Everyone wants to feel confident with their smile; it’s one of the first things people notice about you after all.
However, for various reasons many people go years feeling self-conscious and embarrassed. With that being said, why is it that so many people don’t seek treatment for crooked teeth, gaps, or crowding?
The culprit: traditional braces. Having a “metal mouth” can be a tough road to a beautiful smile; they can irritate you, cause dietary limitations, and some people still feel uncomfortable with the appearance.
The solution: Invisalign.
If you’re worried about the issues mentioned above but still want to have a straight smile, you could benefit from Invisalign.
What is it?
Invisalign is a more modern, discreet mouthpiece that moves your teeth in to place, just as traditional braces.
Invisalign is wire-free, smooth, and clear custom mold plastic that snaps into place over your teeth. You change out sets every few weeks until your teeth reach their correct position.
Who Can Use Invisalign?
Invisalign is appropriate for the same cases in which traditional braces would be used, except for some complex orthodontic issues.
Also, they only require a set of fully grown teeth to be effective meaning teenagers can use them as well.
How Does it Work?
You must wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, even while you sleep, to see results. You take them out to eat and clean your teeth meaning with aligners there are no dietary restrictions; well, except for coffee.
If you’re a heavy coffee drinker or smoker, it’s recommended to limit consumption so that you don’t yellow your aligners. To track progress and update your aligners you will need frequent dentist visits, but it’s well worth it!
What Should I Know?
In general, Invisalign is much easier to manage than traditional wire braces. However, there are a few “fine print” items you should be aware of:
- You can only drink water (when your aligners are in).
- Oral care must be your top priority—you will carry a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste everywhere you go.
- Cleaning your aligners is very important! You must soak them in cleaner during the 2 hours a day that you can take them off.
- You’ll need a retainer even after finishing treatment to ensure your teeth don’t fall back into undesirable positions.
- There are four types of Invisalign which you will discuss with your dental professional to explore which serves your needs best.
Invisalign and Insurance
So now that you know the basics, it’s important to look at the financial end. Many dental insurers cover Invisalign just as they cover braces, it could be a certain percentage or up to a particular dollar amount. The best way to find out is to contact your insurance’s customer service directly.
Also, you have the option of paying with tax-free dollars through an FSA (flexible savings account) or HAS (health savings account) or a monthly payment plan through your doctor.
We Can Help
If you want to learn more about Invisalign and see if it may be a good fit for you, we can help!
Call our office! We’re ready to help you create the lasting impressions you’ve always dreamed of!
