As someone who had braces (and a fetching metal expander that gave me a giant lisp) as a tween, and then Invisalign in my 20s and 30s, I’m quite familiar with the process of getting my teeth straightened. A little too familiar, perhaps, but that’s partly because our teeth shift throughout our lives, which is why your dentist is always harping on you about wearing your retainer (more on that later). To answer some of your most pressing questions about Invisalign and teeth straightening in general, I’ve enlisted the help of two top-notch dental experts. Let’s get to it then, shall we?
Meet the Experts
6 Flossing Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making (& What to Do Instead)
How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Both dentists agree that Invisalign is a good option for pretty much anyone who wants their teeth straightened. “It works for many different types of individuals, including those who have overcrowding, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps, crooked teeth or anyone who has had teeth shift after braces,” says Dr. Lee.
“During the initial consultation, your doctor can show you a detailed 3D scan mapping out the treatment process. This will give you an idea of what your smile will look like after completing treatment. Your doctor will also be able to go over more specific details about what can be achieved—from individual tooth movement to how your overall smile will appear—using specific in-face visualization tools,” he adds.
What Results Can I Realistically Expect from Getting Invisalign?
No surprises here: Patient compliance plays a big part of your treatment. “If you wear your clear aligners as instructed and are in the hands of a knowledgeable, detail-oriented orthodontist, you can expect excellent results,” assures Dr. Fraundorf. She does, however, concede that there are some “complex cases that have limitations and may require various alternatives like undergoing a hybrid treatment (i.e., utilizing additional buttons or brackets in addition to your clear aligners or surgical interventions, etc.) but this is determined on a case-by-case basis.”
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The length of your Invisalign treatment can vary widely, as it’s dependent on several criteria, including:
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
This will also depend on several factors that vary from patient to patient. “Your doctor will determine the cost of your treatment based on how complex your case is and how many aligners you need, but in most cases, the cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces,” says Dr. Lee. Other things that will affect the cost of your treatment include the expertise of your doctor (are they a board-certified orthodontist vs. a general dentist) and the geographic region of where you’re getting your treatment done.
For a ballpark figure, Dr. Fraundorf estimates that, on average, Invisalign costs anywhere between $4,000 to $11,000. So yes, it’s quite the investment.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions People Have About Invisalign?
One of the biggest misconceptions about Invisalign is that people think it’s only meant for adults. “Invisalign work for kids and teens as well. In fact, they’re often preferred because they’re less painful than traditional braces and can fix both simple cases and more complex smile issues,” says Dr. Lee.
Another common misconception Dr. Fraundorf hears from patients is that they expect Invisalign to be completely invisible. “There are various components to Invisalign—namely, these little ‘attachments’ that are tooth-colored and adhered onto your teeth in various configurations to assist in specific types of tooth movement,” she explains. “Many of my patients are surprised to see that they have all of these attachments on their teeth during the treatment, so it’s important to openly discuss these things with your provider before you begin.”
What Are the Best Ways to Ensure Your Teeth Stay Straight After Completing Invisalign?
Follow your doctor’s prescribed protocol. “Like all teeth straightening treatments, including traditional braces, once you’re done with your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth straight longterm. Depending on your doctor, you’ll be offered custom-made Vivera™ retainers that are crafted using the same technology as your Invisalign aligners or another retainer brand,” says Dr. Lee.
Dr. Fraundorf adds that you should expect to wear these removable retainers at night for the rest of your life because your teeth continue to move. “For some patients, I prescribe a fixed or bonded retainer (more commonly referred to as a ‘permanent’ retainer), but that’s usually reserved for people who began with excessive lower anterior crowding or a gap between the upper front teeth,” she adds.
Wait, What? Our Teeth Continue to Move?
“It’s true our teeth will continue to shift throughout lifetime,” says Dr. Lee. “Our bodies are constantly changing—whether it’s our hair, our skin or our teeth. They’re constantly exposed to wear and contact to help us function in our daily lives, and when that’s not balanced, our teeth can slowly move and often, they move unevenly. This is why even after orthodontic treatment is complete, you will need a retainer to ‘retain’ the teeth in their newly fixed position as best as possible. It’s no different than going to a gym and working out your body to a physical goal, and then doing the necessary things afterwards to maintain your body in that shape for as long as possible,” he explains.
9 Things Your Dentist Wishes You Would Stop Doing
Local News
Comments / 0