Invisalign

Invisalign works best for any of the above issues in the mild to moderate range. Severe dental crowding or similar issues may require traditional braces. However, Invisalign can now work with the broadest range of patients so far, proving ever more effective. Most patients prefer Invisalign, so we always explore this option with patients to see if it could work for them.

Patient reports tend to agree that Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. You may feel some pressure and discomfort in the first couple days after starting each new set of trays. But that should improve after those first few days pass.

The average Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months. However, we have had patients finish treatment in as little as 6 months. It depends on factors like age and severity of your alignment concerns. Furthermore, treatment can take longer if a patient does not wear their trays enough each day. So if you adhere to the 22-hour minimum, you likely can expect a treatment that lasts less than 18 months.

Some patients may need to continue with a retain after finishing their treatment. Some jaw structures may allow treated teeth to begin shifting again after treatment. The good news is that even if you need a retainer, it likely will only need to be worn at night.

Invisalign tends to cost a few thousand dollars. While that might seem intimidating at first, it can turn into a lifetime investment in yourself and your smile. You and your smile deserve it.

During Invisalign treatment, you will need to visit your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks to check the progress and implement adjustments if necessary. Typically, you do not need more frequent visits, as your dentist will plan the treatment and provide you with several Invisalign trays to switch every 1 to 2 weeks. This makes Invisalign a more convenient orthodontic option than traditional braces, which typically require visits to your dentist every 1 to 2 weeks for adjustments to progress the treatment.

Many dental insurance plans do provide coverage for orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, particularly for teens. However, orthodontic coverage tends to vary quite a lot from one plan to the next. We gladly work with patients to see what their coverage looks like.

In many cases, Invisalign can offer a more comfortable experience than traditional braces. Since clear aligners lack protruding metal parts, unlike braces, they are less likely to rub soft tissue in the mouth. Also, Invisalign can be taken off when you brush and floss your teeth, making the process more straightforward. Taking off your aligners when eating also means you will not have many dietary restrictions, unlike with traditional braces. 

However, Invisalign is most suitable for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. In complex cases of severe misalignment, Invisalign might not be as effective as traditional braces, making traditional braces a better option.

For your treatment to go according to plan, you need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day. Aligners straighten your teeth by applying constant pressure. If you forget to wear your Invisalign or remove it often, your teeth will strive to shift back to their original positions. As a result, the treatment will not progress, and you are likely to require additional trays and more time to achieve the desired results.

For the teeth to move through the jawbone and gums, pressure has to be applied to them continuously. When you do not wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day, your teeth constantly try to shift back into their original positions. At first, the changes may not be noticeable, but they add up over time, leading to the need for additional trays and a longer, more expensive treatment.

If you anticipate not being able to adhere to a strict schedule while wearing your aligners and may be tempted to remove them often, we recommend considering traditional braces, which are permanently attached to the teeth.