What About Invisalign? Questions To Ask Your Dental Professional
|February 10, 2018
Are you considering Invisalign to straighten and align your teeth? Invisalign continues to grow in popularity, and we have put together a brief list of questions you should ask your dentist or orthodontist about Invisalign.
Five Questions to Ask About Invisalign
1. What orthodontic issues can Invisalign correct? Invisalign can correct many of the same issues as conventional braces. However, the amount of correction needed will play a role. Conventional brackets and wires, or even appliances like headgear, may be necessary to move teeth and align the jaw properly. In other situations, Invisalign aligners will do an excellent job to correct the issue.
2. How long will treatment last, and is there any way to accelerate the process? The average length of treatment for both conventional braces and Invisalign is similar, although certain factors may influence the length of treatment including age, amount of correction and alignment necessary, and how quickly this type of issue can be corrected. Each option requires regular visits for either adjustments or new aligner trays. Keeping up with those visits is crucial to achieve the desired results.
3. Will Invisalign work if I’m an adult? Many adults are choosing to get their smiles into alignment – in fact, nearly one quarter of our orthodontic patients are adults! While traditional braces are becoming more accepted for both adults and kids, Invisalign is a great option for adults who may not want the full “braces” experience, and would prefer a lower-profile, nearly invisible option.
4. Why is the upfront cost of Invisalign more than conventional braces? Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays, based on impressions taken from your mouth. These trays are custom crafted for you in a laboratory, which is why the up-front cost of invisalign is more than traditional braces. It is important to note that at Floss, we have a high level of training and experience with Invisalign
5. I never thought my teeth look crooked. What’s wrong? Why is my dentist recommending an orthodontic consult? Appearance is not the only factor involved in the proper alignment of teeth. Your teeth and jaw are a combination-team. While your front teeth may appear straight, your back teeth may not be touching and aligning properly. This can affect your overall oral health and, left untreated, can also eventually affect other teeth. A quick, 15-minute consultation with an orthodontist can help you weigh the pros and cons of treatment, including Invisalign.
DIY Teeth Straightening? Can I Do It Myself?
You may have read the story about the college student who used a 3D printer to make his own aligners. Apparently it worked. While he did a great job and studied tooth movement carefully, his case was very minor, and it shouldn’t be expected that everyone would have the same result, even if they followed the same steps. We also should note that this student had access to a 3D printer, which itself can cost thousands of dollars.
Teeth and jaw alignment is a complex process and we advise taking advantage of the best in training and technology to accomplish the results you desire.