What Patients Want to Know About Invisalign®

We all want that perfectly-aligned smile! It used to be that the only way to achieve this was to have traditional metal braces, sometimes wearing them for several years. This was often uncomfortable, painful, and something that most people simply did not want to do. However, it is vital to straighten our teeth, not only for cosmetic reasons but also for our oral health. Now, we can skip the metal braces and perfect our teeth with Invisalign®, a great alternative that no one will ever know you are wearing. They are easy and convenient, making them a popular choice. Let's take a closer look at the aspects of Invisalign® so that you can be better informed of the process.

Invisalign® is an alternative to traditional metal braces. They are a series of custom-fit, clear aligners that are worn on the upper and lower teeth for a few weeks at a time. The entire process takes on average 16 to 18 months, with the patient being seen by their dentist or orthodontist each time a new set of aligners is needed. Invisalign® aligners are convenient, practically invisible, and can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing the teeth. Your teeth will gradually shift into the desired position, and the end result is a beautiful, straighter, and more aligned smile without the hassle of traditional braces.

There are many benefitsto clear aligners for straightening the teeth! The treatment time may be significantly shorter than with traditional metal braces. In addition, Invisalign® can work wonders for a patient's confidence, especially adults, since no one knows you are wearing the aligners unless you tell them. You don't have to be afraid to smile for a picture, go to a social gathering, or be shy about having braces. Invisalign® is not only more comfortable than metal braces, but they allow more flexibility for cleaning the teeth since they can be removed. Simply take them off for brushing, flossing, and rinsing, and put them back when you are done. Finally, clear aligners are more gentle than traditional braces, making them easier and more desirable to wear.

With the ease and discretion of Invisalign®, it is often wondered why everyone doesn't use them as a way to perfect their smile. Invisalign® is not suitable for every orthodontic issue. You may be a candidate if any of the following apply to you:

• Open Bite
• Overcrowding of the Teeth
• Wide Gaps in Between the Teeth
• Crossbite
• Slightly Crooked Teeth
• Slightly Misaligned Teeth
• A Mild Overbite or Underbite

The above-mentioned issues are not only unsightly, but they make cleaning of the teeth more difficult, leaving the patient more at risk for cavities and periodontal disease. It is for these reasons that Invisalign® is a wonderful choice. For more extreme orthodontic issues, however, Invisalign® may not be recommended. A dental professional will examine your teeth and can advise you as to whether or not you are a candidate for clear aligners as opposed to traditional metal braces.

Patients should keep in mind that Invisalign® is best for teens and adults who need to correct mild orthodontic issues, and may not be recommended for children.

Candidates and patients should keep in mind that every situation is unique, and there is not a specific "set time" for treatment. However, patients should expect to wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks, with treatment completed in full within approximately 16-18 months. Patients should wear the aligners as much as possible in order to perfect their teeth in the shortest amount of time, preferably 18-20 hours per day. Skipping days or leaving the aligners out of the mouth for significant amounts of time will almost certainly make treatment time longer.

While the cost of the treatment depends upon several different factors, patients can expect to pay anywhere from approximately $3500-$8000. Factors that affect price include the severity of the orthodontic issue that is being treated, as well as the number of aligners needed for teeth to reach the desired position. Each case is unique, so patients should consult with their dental professional for an exact price regarding the treatment.

Typically, teenagers are delighted at the idea of invisible aligners for the teeth. The last thing that most teenagers want is to have metal braces for several years in order to correct misaligned teeth. This has many parents asking if Invisalign® is an appropriate choice for their teen. If a dental professional confirms that the orthodontic issues can be corrected with clear aligners, the treatment may be right for a teenage patient if he or she is willing to do the following:

• Wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time each day
• Visit the dentist or orthodontist approximately every two weeks to receive a new set of aligners.

If parents are concerned about whether their teens are responsible enough to handle treatment with clear aligners, it is best to have a consultation with a dental professional. He or she can inform the parents as well as the teen exactly what to expect during treatment, and together everyone can determine whether Invisalign® is an appropriate choice.

Dr. Ronald A. Murphy and his team are dedicated to helping their patients achieve the smile they've always wanted. They fully understand that everyone has different needs and concerns, and they will also go above and beyond to make each patient feel as comfortable as possible. The entire team understands that the process of straightening the teeth with a series of clear aligners may be confusing to some people, so we are fully prepared to answer any questions and provide the information that you are looking for. If you would like to know if you are a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners, or if you would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation or dental services, contact ustoday.