What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign is a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Most people want to improve their smile but think that traditional metal braces are the only option. With Invisalign clear aligners there are no metal brackets or wire to detract from your smile while undergoing treatment. With Invisalign clear aligners, your teeth can be comfortable, beautiful, and precisely aligned in half of the time it would require with traditional braces.
What are Invisalign Clear Aligners Made of? Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are far more comfortable than traditional metal braces. These customized clear aligners are used to straighten your teeth and give you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
How Does Wearing Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you will be able to briefly remove them any time you need to throughout the day.
When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. At first, your aligners will fit tightly because they are designed to move your teeth gently and precisely. After a few days, your teeth will gradually move to a new position. You will notice that your aligners will feel a little loose after some time has passed. Even if they start to feel loose, don’t switch them early. Wear them for the entire two weeks. This gives your teeth and gums time to adjust to the new position. Switching aligners too early will interfere with your treatment plan.
Every six weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. Wazio determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.
How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Feel? One of the best reasons to invest in Invisalign clear aligners is how comfortable they are to wear. You can expect to feel some mild discomfort as your teeth move, however, the pressure you feel will gradually fade over the course of a few days.
Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces; however, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.
At Wazio Orthodontics, we are pleased to be able to accept assignment of insurance benefits, allowing our patients to make financial arrangements with our office on the uninsured (patient) portion of their orthodontic fee. Our Financial and Treatment Coordinators will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have regarding our fees and our financial arrangements.
How Long does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your clear aligner treatment will take. In general, the total treatment time for Invisalign clear aligners can be less than a year.
What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position. If your teeth start to shift, you may need to temporarily wear your Invisalign clear aligners again to reposition them.