Can you explain what Invisalign is and how it works?
Invisalign is another way to move the teeth, another way of orthodontics. It's a series of transparent trays that you wear (two weeks per tray) that eventually move the teeth to the final designed position. Invisalign is more comfortable for the patient, it is transparent to people around the patient because they don't know that you are having orthodontic movement. The trays are clear so nobody knows that you're wearing braces. Most of the time it is faster because it's a precision movement of the teeth incorporated into a series of trays or aligners.
How does the comfort level of Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
Of course, it is more comfortable than traditional braces. With traditional braces, you have a lot of brackets in the mouth. You've got the wires, and sometimes the wires poke out, the ligature pop out, and the brackets can be very irritating to the cheek, tongue, and lip. With Invisalign, you have clear trays, 24 hours per day and when you eat, drink, play sports, you can take them out and pop them back in when you're done with your activities. So, it is a lot more comfortable than traditional braces.
Invisalign process
For minor movement, short cases, it could be six to nine months. For more complicated cases, it could be a year and a half to two years.
Getting started with Invisalign
After we diagnose that you need orthodontics (that you need braces), we will scan the mouth and we send it to the lab so that they will study and send out the clean check, the proposed movement for the teeth. We can check that and once we are happy, they will manufacture the series of trays. Then we will dispense the trays to the patients so that he or she can wear the trays every two weeks and change it to the next one until it's done.
Number of trays
It depends on each case. If it is simple, it could be faster. You may need 10 or 12 trays. For more complicated cases, you may need 30 to even 40 trays.
Is it necessary to sleep with Invisalign trays?
You will need to sleep with Invisalign trays. The tray needs to be in the mouth at least 20 hours per day for the teeth to move.
Good candidates for Invisalign?
If you are a poor complying patient, if your case is too complicated, or if you may need jaw surgery, then Invisalign is not for you.
Can Invisalign fix cross bites?
For some minor cases, Invisalign can fix it. More severe cross bites, you may need surgery even with traditional braces.
Is Invisalign painful?
I wouldn't say painful, but it's a little bit uncomfortable at the beginning. I would say it's a lot less painful than traditional braces.
Insurance for Invisalign
If your insurance covers braces, it sure will cover Invisalign. But most of the time, they don't.
What is the cost of Invisalign treatment?
It ranges from $2,000 - 2,500, to the upper end of $5,000 or $6,000. It depends on the complication of the case.
Scheduling a consultation
You can call us at 209-482-171 for a free consultation.