Invisalign can transform crooked teeth into a smile you love to show off. This invisible treatment corrects a wide range of dental issues, including gaps, overlaps, overcrowding, crossbite, and open bites. Finding an orthodontist near you who offers Invisalign near me is easy, once you know what to look for. Start by knowing the level of complexity of your case and find out if your insurance covers Invisalign.
Why Choose Invisalign?
The dentist you choose will use an x-ray, photographs, and scans of your teeth to create a digital blueprint. This will allow them to design a course of treatment for your specific needs. Typically, this will be a series of clear aligners that shift your teeth into position over time.
You’ll wear each set of trays for about two weeks before switching to the next one in the sequence, and you’ll visit your doctor at regular intervals so they can check on your progress. If they decide you need it, they can also apply SmartForce attachments to help accelerate the movement of your teeth.
You can expect the treatment to take between 12 and 18 months, though this will vary depending on the severity of your dental issues. Your aligners are easy to remove, but you should do so with care. Food can get stuck inside the trays, and they may also discolour or develop an unpleasant odor. To avoid this, you should brush your trays daily, and clean them with warm water or dental cleaner tablets.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Despite their common nickname, not all clear aligners are Invisalign. If you’re shopping around, find a provider who offers a wide range of brands. Look for providers who have extensive portfolios of before-and-after images. Ask them about their process and how they handle patient questions and complaints.
A certified orthodontist will evaluate your smile and help you choose the best course of treatment. They’ll take 3D images of your mouth, then create a series of clear plastic trays. Each one is designed for a different stage in your smile transformation, moving your teeth and jaws gradually over time. After a few weeks, you swap out your current set for the next in the sequence. Some providers also offer SmartForce attachments, which are tiny enamel ridges that stick to your teeth and act as handles for your aligners. They’re useful for treating severe crowding, overbites and underbites, and a host of other dental issues. They’re especially effective for teens and tweens.
Invisalign Clear Braces
Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues. The treatment involves digital scans, a personalized treatment plan and durable custom-made aligner trays made with SmartTrack material. The treatment usually takes less time than traditional metal braces and is more discreet.
Invisalign aligners are easy to remove and you can eat and drink what you want, unlike with metal braces. They also require minimal maintenance, although they can get dingy if you’re not careful about brushing and flossing. Some patients experience discomfort, although it’s less than with metal braces.
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign treatment if they include orthodontic coverage. Additionally, many dentists offer flexible payment plans to fit your budget. You can also use tax-free dollars from your health savings or flexible spending account to help pay for the treatment. Talk to your doctor about these options.
Invisalign Teen
As a discreet orthodontic treatment, Invisalign Teen fits seamlessly into your teen’s life. They can smile confidently at homecoming or prom without worrying about braces getting in the way of their social photos. They can also continue to enjoy their favorite sports and extracurricular activities. The removable aligner trays make it easy for them to brush and floss, while still enjoying their favorite foods.
Most PPO (private) dental insurance plans cover Invisalign, though this is often determined by whether your child’s human resources department has negotiated for it as a benefit, says Dr. Eckhardt. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program may not cover Invisalign, as it is considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary.
With a low rate of failure due to poor compliance, Invisalign Teen is a popular choice among teenagers seeking a more discreet treatment option for straightening their teeth. They can look forward to a straighter smile, improving their self-esteem and confidence while continuing to enjoy a well-balanced diet and taking care of their oral hygiene routine.