

13 - Is Invisalign better than metal braces?

Although we all know that Invisalign is more comfortable and discreet than conventional braces, there is no objectively superior treatment method, as both are viable options. However, your budget and personal preferences significantly impact the choice.

14 - I’m considering Invisalign for my toddler. Will it be right for him?

Despite being initially created for adult alignment, Invisalign has evolved into a popular option for people of all ages. The aligners are custom-made and can be worn by adults and young toddlers. The procedure is as safe and successful in children as it is in adults, as long as the child's teeth have reached the appropriate stage of development.

15 - For how long do I have to wear retainers after Invisalign?

After the teeth correction, you must wear the retainers for at least one year. During this time, you can reduce the frequency a little. But wearing them is essential for a predetermined period so that your teeth can retain the changes.

For those who prefer a subtler and quicker way of realigning their teeth, Invisalign answers all your prayers.