Did you know that crooked teeth affect more than just the way your smile looks? Today we know that misaligned teeth impact your confidence and how you chew and breathe. And, since crooked teeth make it harder to brush and floss, it also leads to higher rates of decay and gum disease.
Invisalign is a way to accomplish a straighter smile without the disadvantages of traditional braces. But if you need more information before you start, this article is for you. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect during the Invisalign dental procedure and the benefits of this type of teeth straightening.
How Does the Invisalign Dental Procedure Straighten Teeth?
Your teeth are held in place by your periodontal ligament (PDL.) When light, consistent pressure is applied, a tooth will press into the adjacent bone, causing your PDL to push the tooth into the now vacant bone area. So, to reposition teeth, Invisalign dentists use custom-made, clear aligners to exert pressure in strategic places.
How Expensive Is Invisalign?
The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the provider and treatment plan. On the lower end of the scale, you can expect to pay about two grand, and on the higher end, upwards of $7000. However, most plans will fall in the middle, costing several thousand dollars.
Also, many insurance plans cover a percentage of that cost, and most offices offer convenient low-cost payment plans.
What to Expect During Treatment
The first step during the Invisalign dental process will be for your doctor to take impressions of your teeth and review 3D x-rays or digital images to develop your treatment plan. Then, your doctor will use the molds to make custom clear aligners. In addition, your doctor may also recommend the use of attachments to help the process along.
Don’t worry; these attachments are made from tooth-colored resin, which is entirely inconspicuous.
After your initial placement, you will have to return to your orthodontist for adjustments and to pick up your new aligners. You can expect to visit about every two weeks, but how often will depend on your individual treatment plan.
You may also be wondering, can you eat with Invisalign? Well, of course you can; however, you must remove your aligners first. This is because there is a small amount of space between the aligners and your teeth that allow food and beverage to become trapped, causing stains and possible decay.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Many avoid braces as older teens or adults because they don’t like the look of traditional wire-and-bracket braces. So, one of the main Invisalign benefits is the discreet nature of the clear aligners.
Another issue many have with traditional braces is the sores and cuts from metal brackets and pokey wires. Alternatively, Invisalign uses aligners that are smooth and fitted to be the perfect shape, so you may forget you even have braces. It is also easier to maintain excellent oral health because you don’t have wires in the way of brushing, and you remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything besides water.
For more on the benefits, check out this article that answers, how is Invisalign beneficial?
Improve Your Smile With Invisalign
Straightening your smile not only gives you confidence but also improves your mouth health. So now that you know what the Invisalign dental procedure entails, you should visit a provider to see if treatment is possible for you.
Not ready to stop learning? Then continue exploring more illuminating reads in our Health section.
