Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. This alternative to braces is less noticeable than metal brackets and wires and can help patients maintain a straight smile. While traditional braces can take months, clear braces can give you a new smile in as little as 12 to 18 months.

 

The first step in Invisalign treatment is to meet with an orthodontist. They will discuss your dental needs and explain how Invisalign works. A 3D scan of your teeth will be performed to map out a customized treatment plan. Some patients may need attachments to their teeth to make the Invisalign aligners work as effectively as possible. You will also need to come in for regular adjustments and visits.

 

Once you are approved for the Invisalign treatment, your provider will make custom clear aligners for you. Depending on the complexity of your oral problems, your provider will recommend different levels of care.

 

If you do not have insurance, orthodontics will likely work with you to make payment plans. You can expect to pay on a sliding scale based on your income. Often, private insurance will cover a portion of the cost, but you will need to call your insurer to find out how much coverage you have.

 

When you are undergoing Invisalign treatment, you will wear a new set of aligners every few weeks. Each set is customized to fit your teeth, and they will gradually move them into their desired positions. However, it is important to remember that each time you remove your aligners to eat or drink, you will be exposing them to bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.

 

You will need to be diligent about cleaning your teeth. Your orthodontist may recommend using a special brush or floss to clean out food particles stuck between your teeth. Also, you may be limited on what types of foods you can eat, especially when you first start wearing the aligners. It is best to eat soft foods when you are first putting them on and removing them.

 

During your treatment, you will visit your doctor about twice a month. At each visit, your orthodontist will check the alignment of your teeth, answer any questions you have, and provide you with a new set of aligners. You may not have to return for this appointment for a few months, as your teeth will continue to adjust to their new positions.

 

After you complete your Invisalign treatment, you will need to keep up with the recommended dental hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing each night are both important to maintaining a healthy mouth. Additionally, you should remove the aligners before eating and drinking to avoid stains. Taking care of your teeth will help them work more effectively.

 

Some of the other things to remember when deciding on a treatment are the amount of time it will take to achieve your goals. If you have a complex bite or tooth spacing issue, it might take a little longer for your Invisalign aligners to fully correct your smile. You can get more enlightened on this topic by reading here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodontics.