Whether you’re a teenager worried about having a great smile for prom, or a senior who wants to have better functioning of their bite, straightening of teeth was always desired but often dismissed because of the time needed and appearance of metal braces. Not too long ago however, a new method to straighten teeth with clear aligners was developed and it took the world by storm. This system is Invisalign!
Invisalign is a tool for aligning teeth used by dentists and orthodontists around the world, and has never been more popular. Not only does it shorten the working time to complete orthodontic treatment, but it now allows the dentist to easily position and straighten teeth in ways which may have been cumbersome before.
My goal today is to answer the most popular questions patients have with regards to aligner treatment, and therefore let you decide if Invisalign is something that could be of benefit for you!
Is Invisalign actually invisible?
Yes, the Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, allowing patient to feel confident about themselves and their appearance, all the while their teeth are getting straightened. It should be noted though that the aligners usually stay transparent for about a week or so, as any longer than that causes food and drinks to begin to stain the trays. Aligners are usually worn for only a week at a time, so the risk of this happening is minimal.
How much does it cost?
The cost of aligner treatment varies from individual to individual, depending on the severity of the case. Invisalign is typically cheaper than metal braces. Simple cases that require minor rotations of teeth can cost around $1, 000, while more severe cases can cost around $5, 000. The total usually involves the Vivera retainer trays and the metal wire placed behind the teeth to prevent them from shifting.
It should also be mentioned that with aligner treatment, sometimes there may be dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, or teeth whitening that needs to be done in conjunction with the aligning of teeth, which includes additional costs.
Are there any food restrictions with Invisalign like there are with normal braces?
Aligners do not have any food restrictions. Traditionally it was recommended to take your trays out before eating as this may distort the trays, but new studies show that wearing your trays while eating actually speeds up orthodontic treatment as the pressure from biting helps deliver the forces directed to the teeth from the aligner trays. Certain food and drink though, such as sauces, coffee or wine can stain the trays if consumed in excess. Functionally this has no implications, but may discolour the aligners.
How it works
Invisalign uses patented Clear Aligner technology to shift teeth much like braces would, by wearing trays one or two weeks at a time. Each tray is designated to rotate or shift teeth in a particular position in space in small increments. Each successive tray has a designated direction of force to apply to selected teeth once the previous tray has completed its role. The plastic in the trays literally pushes the teeth into the proper position.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Though aligners and metal braces can accomplish similar results, there have been many improvements in Clear Aligner technology that currently allows Invisalign to finish treatment in a quicker time than normal braces. Also, aligner treatment allows the dentist to fine-tune the results much more than braces would. As well, aligners can do certain treatments that braces cannot, like intruding teeth or pushing the teeth posteriorly into the mouth to correct a class II bite (underbite).
Thank you for reading today’s post. If you have any further questions or would like to chat with our Hamilton Dentists, please reach out via the contact information provided below.
If you would like to book a consult to see if Invisalign in Hamilton is right for you, call us at 905-574-2222 or feel free to request a consult, here.
This article is meant to provide basic dental information about dental conditions, treatment options, and oral health care. It is not meant to constitute direct clinical advice or diagnosis. For dental treatment information and precise costs, please contact your Hamilton Dentist or local Invisalign Provider.
